Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made regarding the position of British-owned estates in Indonesia since the Indonesian Government announced on 1st April, 1967, that the estates would be returned to their owners, subject to certain conditions, and that otherwise compensation would be paid; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersA number of the British companies have sent representatives to Indonesia to examine the condition of their properties. Dr. Pamungkas, the senior official of the Indonesian Government concerned with the return of foreign enterprises, has just visited London for discussion of some of the problems with the British companies concerned. The Indonesian Government remain anxious that as many British companies as possible should return to resume 383W control of their enterprises. However the decision to do so must rest with the companies themselves since varying circumstances require individual negotiation with the Indonesian Government.