HC Deb 12 November 1945 vol 415 cc1727-9
12. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he can give any further information about the situation in the Dutch East Indies.

Mr. Noel-Baker

It had been hoped to arrange a meeting, under the Chairmanship of General Christison, between Dr. van Mook and Indonesian leaders including Dr. Soekarno on the 8th November, but before the meeting could take place Dr. Soekarno informed General Christison that he felt it necessary to attend two meetings in the interior and would not therefore be available for discussions before the 15th November. While no serious incidents have been reported elsewhere the military situation remains tense in Sourabaya where reinforcements have continued to arrive. Following upon the issue of a warning by the Allied Commander at Sourabaya on November the 9th, Indonesian strong-points in Sourabaya were dealt with on November the 10th.

Mr. Keeling

Will the right Hon. Gentleman say whether he has noted the expression of disloyalty to our Dutch Allies in Question 5 on the part of one of his supporters?

[5. Mr. SORENSEN.—To ask the Under-Secretary of State for India, if he is aware of the public resentment expressed in India against the employment of Indian troops in Indonesia; what action has been taken in respect of the refusal of Indians to load ships bound for Indonesia; whether recognised leaders of Indian political life have been consulted in the matter; and why Mr. Nehru has been refused a pass.]

Dr. Haden Guest

Will the Minister say whether it is not possible to have consultation with the major Allies—the Soviet Union, the United States and others—with regard to this very serious situation in Sourabaya; and as this attack by sea, land and air is a major action taking place in a war, I would like—

Hon. Members

Speech.

Mr. Noel-Baker

It seems that the most desirable thing is to secure agreement among those on the spot; and His Majesty's Government hope that that may be done, and law and order may be restored with the least possible bloodshed.

Dr. Guest

Why should the odium of these attacks on the Indonesians be laid on our shoulders?

Mr. Noel-Baker

A representative of the Dutch Government has agreed to meet Dr. Soekarno, and I hope that the meeting will very shortly take place.

Mr. Driberg

Will His Majesty's Government in any representations that may be made to the Dutch Government, endeavour to strengthen the hands of Dr. van Mook in his attempts to negotiate with Dr. Soekarno and protect him against repudiation and publicrebuke by the Dutch Foreign Office?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We shall do everything in our power to secure a settlement by general agreement.

Mr. Eden

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will bear in mind that it will not assist a settlement to try to differentiate between representatives of the Dutch Government and the Dutch Government itself.

Mr. Driberg

Protecting van Kleffens, of course—and Standard Oil!