Battalion’s Use In Line With Established Policy

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 3

Battalion’s Use In Line With Established Policy

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 8.

The Government’s decision to accede to Malaysia’s request for New Zealand forces to be used against infiltrators from Indonesia was fully in accord with the objectives under which the Strategic Reserve was stationed in Malaysia, and with longstanding Government policy, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) told Parliament today.

“Members of this House, from both sides, have expressed their full support for Malaysia and their concern at the threat posed to it by the Indonesian policy which has become generally known as ‘confrontation’,” said Mr Holyoake. “Throughout most of the past year it appeared it was in the Borneo states of Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah, that this expression of our concern for Malaysia's security was of greatest relevance. “Indonesia had stated at

that time that it had no quarrel with the Federation of Malaya, but merely with the inclusion of Sarawak and Sabah along with Singapore in Malaysia. “It was in these states, therefore, that confrontation was first evident, in the form of armed attacks, in which the direct involvement of the Indonesian armed forces became more and more evident. “Until the formation of Malaysia, Britain had the primary responsibility for

coping with that threat. Thereafter, it rested on Malaysia, with continued British assistance.

“I stated on several occasions that if there were a further serious deterioration in the security situation as a result of Indonesian armed activity, the New Zealand battalion would be available for operations. “This, however, did not prove necessary because Indonesian confrontation has so far failed to achieve any real success in Borneo.” “The situation in the area has, however, recently become more serious as a result of the Indonesian decision to expand its activities to Malaya and Singapore. After several months marked by acts of sabotage and subversion, this expanded confrontation has now taken the form of armed attack. Mr Holyoake said the responsibility for dealing with infiltrators rested primarily with the Malaysian Government. “But I am sure I reflect the feeling of this House and the country when I say that if assistance is needed, then New Zealand is ready to give it.”