Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Reference paragraph three of my telegram K.225. [1] Cochran has
advised his Govern-ment that there is nothing that a Committee of
Good Offices can do in the present circumstances in Indonesia. He
has also expressed fear that if we stay on we may be associated
with dishonourable settlement forced on the Republicans (see
paragraph two and three of my telegram K233 [2]). I am inclined to
agree with Cochran. On the other hand continuation of the
Committee is probably of moral support to the Republic and serves
to focus world attention on the problem. Dutch anxiety to be rid
of us suggests that the Committee is of some value.
2. Cochran still refers to the possibility of financial pressure
direct on Netherlands and is I believe supporting this course.
Possibility may be further developed through moves India is at
present initiating.
3. On December 31st the Committee asked the Netherlands delegation
to advise it by noon on January 1st whether the Government would
now permit the Committee's military observers to return to former
posts in the field with full use of transportation and other
facilities as heretofore enjoyed. Acting Chairman [3] replied that
Netherlands Government had again been asked for instructions which
had not yet been received.