HC Deb 19 January 1949 vol 460 cc150-1
19. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the British representative on the Security Council abstained from voting on the resolution calling on the Netherlands Government to release the Indonesian Ministers from captivity.

Mr. McNeil

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. The United Kingdom representative on the Security Council did not, in fact, abstain from voting for the resolution calling for the release of Republican leaders by the Dutch. He voted for the resolution of 24th December calling for a cease fire, a report from the Committee of Good Offices, and the release of political prisoners by the Dutch. This resolution called on the Dutch inter alia immediately to release the President and other political prisoners arrested since 18th December, and was duly passed by the Security Council.

39. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions he has issued to the British representative in the Security Council regarding his future attitude to the Dutch military action in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the present situation.

Mr. McNeil

I am arranging to make available in the Library a telegraphic summary of Sir A. Cadogan's speech in the Security Council on 14th January, which was made in accordance with the instructions sent to him. As regards the second part of the Question, the present situation is that, on 14th January, the Netherlands delegate on the Security Council outlined a programme for the setting up of an interim government in Indonesia and for holding elections, leading to the transfer of sovereignty to the United States of Indonesia in 1950. According to a recent report from Java, the Council of Indonesian Federalists has appointed a committee to make contact with Republican personalities, to include, amongst others, Messrs. Sukarno, Hatta and Sharir.

Mr. Driberg

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the serious repercussions of this situation throughout Asia, as shown by the Delhi conference which opens tomorrow, and of the danger that a situation may develop in which the Asiatic Powers may seem to be lined up in hostility to the Western European Powers generally? Will His Majesty's Government use their influence with the Dutch to prevent the development of such a situation?

Mr. McNeil

My right hon. Friend is aware of the danger to which my hon. Friend draws our attention, and His Majesty's Government will continue to use their influence to prevent that happening.

Mr. Bramall

Is it not clear that the Dutch have carried out neither of the Security Council's instructions? They have neither withdrawn their troops nor set at liberty the political prisoners. Is it not just as important that the authority of the Security Council should be upheld in Indonesia as in Palestine?

Mr. McNeil

The first part of the question cannot be answered by a simple "Yes" or "No." Regarding the second part, I agree it was not complied with. I would also point out that the representative of the Netherlands Government has already apologised, and agreed that this was dreadful and inexcusable behaviour.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the example of Hyderabad may have influenced the Dutch Government in this matter?

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