INDONESIA’S HOSTILITY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30234, 12 September 1963, Page 13

INDONESIA’S HOSTILITY

Reinforcements In Borneo (N ZJ?.A.-Reuter—Copyright) DJAKARTA, September 11. President Soekarno and Indonesian armed service chiefs met today and discussed “preparations to confront Malaysia in x iew of the increasing border incidents.”

“President Soekarno has ordered the armed forces to remain on the highest possible alert. We are now strengthening our Borneo forces,” a spokesman said.

Late last month the joint armed forces staff claimed to have compiled a list of 19 alleged border violations by 'British and Gurkha troops ano air force planes. A spokesman said later: ' The evidence is conclusive—it cannot be denied. - ' In recent weeks, as spasm >dic guerrilla fighting between Gurkha units and North Kalimantan (Borneo) rebels continued in Sarawak, tie armed forces chief of staff. General A. H. Nasut on. has repeatedlv attacked the Malaysia Federation and declared Indonesia’s support for the rebels. It is now an “open secret" in Djakarta military and political circles that Indonesia is giving arms training to Chinese and Indonesian “volunteers” in at least three camps on the Indonesian side of the border. Reliable army sources say the Chinese are recruited in Sarawak and in the West Borneo town of Pontianak, which has a large Chinese population. There are conflicting reports. however, on whether the Indonesian trainees are fledgling recruits or regulars of the Indonesian national army. Tunku Broadcasts Malaya’s Premier. Tunku Abdul Rahman, defended Malaysia in a broadcast speech to the nation today. Malaysia would be progres-

sive and prosperous • and “a bastion of democracy and a bulu’ark against communism in this part of the world,” he said.

“If colonialism divided us into different entities, colonialism too gave us a common bond—the desire for national independence, and for freedom from foreign domination and interference,” he said. "A new nation, anS the smallest in this region. Malaysia intends to co-operate with all friendly nations big or small. We look forward to a future full of promise,” the Tunku said. Governor's Post In a dispatch frem Kuala Lumpur the Associated Press said the Malaysia dispute appeared headed far a showdown that could only heighten racial tensions in the proposed nation. The most explosive issue

was the naming of the new Governor of Sarawak. Sarawak's political cene is dominated by a party almost entirely made uip of Dyaks, a jungle tribe. The State’s < lief Minister, Mr Stephen Nmgkan, a Dyak, has announced his state -will demand Temeniggong Jugan Anak Barieng, a paramount chief, be named Governor. Tunku Abdul Rahman has informed Sarawak that the new Governor would be named by Malaya’s Malay King, and Queen Elizabeth. The Governor would be a Malay. Britain’s Colonial Secretary, Mr Duncan Sandys, held what were described as “hot sessions” yesterday with the Tunku and DeputyPrime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak, on the issue. Britain is understood to be supporting the Temenggong (chief) as Governor. The Dyaks are nominally supporters of the Tunku in Malaysian politics whereas the Malays in Sarawak have joined the far left Sarawak United People’s Party on the opposition benches. Informed sources said the Tunku, who has given wayon many other Malaysia disputes, was determined to stand firm on the issue.