MALAYSIA TALKS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30153, 10 June 1963, Page 11

MALAYSIA TALKS

High Hopes Of Success

(N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) MANILA, June 8. Hopes of a compromise among Indonesia, Malaya and the Philippines in their differences over the proposed Malaysia Federation were high following an informal exchange of views today between the three countries* Foreign Ministers.

Observers said that, while Malaya appeared tn be standing firm on the Auguet 31 deadline for Launching the federation of Mateye. Singapore. Brunei, Sarawak and North Borneo, there are indications that she is making an all-out effort tn reach a compromise with Indonesia and the Philippines. Philippines officiate were particularly happy with the progress of the talks because, they said, the important thing was to bring Indonesia and Malaya to the conference table and clear the tension in South-east Asia. “Good Suggestion" The Malayan Prime Minister. Tanku Abdul Rahman, ■today described President Macapagal’s call for a Malay confederation a “good suggestion.”

“This is the aim of all Malay races within the territories concerned; but it must be taken with great care and caution as there are so many obstacles and dangers on the way.” The Philippines Foreign Secretary, Mr Pelaez, had proposed a Confederation

comprising Indonesia. Malaya, the Philippines, Singapore, and the British Borneo Territories. It would "stand as a powerful bastion against aggression from any quarter and ensure that ours would remain a region of peace and security.”

Mr Pelaez said the confederation would have a population of 150,000,000 in one of the richest and most strategic regions of the world. It would provide the answer to the security needs of each member country, including Singapore.