Dutch Surrender
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
Over Ng Now
Thought Likely
JUST when, on March 1, it seemed that the Dutch were goingf to surrender to the Indonesians over Western New Guinea, the talks ceased, The Indonesian Government, as a result of much internal strife and discontent, had collapsed, and the Indonesian de legation made a hurried return from The Hague to Jakarta.
On February 3, the Indonesians, who formerly had belligerently de manded the surrender of West New Guinea, asked the Dutch if a joint administration was possible; and when the Dutch showed interest in the idea, a plan was formulated in Jakarta.
Netherlands and Indonesia were to jointly rule Irian (West NG); the “Union” between Netherlands and Indonesia was to be replaced by a “most favoured nation ” status; both would give pledges that neither would use force against the other; and they would exchange consular and diplomatic represen tatives.
It appeared that, by making these concessions, Holland would retain the right of her nationals to hold their property in Indonesia, worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
The loss of that property would lower the standard of life in Holland.
The talks probably will be re sumed when the political crisis in Jakarta is over. Australia, winch wants to preserve the status quo, and keep Indonesians out of New Guinea, does not like the develop ment.