Background of the West New Guinea (Irian Barat) Dispute

The dispute over West Irian ( West New Guinea ) between the Republic of Indonesia and the Netherlands Kingdom has created an abnormal situation in the relations between the two countries. It is unfortunate that a hitherto economically insignificant territory such as West New Guinea should become an issue between two nations which otherwise could closely co-operate for their mutual benefit, and in promoting and preserving peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.