For Indonesians

Another New Association

AN indication of the spirit of the times, and of new social trends, was seen in Sydney on July 3, when about 200 persons met and formed the Australia- Indonesia Association. About half those present were Indonesian people from the Netherlands Indies; the others were Aus tralians. Some of the latter appeared to know something about the Netherlands Indies; but the motive of the majority in supporting the movement seemed to be merely to express goodwill towards the Indonesian people, “in the spirit of the Atlantic Charter,”

The chairman was Professor Elkin, of the Department of Anthropology, Sydney University. The various speakers ap peared to belong to the Australian Trade Union movement. One man, a Sydney Trades Hall official, assured the Indone sians that Australian trade unionists were solidly behind them, and would see that they were no further exploited.

Not one speaker laid emphasis on the fact that the Netherlands Indies is Dutch Territory, and that it is desirable to cul tivate good relations between Australia and her nearest neighbour, the Dutch Government of the Indies.

People who attended the meeting in the belief that it would represent a new link between the Australians and their Dutch neighbours came away disgusted with the proceedings. A representative of the Dutch Government was present, but he sat at the back, and took no part in the proceedings.