You will appreciate that Kirby's position is, as Commissioner, not
subject to instructions. We have, however, been in the closest
personal touch, as he, on occasions, seeks advice. The time has
arrived when the utmost pressure must be put on the Dutch if
'cease fire' negotiations and discussions on the substance of the
dispute are to succeed. For many weeks now, Dutch have stalled,
while the Indonesians have co-operated to the full, and this may
not be unrelated to the fact that there will be some doubt
regarding the Australian position after the end of the year when
we are off the Security Council.

2. Kirby urges that, through you, and also through the United
States and United Kingdom Governments, The Hague authorities be
persuaded to take a greater and more direct interest in these
negotiations. He is convinced that no satisfactory agreement can
be negotiated if The Hague make Van Mook and Spoor their
responsible representatives, both men being far too deeply
involved in the origins of the dispute. [1] While there should be
full agreement by all Dutch authorities to any settlement so that
there will be full support in carrying through its terms, on the
other hand, men like these two mentioned have no contribution to
make that cannot be made by others equally experienced. They are
likely to prejudice success by reason of the fact that they are,
in effect, personally and directly related to the events which led
up to the dispute. It may be possible for you in general terms to
suggest that long-term Dutch interests might be best promoted by
taking the logical step of removing from position of power those
representatives who have their own actions and position to
justify.

3. The Hague authorities should know, too, that it was our
intention in taking the matter to the Security Council to have an
effective and quick settlement. As yet, there has been no
agreement on 'cease fire' despite clear decisions of the Security
Council, but, on the contrary, Dutch authorities have continued to
pursue mopping up operations and the use of food and other
resources for the purpose of getting a greater area and greater
numbers under their control. On the question of substance, there
has been almost no progress or even attempt to reach agreement.

Our understanding is that local relations with the Committee and
with Kirby are very good, but these local circumstances would not
prevent us from insisting that a too great period has lapsed
with[out] effective action, and that the matter should be referred
back to the Security Council so that we can attempt to obtain
binding decisions before the expiration of our term on the
Security Council.

4. A firm and frank talk with Dutch authorities is at this stage
indicated but in no way should Kirby's independent position be
prejudiced. His reports have in general been critical of the
Dutch, but his present good relations with Van Vredenburch should
not be compromised.