Cablegram E14 CANBERRA, 15 January 1949
INDONESIA
New Delhi Radio expresses opinion that forthcoming Conference will not be asked to make decision but only to suggest recommendations to be forwarded to Security Council. Recommendations will presumably be made under article 31 [1] of Charter but purpose of Conference is to reinforce United Nations decisions and not replace them. Conference will seek to impress on Security Council strong feelings of Asian countries on subject of imperialist aggression. Conference agenda in process of preparation. Plenary session to be followed by closed meetings. Nehru has declared no intention of forming Asian bloc as India opposed to all blocs.
Conference was opposed to Imperialism and Colonialism and was intended to strengthen United Nations.
Shanahan, Assistant Secretary External Affairs, Wellington, will represent New Zealand as observer in New Delhi.
Hood has been discussing with United States and Indian Representatives draft resolution for submission to Security Council today. In addition to laying down timetable for elections and transfer of sovereignty resolution would provide for progressive withdrawal of Dutch forces under United Nations supervision. Hood has been told resolution should go further and prescribe terms of settlement including powers and functions to be exercised by elected Assembly. New York Radio states Cuba also expected to submit proposal calling for immediate liberation of Republican leaders and acceptance of principle of self determination for Indonesian people.
_
1 Article 31 of the UN Charter states that ‘[a]ny member of the United Nations which is not a member of the Security Council may participate, without vote, in the discussion of any question brought before the Security Council whenever the latter considers that the interests of that Member are specially affected.
_
[AA : A9420, 7]