National Intelligence Bulletin
September5
PORTUGUESE TIMOR
Ie strong oressure from his militaryapparently
plans to follow the diplomatic option to the and before authorising unilateral military action.
Portuguese snec.al envoy Almeida Santos It still trying to pieceultinational peacekeeping effort for Timor. Thus far, only Malaysia and Indonesia have responded positively, while Australia remains noncommittal. Santos is also trying to arrange talks between the feuding Timorese factions.
Leaders of the radical Fretilin party, which now controls Dili and much o' the interior, have publicly agreed to meet Santos, who is now on Atauro Island, the headquarters for the Portuguese governor of Timor. Fretilin may demand that Lisbon recognize its decontrol of Portuguese Timor and publicly designate its representatives the leadersew Timorese government.
The Democratic Union parly, which staged the coup onut subsequently lost control to the radical, has not yet responded to Santos' invitation. The pro Indonesian Apodeti party, the smallest and least effective political faction, apparently was not invited. Indonesian officials have publicly objec'ed to any talks on Timor's future that do not inc'ude all three parties.
A major Portuguese concern in resoMng the Timor problem is the safety of several doicn Portuguese citlwns. mostly soldiers, still in Timor. Once their safety is assured. Santos may feel hereer hand toettlement. Fretilin has promised to release someortuguese soldiers onnd five others have escaped to Indonesian Timor. Several other Portuguese nationals apparently ans unaccounted for.
Military preparations for an Indonrslan Invasion are virtually complete, Suharto has apparently assured his military advisers that he will authorise unilateral action if and when he feds it necessary to protect Inctonesien interests. At piesent, Indoocsujn farceVaVe palroHTng- TTmrjOJaWwOjia Uiiders: in part to quarantine
the island Irom ouliide interference.
Original document.
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