|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- NOT CONSPIRACY, JUST CORRUPTION -
Our Indonesian neighbors believe that Australians conspire against their interests in East Timor & Irian Jaya.
Nothing could be further from the average Australian's thoughts.
Logic suggests that it was not in Australia's financial interest for Indonesia to lose Timor. Australia was in receipt of baksheesh (or pishkesh) in the form of oil & gas revenues for supporting Suharto's Indonesia into Timor.
Malcolm Frazer allowed Indonesia into Timor. He was always a bit dim about everything. Many Australians think he might actually have believed the line that Foreign Affairs spun. Paul Keating knew better - he became a rich man in his dealing with friends of Suharto. Then along came Honest John. In his naivety he thought the Timor pishkesh was legitimate. (and him a lawyer!).
Let SPIN assure our Indonesian neighbors, the Australian people are not involved in conspiracy.
This was simple corruption.
Still, Australians owe Indonesians an apology. Our leaders should never have supported Suharto into Timor. So we felt responsible to the Timorese.
Irian Jaya was not our doing. That was between Indonesians and the Dutch and the inhabitants. We are not responsible for Irian Jaya. So long as Indonesia reins in it's army, and no atrocities, Australians will remain quiet.
We Australians are responsible for the criminal actions of our politicians, for those vile acts that they do in our name. Many Australians knew that Timor was wrong. Trouble is, under our constitution, politicians are difficult to control. Once elected, it's open slather. We need a shorter leash, more accountability. One vote every three years covers too many options. We need a way to interrupt.
Since Suharto, I compliment Indonesia. Your government's
behavior in Irian Jaya is becoming exemplary. Your behavior
towards the outer provinces has become that of a police force containing
unruly citizens, rather than an invader suppressing rebellion.