N.Z. RESPONSE TO MALAYSIA Troops In Borneo And 40 S.A.S. Men

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30667, 5 February 1965, Page 3

N.Z. RESPONSE TO MALAYSIA Troops In Borneo And 40 S.A.S. Men

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, February 4. New Zealand’s response to requests from Malaysia for further military assistance is reported to be two-fold: 1. The Cabinet has decided to permit the rotation of the New Zealand infantry battalion in the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve with British units now in North Borneo. 2. A Special Air Service squadron of 40 men will be flown from Auckland by DC6 aircraft to co-operate with the Australian paratroop commando unit pledged by Australia for the defence of Malaysia.

The decision by Australia and New Zealand for closer command between British Commonwealth forces has been forecast for some time. It means simply that the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve can now operate as a homogeneous military formation.

Previously, before a portion of this force involving a Commonwealth nation could be moved, permission had to be obtained from the Government concerned. This was a time-wasting process which could have been dangerous in a military emergency. Late in 1963, when danger

threatened in Borneo, the New Zealand Government took a contrary view, and other troops were sent Though there is no official military confirmation, it is believed that an S-A.S. unit now at Papakura Military Camp will leave Auckland in mid-February by New Zealand’s sole remaining DC6.