HC Deb 27 May 1946 vol 423 cc829-30
70. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the result of the Dutch general election, he will make a statement on the present situation in Indonesia and the possibility of a liberal settlement and the speedy withdrawal of British troops.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. McNeil)

The latest information available to my right hon. Friend on the present situation in Indonesia is that the negotiations between Dr. van Mook and Dr. Sjahrir were resumed on 19th May. Dr. Sjahrir thereafter left for Djocja for discussions with his colleagues and he has, I understand, now returned Batavia. On the subject of the withdrawal of our troops from Indonesia I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin) by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office on 21st May.

Mr. Driberg

Can my hon. Friend say whether the Netherlands Government as at present constituted are going to back up the proposals taken to Java by Dr. van Mook, which represent the minimum degree of independence likely to be acceptable even to moderate Indonesian opinion?

Mr. McNeil

I am sure that my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate any statement on policy by the new Dutch Government.