Mr Holyoake Welcomes Ceasefire In Borneo

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30348, 25 January 1964, Page 16

Mr Holyoake Welcomes Ceasefire In Borneo

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, January 24. ‘The report that a ceasefire has been arranged is most encouraging, but it is only a first step, although a major one,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today when commenting on recent developments in the Malaysia dispute. “The New Zealand Government has been most concerned at the situation in the Borneo States of Malaysia, as a result of incursions across the border from Indonesia, and at the possibility of further deterioration,” said the Prime Minister.

"We welcome the reported announcement by the President of Indonesia that Indonesian armed forces on the border of the Borneo States have been ordered to cease fire, and that the guerrilla parties in the Borneo States are being directed to cease operations,” said the Prime Minister.

“The way will be clear for discussions among the countries in the area which are looking towards the reestablishment of better relations.

“Nothing would be more satisfactory to countries such as New Zealand, which are anxious to have friendly relations with all the countries of the area, than to see them resolve their differences and direct their efforts toward economic development rather than military measures,” he said.

“I wish at the same time to pay a deep tribute to Mr Robert Kennedy for the efforts he has made to help compose this very dangerous situation,” said Mr Holyoake. “Mr Kennedy has succeeded after personal discussions in securing a halt in the border incursions and obtaining an agreement of the three countries to come to the conference table and discuss their differences together.”