Cablegram 390 NEW DELHI, 24 July 1947, 6.25 p.m.
IMMEDIATE SECRET
INDONESIA
The Government of India has informed me of its approaches to the United Kingdom Government requesting action either for the cessation of hostilities or the submission of the Indonesian question to Arbitration. Failing the achievement of either assume that India will consider bringing the matter before United Nations.
According to Press information here Indonesian Republic is appealing to India, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Australia, and Doctor Sjahrir is about to visit the same four countries.
The Secretary of State for External Affairs [2] has asked me whether Australia has taken any action on behalf of the Indonesian Republic and also what are the Australian views on the Indonesian situation. Please supply information if you wish me to gratify the Indian request.
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1 Addressed to the Minister for External Affairs. In Evatt’s absence from Australia, Chifley was Acting Minister for External Affairs.
2 In fact, the Secretary-General of the External Affairs Department of the Indian Government.
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[AA : A1838/274, 854/10/4, i]