INDONESIA

Press conference was given this morning by Dr. Soemitro and Mr.

Maramis who have arrived in Delhi. Soemitro who predominated
throughout made the following points:

(a) The Republican emergency Government in Sumatra insisted on the
withdrawal of Dutch forces, the release of Republican leaders and
we understand him to say the freedom of administering the
Republican Territory. Statement alleged to have been made by
Republican leaders in variance with this view must not be
recognised as long as they are in prison and while un-ratified by
the emergency Government. While this Government would remain
adamant it was just possible the Dutch would find a body of
Republican puppets to support them.

(b) In answer to questions Soemitro said that the Delhi
conference, if it did not establish a permanent committee to
supervise and report on the progress of measures that the
conference might suggest for Indonesia's assistance, may provide
impetus for establishing regional [1] as envisaged by the United
Nations Charter.

(c) Soemitro understood already that communists and Republican
armed forces were resisting the Dutch in a common front even if
not in unison.

(d) The Republic had certain proposals to make to the conference
regarding steps it could best take to assist them but these would
await the conference itself.