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PORTUGUESE TIMOR: MORE TALK
armed forces are continuing their contingency preparationsossible move against the Portuguese colony of Timor, but during the past several weeks most activity has been in the diplomatic arena. Recentbetween Indonesian. Australian, and Portuguese off nals have been aimed at T'y.n; to head off any precipitate Indonesian action over Timor.
The highest level talks were held last week in Australia between President Suharto and Prime Minister Whitlam. The Suharto trip was billed as an informal visit to Australia returning Whitlam's trip to Indonesia last fall. The timing of the talks and tho interest surrounding them, however, were undoubtedly stimulated byfear that Jakarta was preparing for an imminent move against Timor,
to make it clear to Whit'am that Jakarta opposes recent Portuguese proposals to grant Timor self-government overlong transition period.evidently hopes to get Whitlam's support for his position that Lisbon shouldlebiscite inshould organize the voting to assure victory for forces favoring mcger with Indonesia. Lisbon has indicated some sympathy for Jakarta's desire toTimor and is apparently willing to help Indonesia improve its image among thebut the Portuguese are unlikely to accede to the kind of blatant thwarting ofself-determination that Jakarta has in mind. Nor would Whitlam want toarty tocheme.
Whitlam is concerned about thethat an Indonesian military move would have on the political scene in Australia as well as on bilateral relations. The Australian left has a'ready publicly taken up the cause of theand several leftist politicians recentlyuch-publicired trip there. Indonesian aggression against Time would strengthen the hand of those in Whitlam's party who have long opposed tha Suharto regime and object to giving it military assistance.
Suharto would prefer to acquire Timor peacefully with all the constitutional niceties preserved, but he would not let this stand in the way of military action if he believes that is the only way to assure Indonesian control. Theround of inter-government discussions about Timor may have convinced him that he need not make an early decision on pre-emptive action, as advocated by his military advisers. At the same time, the discussions have doubtless brought home to Indonesian leaders that Lisbon will not simply relinquish tho colony to Jakarta. The course of political avents in Lisbon itself has increased concern in Jakarta aboutability to carry through on any long-term promises regarding Timor. Undoubtedly with this in mind. Indonesian officials overseas are presently lobbying hard to promote Jakarta's interests in Timor, trying to head offin world forums should Jakarta decide to itarily.
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