Your telegrams 208 [1] and 209 [2] received. I propose to hand the
message to Dr. Roem, who is acting Premier in Dr. Hatta's absence,
at the conclusion of the ceremony of the transfer of sovereignty
late this afternoon. I shall also release them to the press as
from midnight tonight, Batavia time.

2. As the two messages clearly constitute recognition of Indonesia
and its Government, the matter of timing of the release of the
statement earlier approved by the Minister is now less important.

I had intended to suggest that it be released in Canberra tomorrow
afternoon after President Sukarno has installed himself in the
Palace about midday tomorrow. Please advise [3] urgently whether
the Minister still wishes to release the statement at the time
suggested, or whether he will prefer to regard publication of the
two messages as sufficient evidence that recognition has been
accorded.

3. I understand the United Kingdom Government's act of recognition
will take the form simply of a personal message from Bevin to
Hatta as soon as the ceremony at The Hague is completed.