OA

Eenmansfractie Oltmans - Op de barricaden voor de overdracht van Nieuw-Guinea

Between 1956-1962, the Dutch journalist Willem Oltmans became involved in the dispute between the Netherlands and Indonesia concerning West New Guinea. In his opinion, relations between the two countries could be restored only if the Netherlands handed over West New Guinea to the Indonesians. Oltmans tried to draw attention to the issue in several ways, but did not succeed for two reasons. Firstly, in the Netherlands there was no room for an alternative view of the dispute. Secondly, it was unclear how and why Oltmans was involved and, no one seemed to know exactly whom he was supporting. His changeable personality undoubtedly contributed to these uncertainties. Although Oltmans should be appreciated for his efforts to end the conflict, his motivations were vague and his involvement was controversial.