Evening star., 1949-12-15
Soviet Vetoes on lndonesiu

Perhaps never before has the obstructive
and destructive attitude Of Soviet Russia
toward world peace and stability been so
glaringly exposed as by current vetoes OF
resolutions on Indonesia in the United
Nations Security Council. The negative
votes cast by Russia and its obedient satel-
lite, the Ukraine, express mingled rage
and Illustration, coupled with implied
threats to sabotage or upset the Dutch
Indonesian agreement by hook Or crook.
Six weeks ago, the entire nom Communist
world hailed with enthusiasm the success
full outcome of prolonged negotiations be-
tween the Dutch and Indonesian pleni-
potentiaries at The Hague. the Netherlands
capital. They arrived at far-reaching
settlement providing for the future rela-
tions of the two countries on constructive
and mutually profitable basis. The agree
ment has since been ratified by the various
Legislatures, and before the year Is out,
the United States Of Indonesia, federal
republic, sovereign though linked with the
Dutch crown, will take its place on the
roster of the nations.
This statesmanlike settlement is the fruit
not only Of the intelligence and mutual
understanding of Dutch and Indonesians,
but also Of the mediatory efforts of the
United Nations, together with those Of
American diplomacy. 1t certainly was a
feather In the U. N. cap. Accordingly,
the Canadian representative, General
MacNaughton, acting as the, councils
chairman, drafted resolutions congratu-
lating all parties and praising the efforts
of the U. N. Commission for Indonesia.
This met with general approval until
Russia and the Ukraine injected a very
sour note In the proceedings by casting
vetoes condefnning everything that had
been done and proposing counterresolu-
tions that would have jeopardized all that
had been accomplished. s@..
This surly obstructionism had been FORE
cast by the campaign OF criticism carried
on by Communist spokesmen ever since
The Hague agreement. 1t was only too clear
that Moscow was annoyed at having been
baked in its plan to SOW chaotic dissension
In the East Indies, and would not acquiesce
in q settlement OF this vital area This
was sarcastically pointed out in the
Council, especially by the British delegate,
Sir Alexander Cadogan, who remarked
that starting up trouble is the principal,
II not the only concern" Soviet Russia has
in that area. The Red counterresolutions
were of course decisively rejected, while
the vetoes themselves will have no practical
effect.
This being so, why is this latest instance
Of Soviet peevishne& worthy of special
significance? Perhaps even more than
the implied threat to make trouble is its
potentially disillusioning effect upon the
peoples of Asia not yet under Communist
domination. For years, Moscow has stood
forth as the champion of Asiatic rights
against predatory Western imperialism and
capitalism Yet when the two parties get
together, Moscow denounces the arrange
ment with equal acerbity. This can hardly
fail to show genuine nationalist leaders
like Premier Nehfu Of India, who have
tried 30 hard to steer clear of the cold
war" and get along with both sides, that
Moscow is bent on the destruction Of all
they stand for and the imposition OF it,