INDONESIA

Your telegram No. 99. [1]

I agree with the general analysis telegram. However, Nehru said to
me yesterday that he regarded the Dutch reply [2] as indirect
contradiction with the Security Council decision. [3] I think
therefore that our representative [4] in New York should act with
great care and restraint. We do not want mere forms to stand in
the way of a lasting settlement if that settlement is in general
accord with the Security Council principles. Such a settlement may
still be possible unless the Dutch are playing a deliberately
tricky game.

2. It should be emphasised that any talks whatever must take place
within the framework of the Security Council's Commission and
under its direct supervision. From the United Nations point of
view this is absolutely essential. It is equally essential that
Cochran should not in any way attempt to act without the authority
of his two colleagues.

3. The actual location of the meeting of the Commission is not in
itself of supreme importance. I think New York is the best place
but as between The Hague and Batavia, The Hague might be
preferable having regard to the proved anti-Indonesian bias of the
Dutch political representatives at Batavia. I would be quite
prepared to let the Dutch save their face a little if they would
comply with the substance of the decision remembering always that
sanctions as I have always pointed out would be impracticable in
operation.

4. It is not a question therefore of accepting the Dutch counter
proposal under protest but of a decision of the Security Council
or its Commission to meet in the first instance at a suitable
place to carry out the principles of the Security Council's
decision and under the direct auspices of the Commission of Three.

The handling of the situation has got to be very skilful because I
do not want open opposition from India while at the same time we
do earnestly desire a United Nations success in the interests of
our general policy.