Indonesian, Malaysian Ambassadors Clash Over Policy of 'Confrontation'

Indonesia's ambassador to the United States said last night that his government would continue its policy of "active confrontation" with Malaysia.

And Malaysia's ambassador to the United Nations then told the same forum that his country would continue to ask "active assistance" from Great Britain as long as "the Indonesians persist in their policy of agression, subversion, and outright military intervention."

L.N. Palar, the Indonesian ambassador, said at a debate sponsored by the National Student Association "that the Federation of Malaysia is a manifestation of British neo-colonialism. And we are committed to driving this neo-colonialist power from Southeast Asa."

Nation-State's Rights

Palar was answered by Malaysia's ambassador, R. Ramani, who said that "Great Britain is the source of Malaysian independence and prosperity. I do not call that neo-colonialism. And even if it were, by what right does the Republic of Indonesia interfere with the rights of another nation-state?"

Palar denied that the Federation of Malaysia is a "nation-state." "The United Nations survey team that ascertained the supposed wishes of the people in 1963 was only an instrument of British rule," he said. Sarawak and Sabah, he added, should be given the opportunity to hold a plebiscite by secret ballot.

"We are encircled by British rule," said Palar. "People abroad think that Indonesia is trying to grab North Borneo. But we are supporting freedom movements all over the world. That is why we are supporting guerrillas in North Borneo. That is why we are sending volunteers."

Ambassador Ramani in turn, defended the validity of the U.N. survey. "We are assimilating the diverse races, cultures and religions of our people," he said. "The ascertainment did not produce what the Indonesians wanted, so now they proposed a plebiscite."