The Press MONDAY, MAY 21, 1962. New Zealand And S.E.A.T.O.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29827, 21 May 1962, Page 10

The Press MONDAY, MAY 21, 1962. New Zealand And S.E.A.T.O.

The New Zealand public must have been impressed in the last two weeks by the reminder that we have treaty obligations in Southeast Asia and that we should have the forces in readiness to meet our obligations. First, the American Secretary of State (Mr Dean Rusk) said New Zealand should give help to South Vietnam through instructors for both military and civil requirements. Then, when the Communist rebels in Laos advanced to the border, it was suggested that all South-east Asia Treaty Organisation countries should be represented in a force to ensure the integrity of Thailand, the Americans clearly wishing to have the defence under as many flags as possible. Though all the S.E.A.T.O. nations • except France intimated that they would send at least token forces, they all waited for an invitation from the Thai Government. Ultimately, the invitation was not given, because the easing of pressure in Laos relieved the Thai Goverment of its w&rst anxieties. Until the situation is stabilised, a call for help maf still be made

by Thailand. However, it seems that the swift American military reaction led the dissidents in Laos to think that an early resumption of diplomatic discussions might not be a bad idea. Fortunately, the Americans had strength in the area that could be deployed quickly: but at another time others might be called in to provide the deterrent The trouble in Laos has also drawn attention to the inability of New Zealand to send its battalion from Malaya if a contribution had been needed for the defence of Thailand That is because Malaya is not a member of 5.E.A.T.0., and there is an arrangement' that Commonwealth forces i stationed in Malaya— i British, Australian, and■ New Zealand—will not be drawn upon for S.E.AT.O. This arrangement may have to be revised at some time; but in the meantime it is apparently expedient to let it continue. While it does. New Zealand’s defence commitments are increased by the obligation to have troops available for S.E.A.T.O. as well as for the Commonwealth strategic reserve in Malaya, i