Tunku Suggests Pact With N.Z.

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31501, 16 October 1967, Page 13

Tunku Suggests Pact With N.Z.

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) KUALA LUMPUR, October 15. Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, yesterday suggested a pact with New Zealand and Australia to meet the effects of the British military pull-out from east of Suez in the mid-19705.

The Tunku thanked New Zealand and Australia for aid already promised after the British leave.

“But, I bellve such aid is not enough. There should be a pact for a more definite understanding, particularly after the British pull-out, so that they know what we really want for our defence,” the Tunku said.

He was speaking to about 2000 delegates attending the annual meeting of his United Malays’ National Organisation, a partner in the Government.

The Tunku also said that he did not anticipate an attack on Malaysia by China because she did not have adequate warships or planes. An attack by land was possible, but difficult, for China would first have to face Thailand and her allies.

Referring to the British withdrawal, he said Britain would still assist Malaysia against outside attack. But if Malaysia could not defend herself with such help, then it would be better to surrender to avoid devastation of life and property.

“My earlier statement that we would surrender the country to China had been misunderstood,” he said.

“I mentioned China only as an example of a mighty enemy force. “But this should not be taken to mean that I have every intention of surrendering to China or other foreign powers.”