Mr Holyoake’s Views

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30497, 20 July 1964, Page 1

Mr Holyoake’s Views

f.VZ. PA. -Reuter—Copy rig fit J WASHINGTON, July 19. The New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) told a press conference at the close of the A.N.Z.U.S. Council meeting that renewed Russian pledges of support and military assistance for Indonesia were matters of “very great concern.” “I view this very gravely indeed, as being a factor which could considerably aggravate the situation,” he said.

Mr Holyoake said, however, that he saw no immediate likelihood of any situation developing with regard to Malaysia which could bring the A.N.Z.U.S. Treaty into play.

Under the pact, the partners are pledged to act to meet the common danger in accordance with their constitutional processes if an armed attack occurs upon the territory or forces of one of the members.

The Prime Minister said' “We have an understanding between us as to just what would happen in terms of the treaty ” Answering a question, he jaid this did not mean that the A.N ZUS countries had drawn up military conting-

ency plans in the event that hostilities grew wider in the dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia. He emphasised that the degree of understanding was very close and each country was aware of its obligations Mr Holyoake said the A.N.Z.U.S. council discussions ranged over the entire Southeast Asian area, “where developments and incidents could result in the involvement or the coming into operation of the A.NZ.U.S Treaty.” Summing up his views on South-east Asia, the Prime Minister said: “South Vietnam at the present time is more productive of the possibility of confrontation of the great powers to the extent that it may escalate into fullscale war. “1 think Malaysia is No 2 to that. The problem in Malaysia could escalate.” N.Z. COMMITMENTS He recalled that on a visit to South Vietnam earlier this vear he had told the new Government leader, General Nguyen Khanh, that New Zealand's priorities in giving assistance in the region were based primarily on Malaysia “Our military capacity would be used in (Malaysian) Borneo, as it has been in Malaya, if there were any serious deterioration of the situation.” he stated. New Zealand, the Prime Minister said, alread had a medictl-surgical unit in S ith Vietnam and this year had also agreed to dispatch a non-combatant unit of Army enSneers there. “There are no specific plans

for any further assistance at this time.” he said. “We will watch the situation and make our decisions according to the circumstances from time to time, but there is no present intention of adding to our aid in South Vietnam.” The United States has made its most forthright declaration yet to support Malaysia’s position in the continuing dispute with Indonesia, diplomats said. They said Australia and New Zealand, in the two-day meeting of the A.N.Z.U S Council which ended here yesterdav, persuaded the United States to agree to a final communique which gave a clear warning to Indonesia to refrain from the use of force.

Both Australia and New Zealand have defence commitments to Malaysia, but the United States has refrained from any outright promises of military assistance to the Federation.

The diplomats, although claiming that the American administration had now taken a stronger position in favour of Malaysia, said the United States was still able to exercise a restraining role with regard to the Djakarta Government's avowed aim to crush the Federation.

Head Injuries.— David French, of 144 Aorangi road, suffered head injuries when a car rolled over at the corner of Glandovey and Garreg roads about 5.40 p.m. on Saturday. He was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital.