Too Soon For Five-Power Talks On S.-E. Asian Defence

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31596, 6 February 1968, Page 1

Too Soon For Five-Power Talks On S.-E. Asian Defence

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 5.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today reiterated the Government’s willingness to attend a five-power conference of the nations concerned with Britain’s withdrawal from South-East Asia at “the appropriate time.”

Mr Holyoake emphasised, however, that it would take “some months” for the countries concerned to bring their studies of the situation to the point where a conference would be useful

Mr Holyoake also said that the conference, first proposed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia (Tunku Abdul Rahman) would be discussed next week-end when the Australian Minister of External Affairs (Mr Paul Hasluck)

holds talks with the New Zealand Government. Mr Holyoake said he envisaged the. five-power conference would be held at “Ministerial level.” “We are in very close consultation with the other interested Governments—Britain, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore—by cable, letter and through diplomatic channels,” he said. ‘Grave Situation* Commenting later on the call today by the Tunku for the five-power conference to be held as soon as possible because of the grave situation in Vietnam, Mr Holyoake said

instability in one part of South-East Asia affected the security of the whole region. Mr Holyoake said: “The Tunku’s reported comments support our view that the outcome of the Vietnam war has vital implications for the security of every independent country In South-East Asia. “The Tunku also obviously thinks as we do that defence problems presented by British plans for withdrawal must be approached with full regard for the regional situation as a whole,” he said. Tunku’s Plea Until the Viet Cong began their latest offensive the Tunku had said there was no rush for the conference. However, speaking to newspaper men in the northern Malaysian city of Alor Star yesterday, he said that because of the events of the past week in Vietnam the talks should be held “without further delay.” He said he would discuss the proposed conference with Mr Hasluck when he arrived in Kuala Lumpur. If Mr Hasluck was agreeable. the Tunku added, he would immediately invite Singapore, New Zealand and Britain to Kuala Lumpur or any other city selected for the conference “as soon as possible.” War Expansion Asked to comment on the Viet Cong offensive, the

Tunku said: "The war has expanded because the Communists received inside help from the Vietnamese people, especially in South Vietnam.” Mr Holyoake said tonight he thought it a little early to say just when formal five-power discussions might be convened.

Mr Holyoake said the talks with Mr Hasluck next week would be mainly concerned with the situation in SouthEast Asia and the British withdrawal. Just Returned

Mr Holyoake said that Mr Hasluck would have just returned from South-East Asia and the New Zealand Minister of Defence (Mr Thomson) would be about to undertake a similar visit Mr Hasluck will arrive in Wellington next Sunday evening. On Monday he will have talks with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and on Tuesday there will be meetings with Mr Thomson, other members of the Defence Council, and Department of External Affairs officers. Mr Hasluck will leave for Australia at 8 a.m. on the Wednesday.