At San Francisco last spring, Netherlands Foreign Minister Eelco van Kleffens chided the big powers for preferring "to rely on their own strength rather than upon world government." In Java last week the little power acted precisely like a big power.
Acting Governor' General Hubertus J. van Mook brushed aside an Indonesian suggestion that the quarrel in Java be settled by the United Nations Organization. Governor Van Mook preferred "direct discussions" between The Netherlands and her rebellious colonials. He also put his trust in growing Anglo-Dutch strength.
The British brought to Batavia advance elements of their 6th Airborne Division (the "Red Devils" of Arnhem). The Dutch announced that 27 Netherlands battalions were on the way.