Communist Threat In Asia

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29911, 27 August 1962, Page 10

Communist Threat In Asia

(N Z Preus Association) DUNEDIN, Aug. 26. Malaya and Burma would both be taken over by Communists if Thailand fell, the Thai Foreign Minister (Mr Thanat Khoman) said in Dunedin today. “If we go. they go. Then, it is just a short step to Indonesia.” he said.

Mr Khoman said Thailand occupied a strategic position in South-east Asia It was becoming more a target for Communist subversion and infiltration. “Both the Government and the people are aware of this We are exerting efforts to obviate the threat, not only by military means—which can only be a temporary exoedient —but with long-term measures economically and socially.” he said.

“We are making these efforts on our own. We fee) the responsibility is ours. “But if some friendlynations wish to join us, we will welcome them, the same as we welcomed their help in other ways "

He sa d signs of Commun ism had been detected early "We have laws against their actions, but what is needed is built-in resistance.” said Mr Khoman

“The Communists prefer to use concealed movements If they used force it would be different " Mr Khoman said he had detected an awareness here that New Zealand’s present and future lay with Southeast Asia.

“Your origins are European and your sentimental and racial ties will certainly con’inue with Europe," he said “But politically and economically there is a growing realisation that New Zealand belongs in our region. “In a way this is quite understandable, because people ean detect the difference between a friendly

South-east Asia and a hostile South-east Asia And if the area falls into hostile hands they will begir. to see the difference between the alternatives."

Mr Khoman emphasised that the Royal tour of New Zealand had not been moti vated by a desire to get m >re Colombo Plan assistance He had been told by officials here, however. that New Zealand was interested in projects such as the development of a university and of health services in north-east Thailand.

“We appreciate the spontaneous help that has been given. It is not a matter of quantity or amount We are not setting any price," he said.

Thailand badiy wanted to be able to take this development work on its own shoulders.

“We are not expecting anything." he said “If it comes from friends, we accept it We could get it from other nations who have offered it to us. But we prefer to scrutinise the source."