ABOLITION OF SEATO

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27987, 6 June 1956, Page 8

ABOLITION OF SEATO

Call By Indonesian

President

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) NIAGARA FALLS (Ontario). June 4. President Soekarno of Indonesia said today that abolition of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation or any other such pacts would be a contribution to peaceful relations throughout th? world.

The Indonesian leader made the statement in an interview with ■ the United Press just before leaving for Ottawa for a five-day State visit. In response to a question, the President said he did not think that the Communist Party in Indonesia would have any unduly great influence on the Government there.

He reiterated his desire for a peaceful settlement of the West Irian (Dutch New Guinea) question. He declined to answer directly when asked whether Indonesia might, as a last resort. attempt the use of force to solve the West Irian dispute.

When asked whether he believed dissolving the South-east Asia Treaty Organisation would decrease tension in that region, the President replied: “In our view no military alliance makes a contribution to the easing of tension, and the expansion of any such alliance would increase rather than decrease the chances for relieving the tension.”