Slow Progress Of Dutch In Restoring Nei

Handicapped by Lack of Goods and Apathy of Allies

FROM the scanty information avail able it is hard to get a clear picture of the state of affairs in Indonesia at the present time.

It can be said that the Dutch, as far as possible, are trying to get on with the work of rehabilitation but they are greatly handicapped by the difficulty of obtaining consumer goods of any sort, and by the fact that the “Indonesian question” remains unsettled.

During the occupation years the Netherlands Indies were completely cleared of even the most 'elementary domestic chattels, and Australia, which is the obvious source of supply of goods and food necessary for rehabilitation has her foreign policy dictated by Com munist wharf labourers, who have con sistently refused to work Dutch supply ships. ‘ This policy is designed by the Communists to aid the Indonesians in their fight against the Dutch.

The Malino Conference which was attended by representatives of all Indo nesian territories (with the exception of Java and Sumatra) some weeks ago pledged support to the Dutch plan for an ultimate “Union of Indonesia”—and is regarded in neutral countries as the most encouraging event in the East Indies for some time.

A further conference will be held in Pangkal Pinang, on the island of Banka, on September 24, to carry Malino pro posals for political reforms one step fur ther. It is hoped that the Commission General for the NEI, which was recently set up in Holland, will arrive in time to attend it.

Little by little, as Dutch ships and Dutch troops arrive, the Europeans are resuming control of the Territory; but large areas of Java and Sumatra are still held by the Indonesians.

MEANTIME, the Governor General of NEI, Dr. van Mook, has reiterated the Dutch pledge to the Indo nesians— building up for full self-govern ment within the framework of the

Netherlands. • On the anniversary of the capitulation of Japan he said that the liberty so eagerly sought by the Indonesians can be realised best in peaceful co-operation with the Dutch who were eager to join hands with the Indonesians in order to restore law and order. Together they would purify the Indies of the Japanese influence which had left a legacy of mis trust and racial hatred, which was the greatest stumbling block to the Indo nesian desire for a national existence.

Dr. van Mook said that the Govern ment had accepted Republican Sjahrir’s proposal for a truce but could and would not accede to his stipulation that the Dutch bring no more troops into the Indies. The British troops were steadily moving out and would be completely replaced by Dutchmen by the end of the year. These troops were, however, not there for the purpose of oppression, but in order to enforce law and order.

IT is expected that negotiations be tween the Dutch and the leaders of the Indonesian “Republic” will recom mence shortly; but the Dutch have re affirmed their intention to stand pat on the policy which they have already de clared. Therefore, any concessions will presumably have to be made by Sjahrir’s men.

It was expected that another “neutral observer” would land in Batavia at the end of August. This is Lord Killearn, of the United Kingdom. He may preside over a meeting between van Mook and Sjahrir.

An announcement on September 3 that a French liner had been fired upon by an Indonesian battery, from the shore of Sumatra, gives an indication of the real state of affairs in the Indies.

Leone Batigai acted as a member of the Fiji Servicemen’s After-care Fund Committee during the absence from the Colony of Ratu Edward Cakobau.