The Press SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1966. Confrontation To End—But Not Yet

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31077, 4 June 1966, Page 16

The Press SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1966. Confrontation To End— But Not Yet

It is disappointing that the Bangkok talks did not produce an agreement to end confrontation immediately; but the progress made towards ending this undeclared war of three years’ duration was still substantial. Apparently the status of Malaysia’s Borneo territories remains the major question to be solved. If Indonesia withdraws its demand for plebiscites in these territories it will be seen to have lost face; and if Malaysia agrees to plebiscites being held it will be seen as an admission that Malaysia should have agreed years ago to this course of action. Indonesia is, apparently, reconciled to the fact that these territories remain part of the Malaysian Federation and that military action will not alter this situation. A new willingness to accept unpalatable truths is the real advance represented by the Bangkok talks.

Final settlement of the points at issue between the two Governments may take months, even years; but the post-Sukamo regime’s determination to bury the hatchet and divert the nation’s resources into more productive channels need no longer be doubted. Indonesia’s motive in seeking an end to confrontation was economic. The huge drain on the country’s resources imposed by this undeclared war has impoverished Indonesia, produced galloping inflation, and drained away the country’s reserves of overseas exchange. Massive foreign aid, loans, and technical help will be needed to stimulate the recovery of the economy. Both in the Communist and capitalist camps, more than one government has bitter memories of Indonesian investments expropriated or misappropriated; it will be many years before the foreigner’s mistrust is overcome.

The ending of confrontation, when that is finally achieved, may increase rather than reduce New Zealand’s obligations in Malaya, as the New Zealand White Paper pointed out last week. As British troops are withdrawn from the area thev are to be replaced by other Commonwealth troops. The British may not be able to reduce their commitments in Malavsia as soon after the ending of confrontation as the British had hoped. Indonesia, as well as Singaoore and Malaysia, may now feel the need of a British bulwark against Chinese expansion. Eventually, an increase in our military commitment is likely: immediately, a gesture of goodwill—such as an offer of aid for education and trade—would be opportune.