Malaysia Dispute Losing Intensity

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30288, 14 November 1963, Page 17

Malaysia Dispute Losing Intensity

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) BANGKOK, November 13. The Indonesian Defence Minister, General Nasution, said today that the tension between Malaysia and Indonesia was “moderating.”

The best way to settle the dispute between Malaysia and her two neighbours, Indonesia and the Philip-] pines, was through “consul- ] tations by Heads of State as' underlined in the Manila | Agreement,” he said. The differences among the! three countries could be | solved through Maphilindo, a j proposed loose confederation I of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

"If all parties were to stick to the letter of the Manila Declaration and the spirit of Maphilindo with no intervention from outside, I think we will be able to solve our problems," he said. When asked about the situation along the borders of North Borneo where several incidents were reported between British forces and Indonesian-based guerrillas. General Nasution said:

“The situation is about the same as one month ago. There is no important change there at this moment.” Referring to his proposed visit to Moscow. General Nasution said he would request the Soviet Union to ■’make new additions to the old agreements,” so that the Indonesian armed forces could be strengthened. Asked whether Indonesia’s request for more arms stemmed from its dispute with Malaysia, the general said: "The situation is accelerating our efforts.”