222 Department of External Affairs to Officer  Cablegram 71
CANBERRA, 12 August 1948, 2.20 p.m.   Usman, who, as you know,
has been in Australia representing Indonesian interests with the
full knowledge and consent of the Dutch, has issued invitations
to a party as Representative of the Republic. Up to date he has
been received in Canberra without any question being raised as
to status. He considers he has to reciprocate, and has invited
all the diplomatic community to his party next Tuesday. Teppema
has taken exception, and is endeavouring to persuade members of
the diplomatic community not to attend. Already the press are
watching developments.  Embarrassment is being caused to
everyone concerned, whereas, if Teppema treated it as a matter
of course and himself attended, it would pass off without notice
and without implication. Please explain background to the
appropriate authority and endeavour to have an appropriate
instruction sent to Teppema. There is no sinister motive behind
the party and the only har