United States Delegation in Paris supported by Australia on 19th
December sought a meeting of the Security Council for 20th. Soviet
representative was not present and Molotov had telegraphed
pointing out that when the last meeting was held in Paris last
week arrangements had been made for three days' notice of any
meeting of the Security Council. The United States strongly
resisted this but it was resolved to meet on the 22nd December. In
the meantime, the Committee of Good Offices has been asked for the
latest information and the Dutch have been requested to arrange
for the Committee of Good Offices to reunite. Both the Dutch and
Indonesians are asked to supply all information to the Council by
the morning of the 22nd December.

2. The United States have already drafted a resolution which is a
strong condemnation of Dutch action and provides for-
(a) an immediate cease-fire.

(b) withdrawal of Dutch troops behind former lines.

(c) resumption of work of Committee of Good Offices.

It now appears that in discussions in recent weeks the United
States virtually threatened the Dutch with withdrawal [of] E.R.P.

Aid if they attempted military action.

3. Attlee and Bevin discussed the matter here this morning and the
United Kingdom favours a resolution with similar provisions to
those of American resolution, though they were not aware of that
reported above until we informed them.

4. Bevin is angry and anxious for immediate action but is doubtful
whether sanctions under Article 41 are appropriate at this stage.

5. Your messages [1] both delivered to Hodgson who is in Paris.

Shann has returned Paris to assist him.

6. Mr. Beasley has been active on the matter yesterday and today
and has just returned from seeing McNeil.