BRUNEI REBELS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30043, 30 January 1963, Page 14

BRUNEI REBELS

Leader Defects To Hong Kong (N.Z J*.A.-Reuter—Copyright) MANILA. January Ml The Philippine Foreign Oflfce had no knowledge that the Brunei rebel, Zeini Hadji Ahmad, had slipped out of Manila last night to Mk for protective custody in Hong Kong, according to informed Government sources in Manila today. The sources Mid they had not known that Zeini waa leaving the Philippine*, contrary to the British Embassy statement today that it was with the fun knowledge of the Philippine Government The source said: “We are still checking with our immigration office to find out how Zaini got clearance to leave the country,” Zaini’s passport, together with that of the Brunei revolutionary leader. Sheik A. M. Azshari, was cancelled by the British Government shortly after the revolution in Brunei broke out last month. Since then the two rebels had been staying in the Philippine* without the benefit of passports or visas. Zaini left Manila by a Caithay Pacific Airways plane on Sunday night under an assumed name. British sources in Manila said later that Zaini had been negotiating with the British Embassy for a little more than a week to request for safe conduct to Hong Kong, where he would *eek protective custody. A British Bnbassy spokesman said today: “We granted his request and arranged for him to fly to Hong Kong with the full knowledge of the Philippines authorities.” Philippine immigration authorities said later they issued the clearance to Zaini, but, it appeared, without informing the Foreign Office.

Sheikh Azahari, interviewed by reporter* in Manila this afternoon, said Zaini’s defection would not affect the cause of the Brunei revolution. “The revolution continues and no plane will be changed. In a revolution many leaders can leave but the revolution does not consist of one man or two or even a hundred—it consists of a whole people and the defection of one man cannot change its course," he said.