Yes, indeed Peter, there was no intensive press publication worldwide during that time. I think no one was concerning the sale of a forgotten land.
The Dutch government was acting to “sell” the Dutch-Nieuw-Guinea country to the Indonesian government and even that - was a silent execution.... (the handover occurs via the United Nations)
But after all, there were plenty publications worldwide about the infiltrations, accidents and movements.
For the crews a nasty happening - because the newspapers arriving at least a week after publishing in this Papua country.
And the watch of the pilot of the C47 became to me (war-booty) still running after 50 years and a long time in the seawater - I give it to the Naval-Airforce-Museum in Den Helder.
http://www.traditiekamermld.nl/oorlogsbuit.htm (story in the Dutch languish)
Regards Rein Lub