59 Critchley to Department of External Affairs  Cablegram K63
BATAVIA, 12 February 1948, 6.10 p.m.   Your telegram 29 [1] and
my telegram K58. [2]  The following is military position on
February 11th.  2. In Sumatra, the implementation of the Truce
Agreement was influenced by (a) The distances and [p]aucity of
the Republican communications, road, rail, air and signals.  (b)
The fact that the Dutch Commanders at Medan, Padang and
Palembang with the co-operation of the Military Observers
exercised a considerable degree of initiative in interpreting
the spirit of the truce.  The direct result of (a) was delay in
establishing original contacts between the Dutch and Republican
Officers with the consequent growth of anxiety as to whether the
truce would be implemented.  However (b) above with pressure by
the Military Observers brought satisfactory result. In every
case where contact was established both parties co-operated
fully. Because of (a) above the greater strain fell upon the
Republican Representatives. All