No Sign Of Lessened Indonesian Threat

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31031, 11 April 1966, Page 1

No Sign Of Lessened Indonesian Threat

t.Veic Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 10. There were no indications that Indonesia’s policy of confrontation towards Malaysia was in any way abating, the Minister of Defence (Mr Eyre) said in Wellington tonight.

It would be imprudent to assume that confrontation would lessen in the immediate future, he said on his return from a three-week tour of Malaysia, South V ietnam and Thailand.

“Everyone hopes that the reshuffle of the Government in Indonesia will eventually mean the end of tension between Indonesia and Malaysia,” he said.

“But it would be unwise to lessen our forces in that area till Indonesia proves by action that she intends to cease her hostility.”

Mr Eyre said the military effort against the Viet Cong in South Vietnam was making progress. The present civil unrest was not hindering the American effort in any way. South Vietnamese Government leaders welcomed New Zealand’s decision to increase its military and civil aid to their country.

"They would naturally welcome an even greater contribution from New Zealand, but they appreciate the pro-

blems associated with our small size,” Mr Eyre said. [ He said the present unrest had prevented him from meeting the South Vietnamese Prime Minister, Air Vice Marshall Ky. He had seen no evidence of the present unrest because of the curfew that had been imposed. Timing Of Elections I All the South Vietnamese leaders were interested in obtaining a democratically elected government as soon as possible. “But it is all a matter of timing,” he said. “It is not possible at this stage to say whether they can be held in two months or a year.” It was important to realise that South Vietnam could not be judged by New Zealand standards. The Government did not control the whole country. The country’s leaders were [concerned about the present unrest and the bad image it was giving to the world. “We must realise that Viet-

nam is a new country with a history of splinter groups,” Mr Eyre said. “South Vietnam has 67 small political groups. All these factions know what they do not want—the Viet Cong, but it is not clear what they want.” Problem Element The large Buddhist element in the country was a problem because it got impatient with [any government that did not perform miracles within three months. “The present unrest is that of adolescent nationhood,” he said. “It is deplorable that these factions cannot obtain unity to help the struggle against the Viet Cong.” A large conference of factions would be held on Tuesday which might produce the compromise the present government was willing to obtain.

“There does not seem to be any immediate alternative to the present government,” Mr Eyre said.

“Any government in South Vietnam would have to contain a military element as the military were the only people capable of pursuing the war.” The predicament in Da Nang was caused to some ex-tent-by jealousy between the the north of South Vietnam and the south. The north had never really accepted the central government. In talks with political and military leaders in all the countries he had visited, he had found a greater awareness of the growing threat of Chinese Imperialism. Morale High The morale of all the New Zealand troops he had seen was extremely high, even though each service was working under hard conditions. The New Zealand soldier adapted quickly and easily to the conditions of jungle warfare. The New Zealand gunners in South Vietnam had a marvellous reputation for accuracy. The flying hours of the Canberra aircraft in Malaysia were the highest of any unit in the area. He had visited the New Zealand engineers in North-east Thailand who were just starting work on a new 150-mile road. Roads were extremely important to the economic welfare of Thailand. Asked about his talks with S.E.A.T.O. officials in Bangkok, Mr Eyre said the machinery of S.E.A.T.O. was working better than ever before. The New Zealand Government had no desire to see France leave the alliance.

Fell Off Scooter.—Abrasions to the head, leg and arms were suffered by Alister Salt, of 35 Golf Links road, when he fell off a motor-scooter at the corner of Banks avenue and Mcßratneys road about 12.40 p.m. on Saturday. He was treated at the Christchurch Hospital.