Though there was agreement between Australia and the Netherlands by 1957 that it would be preferable for their territories to unite for independence, the lack of development in the Australian territories and the interests of the United States kept the two regions separate.
Meski sudah ada perjanjian antara Australia dan Belanda tahun 1957 bahwa teritori milik mereka lebih baik bersatu dan merdeka, ketiadaan pembangunan di teritori Australia dan kepentingan Amerika Serikat membuat dua wilayah ini berpisah.