§ 50. Mr. Bramallasked the Prime Minister what diplomatic or other contacts will be initiated with the Indonesian Republic now that the agreement between the Indonesian Republic and the Netherlands has been signed.
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government have learned with satisfaction of the signature by Dutch and Indonesian representatives at Batavia on 25th March of the Linggadjati Agreement. It will be recalled that this agreement provides for certain constitutional changes in the Netherlands East Indies; in particular the de facto recognition of the Republic of Indonesia in Java, Madura and Sumatra, to be followed by the creation of a United States of Indonesia and eventually of a Netherlands-Indonesian Union, based on free association and collaboration between the Dutch and Indonesians in all fields. It is to be hoped that the agreement now reached will pave the way for a new era of peace and prosperity which will benefit not only Indonesia but the world in general. As to our relations with the Indonesian Republic, His Majesty's Government will extend to the Indonesian Republic the de facto recognition accorded by the Netherlands under Article I of the Agreement. Our contact with the Republic will, for the present, be maintained through His Majesty's Consul-General at Batavia.
§ Mr. W. FletcherWill the Prime Minister consider the suggestion of attaching, as soon as possible, specialist officers with knowledge of the economic situation to the Consul-General and the Minister, in order that the flow of goods to and from Sumatra and Java might be got going again as quickly as possible, because there is a great lack of them at the present moment, and I know from personal experience that officers of that sort would be most welcome?
§ The Prime MinisterI should be very glad to consider the hon. Member's suggestion. I hope we all recognise the economic importance of these countries.