With reference to your letter of 26th October, 1947, I wish to inform you that the release in New Zealand of the film "Indonesia Calling," which presents a very tenditious viewpoint on a complex and delicate question, is considered unjustifiable on the grounds that it is likely to cause ill-feeling between this country and a friendly nation.

Moreover, the film constitutes an advocacy of the undemocratic principle that minority groups may arrogate to themselves the right to conduct the foreign relations of a nation, whereas these can only be the responsibility of the Government comprising elected representatives of the people.

Publicity encouraging support of this anarchic principle cannot be acquiesced in, for to do so would be to permit a gross abuse of the freedom of expression which is vital to our system of democracy.

For these reasons it is not intended to permit the release of the film for public exhibition.