Fretilin radio link reopened r On 26 May, 20 journalists, politicians, and East Timor supporters watches as two-way radio contact was made for the first time in six years with Fretilin guerillas deep in the mountains of East Timor from a secret site 100 kilometres outside Darwin. Radio contact was re-established with Fretilin on 6 January 1985 after it had been lost in December 1978. The new radio was smuggled into East Timor in 1984. Dozens of radio contacts had been made since January but public acknowledgement of the link was withheld until 26 May. The transceiver in Darwin is operated by the Australian Coalition for East Timor(ACET). Reopening of radio contact with East Timor, 26 May 1985 During the 40-minute link-up, Mr Mauhunu Karatainu, a member of the Fretilin central committee, played a five-minute tape stating that the radio would be used on an open channel of com recording of an Indonesian aerial attack a few weeks earlier on an munication only, not for clandestine purposes. East Timorese village and sent messages of greetings. He told jour The Minister refused the licence on two grounds.'The licence has nalists Fretilin was ready to answer any questions over the radio and been refused,' he wrote to ACFOA, 'firstly because facilities for appealed to parliamentarians to support East Timor and the link. public communications with East Timor already exist through the Among those present at the link-up were Robert Tickner, Labor Overseas Telecommunications Commission (OTC) and it is not MHR for Hughes, Ken Fry, former Labor MHR for Eraser, and Jean government policy to authorise communication links to bypass OTC McLean, a Victorian MLC and member of the Federal ALP Foreign services. The particular circumstances of the present case do not re Affairs committee. Revival of the link was 'a sharp reminder to the quire a departure from that policy. Secondly, the issue of any licence invaders that the voices struggling for freedom would not be silenced for a fixed link from Australia to Timor would be inconsistent with by brute force and intimidation', said Ken Fry. Later Robert Tickner international practice (under the International Telecommunica told journalists that 'two national conferences of the ALP over tions Union (ITU) convention, Ed.) without the agreement of In several years supported the right of Fretilin to establish a radio link donesia. The Department of Foreign Affairs have advised that In with East Timor from Darwin after the Eraser government twice seiz donesia would not agree.'(29July 1985) ed Fretilin radios in 1976'. Mr Duffy's department has since admitted that an adequate OTC Commenting on the new link, Abilio Araujo, head of the Fretilin link with East Timor does not exist, A departmental officer, Mr external delegation based in Lisbon, said 'it represents a qualitative Ramsay, informed a Senate Committee on 13 September,'the advice leap in our struggle', and 'a victory' over Indonesian attempts 'to of the OTC was that the communications existed and that you could isolate East Timor from the outside world'. get telephone and telex messages through to East Timor(at the time To all appearances the revelation of the new link took both of the Ministerial decision, Ed.). Since that date, for reasons Canberra and Jakarta by surprise. An Indonesian embassy spokes unknown to the department, the Indonesian authorities stopped person said in Canberra, 'I don't think that there has been a link-up telephone calls but not telex messages going into East Timor from since January', but went on to call on the Australian Government to Jakarta'. (Senate Estimates Committee C, Hansard, 15 September stop the contacts. {Australian, 28 May) Speculating on whether 1985) planes were used to smuggle the radio to Timor, General Benny Mur- Ramsay added,'the second reason on which the Minister made the dani, Indonesia's armed forces commander, threatened 'if this was decision still stands'. the method they use to contact Fretilin, then from now on we will feel In fact, it has been virtually impossible in practice since 1975 for free to shoot down any planes, irrespective of who is flying them'. the Australian public and East Timorese with relatives in East Timor {Sydney Morning Herald, 29 May) to phone East Timor. And though Australia and Indonesia are both Australia's Foreign Minister, Bill Hayden, echoed the contradic members of the ITU it is questionable whether Australia has any tory Indonesian statements. He told an ALP meeting in Adelaide he obligation to Indonesia under the convention in relation to East 'doubted that Fretilin was broadcasting from East Timor' but was Timor as such, given that the UN does not recognise Indonesia's reported in the press as having asked his Department to report on the sovereignty, security, diplomatic and legal implications of the link. (Australian, '1 28 May) In this Issue By mid-June, however, official scepticism about the existence of Radio link restored the radio had given way to moves for its closure. Australian Foreign Affairs sources confirmed on 24 June that the Indonesian Govern Australian PM recognises Indonesian sovereignty ment had protested to Australia, both in Jakarta and Canberra, Timor divides CCA Assembly about the link. {Melbourne Sun, 25June) Nairobi Forum '85 ICRC report Licence refused US Congress and MPs express concern On 6 June Brian Manning, on behalf of the ACET, applied to the UN update Minister for Communications, Michael Duffy, for a radio licence The Ausfralian Council For Overseas Aid (ACFOA) is Ihe co-ordinating body tor some 60 Australian non-government agencies working in the field of overseas aid and development. Chairperson: John Birch Executive Director: Russell Rollason. GPO Box 1562. Canberra ACT 2601 Australia. Phone (062) 47 4822, Telex: 61643 HUfi^ANS Editor East Timor Report: Pal Walsh. 124 Napier St. Filzroy 3065 Australia. Phone (03) 419 5588. foreign delegations were invited to visit the territory, as is now the Hawke recognises Timor put on women's case,' she said. Roger Clark, on behalf of the International League agenda UN scene for Human Rights said,'There can be no settlement of the problem Indonesian sovereignty of East Timor without a genuine, internationally supervised act of Australia's Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, in an interview recorded on Thousands of women from all parts of the world were exposed to self-determination. The task of the committee, we submit, is to keep 25 July in Canberra with Indonesian television, said Australia graphic testimony on East Timor by three East Timorese women Fretilin leader welcomes UN this proposition in the forefront of its work on this item." Fretilin's recognised 'the sovereign authority of Indonesia' over East Timor from Australia during an international women's conference in initiative representative at the United Nations, Jose Ramos Horta, said after and went on to describe the East Timorese as 'citizens of Indonesia'. Kenya, 10-19 July. 10 years Indonesia had failed to pacify East Timor politically or This is the first public acknowledgement by a Labor Minister of The conference. Forum '85, was held at the University of Nairobi Fretilin President, Kairala X. Gusmao, has welcomed the efforts of militarily. Western governments which supply Indonesia with Indonesian sovereignty. Reminiscent of Mr Whitlam's concessions to to mark the end of the UN decade for women. Some 15,000 women the UN Secretary-General to achieve a peaceful solution in East military assistance are directly responsible for the tragedy in East Indonesia in 1974, the Hawke statement was made without prior con attended. The fares and expenses of the three East Timorese dele Timor and has declared his availability for consultations. Timor, he said. sultation with either Cabinet or the Labor Party caucus and without gates — Mimi Fereira, Emilia Pires, and Ines de Almeida, were In a message to the Secretary-General, dated 20 July, Gusmao debate in Pariament. However, though the statement went substan largely met by public appeal in Australia with assistance coming also said: 'The Fretilin leadership and the people of East Timor whole African states press tially beyond official ALP policy, the door for such a move had been from Dutch groups and the UN organising secretariat. heartedly welcomed the adoption of General Assembly resolution left open by the failure of the ALP to take an in-principle stand on A workshop on Timor presented by the East Timorese women was 37/30.' He went on, 'The people of East Timor are the party most Secretary-General self-determination at last July's ALP national conference. attended by women from Canada, USA, West Germany, Nether directly concerned. Through the Fretilin leadership based in the 'We recognise the sovereign authority of Indonesia', Mr Hawke lands, France, Argentina, Eritrea, Angola, Vanuatu, Tonga, Por liberated areas of East Timor and its plenipotentiary representatives The Permanent Representatives to the UN of Angola, Cape Verde, told his interviewer.'We welcome the evidence of very substantial at tugal, New Caledonia, West Papua, Torres Strait Islands, South abroad, the people of East Timor claim their legitimate right to be Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and Sao Tome and Principe, met with tempts to put realistic economic aid and social assistance from the Africa, Tanzania, Australia, Palestine, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, consulted about their very future . . . The Fretilin leadership the Secretary-General of the UN, Javier Perez de Cuellar, in New central government into East Timor. And we share the hope that the and Ireland. declares that it is available for consultations within the framework of York on 8 August. Also present at the meeting was Mr Rafeeuddin levels of the standards of the East Timorese will be lifted, that their The presence of 20 Indonesian women (mainly from the Indone General Assembly Resolution 37/30.Just as much as we welcomed in Ahmed, Under Secretary-General and Special Representative for opportunities for full participation as citizens of Indonesia will be sian National Council of Women Kowant) and two Indonesian in good faith and with open arms an Indonesian military delegation in Humanitarian Affairs in South East Asia. extended.' telligence officials (men), ensured a lively, and at times heated, our liberated areas in March 1983, we are again reiterating our will The governments reiterated their full support for the principle of Asked if by 'we' he meant the Australian people as a whole or the debate. They handed out their own literature on East Timor and ingness to meet with Indonesian officials representing the central self-determination and for the Secretary-General's efforts. The government, Mr Hawke claimed he was speaking 'for the clear defended the Indonesian Government position on the issue, insisting government, and Portuguese officials, in the framework of the man Secretary-General reported on his initiative, noting that Indonesia majority of the Australian people'. that 'East Timor has had independence through integration, so why date entrusted to your Excellency by the General Assembly . . .' did not consider it was negotiating with Portugal and the Secretary- The interview, made to mark the 40th annivereary of Indonesia's don't we sisters talk about development?'. The Indonesian women General in the context of UNGA 37/30(which it had rejected) and independence, was screened in Indonesia oi? 19 August. In an at 'were very articulate and knew how to use words to twist issues', com UN Decolonisation that he hoped the talks could be upgraded to Foreign Ministerial tempt to reconcile the comments with ALP policy(which states there mented one East Timorese delegate. 'They were not just ordinary level. has been no act of self-determination in East Timor), a spokesperson women like many of us.' Towards the end of the workshop the In Committee hearings for the Prime Minister made the extraordinary claim that Mr Hawke donesian women walked out. Minorities Sub-Commission was concerned 'that Indonesia should make available to the East In addition to the workshop, the East Timorese delegates visited The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation conducted hearings Timorese a sense of their full citizenship in Indonesia which can other workshops, gave press interviews, set up a display on the on East Timor on 8 August in New "York. As expected there was no not interested ultimately only be realised by an internationally supervised act of univereity lawns, collected 500 signatures on a petition calling on the resolution and the issue was referred to the General Assembly. UN Secretary-General to consult the Timorese people, including Statements were made by the governments of Sao Tome and Prin The UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Pro self-determination.'(Canberra Times, 19 August 1985) tection of Minorities rejected a draft resolution on East Timor at its The Prime Minister repeated the statement in Parliament arguing Fretilin, setup a solidarity network of supporters . . , and had their cipe, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde, each of whom photographs taken on several occasions by Indonesian officials. drew attention to the serious violations of UN principles involved in meeting in Geneva in August. that Australia under the Eraser Government had already extended It was hoped the Sub-Commission would recommend that its Particularly strong links were forged with women from the South Indonesia's takeover. de jure recognition in December 1978 and that recognition was im parent body, the UN Commission on Human Rights, should take up plicit in dealings Australia had had with Indonesia on family re Pacific whose regular evaluation sessions were attended by the East Portugal's representative confined himself to a statement support Timorese delegates. ing the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to find a comprehensive the East Timor question again at its next meeting in Geneva, unions and visits to East Timor by the media and a parliamentary February-March 1985. The Sub-Commission heard evidence from The Pacific Women's Nairobi statement included a segment on solution. delegation. He also drew attention to what many believe was the NGOs on human rights abuses in East Timor. primary motive for recognition, namely'the importance' of resolving Timor expressing 'our solidarity with the women and people of East Indonesia's representative, Mr Boer Mauna, opposed discussion of the sea-bed boundary between East Timor and Australia, believed to Timor in their resistance to the Indonesian occupation and struggle the issue by the Committee on the grounds that 'on 17 July 1976, in be rich in oil and gas. for peace and justice' and calling for UN consultation of the conformity with UN resolutions, the people freely exercised their Australian aid to UNiCEF Timorese people and Fretilin. right of self-determination, and chose integration with Indonesia'. Timorese anger Representatives of the governments of Australia. Vanuatu, He maintained more than 40 foreign visits had been made to East The Australian Foreign Minister, Mr Hayden, announced on 7 June Oil was the principal factor as far as Fretilin was concerned. In a Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, PNG and Tonga were requested Timor in 1984, and reminded the committee that the UN Human that Australia would provide a grant of $750,000 to the United broadcast on 1 September, Fretilin President Xanana Gusmao to raise the concerns expressed in this statement at the official UN Rights Commission had dropped East Timor from its agenda. In Nations Children's Fund for its East Timor program. branded the recognition statement 'a dirty political manoeuvre to women's conference. Only Vanuatu and Solomon Islands responded donesia, he said, had spent $360 million on development in East Writing to Senator Gordon Mclntosh (ALP-WA), 19 August, Mr cover up economic interests'. He also said Fretilin was convinced the positively. Timor since 1976. Hayden said that in 1985-6 32 percent of the grant, $240,000, would be spent on helicopter hire charges and 15 percent, $115,000, on statement 'will encourage Jakarto to intensify its military activities'. Non-government statements Jose Ramos Horta, Fretilin's UN representative, denounced the salaries and travel. 'The remainder,' said Mr Hayden, 'is spent on statement as'an act of cowardice' which amounted to'a gross and ir Three NGOs testified in addition to Fretilin. Michael Robert, on goods and services, in the form of supplies, training of health centre responsible attempt to undermine the complex process' being pur behalf of The International Leaguefor the Rights and Liberation of staff and extension workers, communicable disease control and sued by the UN Secretary-General. His sentiments were echoed by Peoples exposed the Machiavellian character of Indonesian claims. health information system development, literacy training and other the Timorese community in Australia which expressed its'anger' in a Margot Picken, Tt-presenting Amnesty International, observed, in community development activities.' press release and wrote to the Prime Minister requesting he withdraw ter alia, that the lessening of reports of human rights violations in This allocation brings to $4.3 million grants provided by Australia his 'irresponsible comments'. 1985 could not be interpreted to mean that human rights were now for various relief programs in East Timor over the last three years, guaranteed in East Timor. 'Periods of massive violations associated and to some $9 million total Australian Government assistance since Strong Portuguese reaction with new offensives alternated with periods of relative calm when 1975. Both President Eanes and the Portuguese Government also protested Mr Hawke's statement. JillJolliffe(T/ie Age, 4 September)described Timor Past and Present Essential resources: this as 'the strongest and most dramatic stand Lisbon has taken since By F. Hiorth the Indonesian invasion'. The Australian Ambassador in Lisbon was Photo display given a stiff reprimand by the Portuguese Foreign Ministry and the A short (98 pages) but detailed and useful reference on the East Timor issue up to Set of 10 photos and text illustrating the East Timor conflict. Easily stored and convenient to Portuguese Ambassador in Canberra was recalled 'for consultation', October 1985. Fiorth is a Swedish mount. a strong step in diplomatic terms. Rui Mateus. foreign affairs spokes academic. The book has interesting extras Australia: $4.00 (postage included) person for Prime Minister Mario Scares' Socialist Party, said Aust such as material on West Timor and the Oversea.s; $6.00 (postage included) ralia's recognition was '.shocking for the international community East Timorese present workshop on East Timor at NairobiForum '85 attitudes of Indonesia's founding fathers to and for all those who fight for democracy and dialogue as the only East Timor (p.7). It also challenges some Poster Large multi-coloured poster of graphics and text presenting East Timor story on one sheet. way to resolve conflicts'. (Age. 21 August) widely-held views such as the belief that Please note our new address! East Timor is ideal guerilla terrain (p.46). Includes addresses of international East Timor support groups. For its pan, Jakarta felt Mr Hawke had not gone far enoughl 124 Napier St, Fitzroy 3065 Australia. Available: AETA. PO Box 93. Australia: $3.00 (postage included) August Marpaung, Indonesia's ambassador to Australia, demanded Fitzroy, Vic. 3065. Australia. Overseas: $5.00 (postage included) that Australia also recognise there had been an act of self- Phone(03) 419 5588 $13.00 plus postage. Available: East Timor Tour Committee. 124 Napier Street. Fitzroy. 3065. Australia. determination in Ea.st Timor, {Age, 21 August) East Timor Guerilla activities, Selected Fretilin radio messages January-February 1985 22 Jan. 85: platoon of A company attacked two Ind. 25 Jan. 85: platoon of D Source: Fretilin radio, 23June 1985 platoons of Battalion 521 near company clashed with Ind. February-September. 1985 5. Fretilin anniversary message. Xanana Gusmao (18 May). Luro killing 5 and capturing forces killing 1. wounding4. Special message to mark 11th anniversary of foundation of capturing arms and Full texts are availablefrom East Timor Report. many weapons. Fretilin, 20 May 1974. Strong appeal to UDT and all nationalists ammunition. 13 Jan. 85: sections of A 1. Message to Australian people. Xanana Gusmao (13 for national unity and commitment. 'Each of us must ask if we company infiltrated camp February). cannot contribute more to our country'as every Timorese 'be they Otalalar; Ind. security fled. 8 Jan. 85: 2 platoons of A company attacked Ind. forces The message outlines the conflict in general terms, refutes claims Fretilin military or non-military, those not taking a stand, in- 28 Feb. 85: platoon attacked 2 Feb. 85: section of D company killing 10 and capturing that the Indonesian takeover is a fait accompli, appeals for tegrationists, Christians and non-Christians, men and women, Ind. camp near Manutas killing clashed with 2 Ind. platoons weapons. Australian and New Zealand support and asserts Fretilin's com children and adults' all suffer the consequences of repression. 4. killing 1 and wounding 1, mitment to independence. 'The determination to fight is as un 6. ABC interview with Xanana Gusmao (16 June). 7 II Jan. 85: Ind. retaliation to breakable as the rocks ofour mountains, their will to win as x}ast as lliomar action with attack by 3 Answers to questions by ABCjournalists Mark Aarons and Tony 20 Feb. 85: company attacked Baucau the wide plains of Timor'. Ind. camp near Munibon/ Manatuto OV-10 Bronccrs. One Bronco Walker covering the military situation, life in concentration Remori killing 8. damaged by machine-gun fire Lospalos and crashed between Wai-Luli 2. Situation report, August 1983-January 1985 (Feb/March). camps, Fretilin organisation, alleged Fretilin harassment of MtMateb an and Geri-Wai. villagers, Fretilin expectations of the Australian Government. 13 Feb. 85: guerillas attack Ind. Lkisa This 8000 word report details military actiom on both sidesfrom camp at Hatupo/Purami killing ^Ermera 1 Jan. 85: platoon of A the breakdown of the mid-1983 ceasefire to the end of1984. Over 7. Military communique (23 June). 4. this 16-month period Fretilin conducted 224 small scale rapid Saine company infiltrated Ind. camp Report on military activity for period January-February 1985. viqueque of Sargata/Irabcre in assaults in the eastern, central and western sectors, in response to 22 Jan. 85: 2 sections of B Uatocarabau. forcing security to (See map, this edition ojEast Timor Report.) company attacked 2 Ind. Indonesian encirclement manoeuvres. In these actions some 600 flee. platoons inflicting several Indonesian military were killed or wounded and some 75 Fretilin 8. Condemnation of Prime Minister Hawke. Xanana Gusmao casualties. 5 Jan. 85: section of 3rd killed, wounded or captured. The report also details anumber of (25 August). company ambushed Ind. 2 Feb. 85: platoon of B platoon capturing arms and company attacked column of atrocities. Fretilin reaction to the statement on 19 August by Prime Minister Ind. battalion 612 east of Ai- 5 Jan. 85: two platoons attacked ammunition. Hawke that he recognised Indonesia's sovereignty over East Ind. camp at Aucupau, tanak killing 4, wounding 2 and capturing ARIds. 3. Miscellaneous situation report (24 March). Timor. 'The irresponsibility oJthe Australian Government', said wounding 13. 16 Jan. 85: platoon of D company entered camp at Ue- Charges members of Indonesian battalions 100, 741 and 742 with Gusmao, 'lejt Fretilin with no option but to continue the armed 17 Jan. 85: company attacked / Susu/AIas, forcing security to 4 Feb. 85: platoon of A torture and beheadings in 1983 and 1984 and criticises the 'hearts struggle.' Ind- camp at Iliman and Sapc flee. company ambushed Ind. forces and minds' campaign by Governor Carrascalao. killing I and wounding 1. killing! at Atc-Wai. Kelikai. 9. Message to Non-Aligned Movement. Xanana Gusmao (1 September). 12 Jan. 85: 2 sections of B 4. Miscellaneous situation report (15 May). company captured arms and 15 Jan. 85: local people SE of Reports serious food shortages in seven centres in early months of An appeal Jot political support to the Non-Aligned Foreign ammunition between Bciano Mt Builo kill 12 Ind. soldiers of Ministers meeting in Luanda, Angola, who have 'the great and Same. Battalion 321. 1985 and arrests and maltreatment in Baguia (October 1984) and Lospalos (February 1985). Reports that Indonesian sources put responsibility of representing the Third World'. II Jan, 85: platoon of A total population at end of1984 at 535,128. Says 'Fretilin would lay company clashed with Ind. 10. Military communique (8 September). platoon in Soibada capturing down its arms if, under the supervision of the international com Report on military activity for period March-April 1985. (See arms and ammunition. munity, the people of East Timor expresses desire for integration'. map, this edition of East Timor Report.) East Timor Guerilla activities,

March-April 28-29 Apr. 85: 2 platoons of A 2 Mar. 85: guerillas from A 30 Mar. 85: section of B in the Philippines and Mr Fructuoso Sabug of the Philippines NCC, and B companies attacked 1 company attacked Ind. company attacked Ind. Timor divides Asian 1985 Ind. company on 3 fronts company near Mount Mau company near Idi-Lapa, killing called for a forum where both sides could be heard. engaged in assault on Mt Mate killing 1, wounding 2. 2. wounding others. Rev Kunihiro Sato, Moderator of thejapanese NCC, told a lunch- Bian inflicting many losses and Christians Source: Fretilin radio, forcing retreat. time gathering, 'My country invaded many other countries in the 8 September 1985 14 Apr. 85: section of B 8 Mar. 85: platoon ambushed Debate over East Timor sharply divided the Eighth Assembly of the 1940s. We people in Japan were completely under the control of in company attacked security Ind- vehicles near Fiularo Christian Conference of Churches (CCA) held in Seoul, South formation from our government. We did not know what was happen position in Sai-Lari field mission killing 24 soldiers, 7 Apr. 85; section attacked Ind. inflicting several losses. destroying 1 vehicle, capturing 2 Korea. 26 June-2 July, and led to a decision by the Indonesian ing. This is a confession from me and a kind of advice not to follow company near Ossu, inflicting ARBs. churches to withdraw from all CCA decision-making bodies. many losses. In retaliation 3 our history. We Japanese delegates stood up on this issue not to con 19 Apr. 85: section of A OV 10 Broncos bombed area. demn but because of our history," he said. company ambushed 30 Ind. 6 Apr. 85: section of B company Some 300 Christians from throughout Asia attended the soldiers on Kelikai road, killing attacked Ind. position in Assembly. Consistent, with normal practice at ecumenical assemblies, the 8 Mar. 85: 3 platoons dispersed 4. wounding several, capturing Taroma area, killing 2. Youth Forum organised for a forum on Timor to be held outside the security forces near Same. 1 automatic AKA and 1 AR15. Though not officially on the agenda. East Timor became a central 3 Apr. 85: section of A company preoccupation for the last four days of the Assembly, stirnulated by official program. In view of the foregoing debate, however, the 29 Mar. 85: platoon ambushed attacked Ind. company in Lore Youth Forum postponed the forum, sought the co-operation of the Aiauro area inflicting death and injury. the presence of an East Timorese priest. Fr Francisco Fernandes, and Inii. platoons near Ainaro Baucau Assembly Steering Committee and requested Indonesian participa inflicting losses, capturing 3 In retaliation, ind. shelled area the distribution of a newsletter by the CCA Youth Forum. The Manaluto from fixed positions and tion. Both were denied and the forum was eventually held on the AR15s. Lospalos newsletter, Ham Seong, carried a front page story titled The people machine-gunned area with 2 second last day of the Assembly. 80 people attended. Fr Fernandes OV 10 Broncos. who never smile accompanied by a cartoon depicting CCA neglect of 9 Apr. 85: platoon ambushed 2 At eu appealed to them 'to take up our cause with your churches and Ind. platoons returning from East Timor. The newsletter story reported widespread support 27 Apr. 86: platoon of A governments in the interests of achieving a just and lasting peace for patrol in Mao Fasi fields, killing Ermera[a /• ■Viqueque among churches in the region for a declaration condemning In t-'ompany attacked 2 Ind. my beloved people'. 6 donesia's occupation of East Timor and included an insert detailing ■ 5 25 Apr. 85: platoon of A companies in Lore lliomar road The following day an Indonesian delegate was permitted to make Ainaro company battled Ind. company 'nflicting several losses. In international church concern over East Timor. It is normal practice 23 Apr. 85; 2 platoons MaUana • a political statement on the floor of the Assembly, giving the Indone ambushed Ind. platoon in .Sua for I hour near Kelikai. In retaliation Ind. shelled area for for many issues to be raised informally in this manner at ecumenical killing 3. capturing 3 .SKS. retaliation Ind. shelled area for 3days from fixed positions. sian government's viewpoint on Timor. Moves to gain equal time for half day and night. assemblies. the Timorese viewpoint were defeated. The same day it was learnt 16 Mar, 85; 2 platoons The circulation of the newsletter triggered a very emotional 3 Mar. 85: platoon of A II Apr. 85: section of A the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) had decided to amhushed 2 Ind. platoons near company attacked Ind. platoon company ambushed Ind. debate during which two Australian church leaders (Rev David Gill. i^umalai. near lli-Lapa killing 9. withdraw from all CCA committees. An Indonesian delegate, Eka 1 Apr. 85: platoon ambushed company in Viqueque area General Secretary of the Uniting Church, and Jean Skuse, General Darmaputera, later claimed the CCA had fallen under the influence Ind. platoon in Alas area killing 2. capturing 2 ARBs. In IfiMar. 85: section attacked Ind killing 3 and capturing 3 SKS 12 Apr. 85: section of A Secretary of the Australian Council of Churches) supported an In of 'radical youths and feminists" and is dominated by 'leftist political positinn.s in Mate Ztinialai area, retaliation 2 Ind. Fo fighters weapons bombed and machine-gunned eompany attacked Ind. position donesian request by Mr Frans Tumiwa that the newsletter be official thought'. {Sinar Harapan, 17 fuly) killing 2. 'n Ku-Lcu area killing 2 and Ml Babilcu and Zumalai and ly withdrawn (though it was not an official document of the wounding others. There are, however, other explanations for PGI disaffection with cannons fi red on area. Assembly) and an apology made to the Indonesian delegation. This the CCA. The CCA was formed in Prapat, Indonesia, in 1957, Since was eventually agreed to by a four to one majority. 19 Mar. 85: guerillas attacked 29 Mar. 85: platoon ambushed 22 Mar, 85: platoon attacked 2 that lime General Secretaries have been elected with Indonesian sup Ind company .SW of Raut au liul plaiuoii near Batike, killing Ind. platoons east of Mnhuro killing 5. wounding 3. In MrJesudas Athialy of the Marthoma Church in India pointed out, port. In Seoul, for the first time, a General-Secretary was elected who killing some wounding otiiers 7. capturing 3 and equipment however, that no-one had addressed the situation in East Timor. 'It was not their candidate and whom they actively opposed, For a In reialialion Ind slirrp shelled ill leialiation 3 hid. OV 10 retaliation .3 Ind OV 10 area from snuili. Broncos bombed area. Broncos botnbed and machine will be a sad day if the CCA fails to rise to its prophetic role.' he said. number of reasons, then, of which Timor was only one, Seoul was not gunned area. Two other speakers, Bishop Robert Longid of the Episcopal Church a good conference for the PGI. New Red Cross situation 967 messages were forwarded betweenjanuary and April. Indonesia new Amnesty report Evidence has agreed to the continuation of the program. Since the sources for Amnesty's report on East Timor are in many report On 25fune. Amnesty International initiated an international cam cases the same as those used by the Timorese solidarity groups round Assistance for Atauro paign on East Timor with the release ofan 87-page report on human the world, it is valuable to have Amnesty's testimony that documents InJune, the International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) issued Displaced persons on Atauro numbered 1,271 at the end of April. No rights abuses in the territory. Thefollowing review of this disturbing such as the Indonesian military manuals it received in July 1983 have a report on Red Cross activities in East Timor for the period January transfers to the main island have taken place since November 1984. study was prepared by the Catholiclnstitutefor International Rela stood up to expert analysis and are corroborated by other evidence. to May 1985. The food and medical program on Atauro is jointly carried out by 51 tions (CIIR) in London. The Indonesians have attacked Amnesty's sources, but have not suc The ICRC has three full-time and three part-time staff based in members of the PMI (including a doctor) and an ICRC nurse. Amnesty International takes no position on armed conflicts, and it ceeded in refuting the reports. Nor have they given independent Jakarta of whom one, a nurse, spends three weeks a month in Dili and 108 tons of maize, beans, butler oil, tinned meat, condensed milk, has no position on the status of East Timor. This neutrality makes its observers adequate access to East Timor. An important part of Atauro. Elxtra staff are sent from Geneva if required for survey or salt, soap and vitamins were distributed from 1 December 1984 to 31 catalogue of abuses an even more appalling indictment of Indone Amnesty's report is its documenting of the restrictions imposed on prison visitation purposes. From January to May. a total of 86 In March 1985. An additional seven tons of food rations, vitamins and sian actions in East Timor. foreign visitors. These range from limitations on movement,justified donesian Red Cross(PMI) members participated in the ICRC assis soap were distributed to 180 children showing signs of malnutrition, Amnesty's report covers the period from just before the Indonesian on grounds of security or inadequate transport, to instructions to in tance and tracing programs. and to pregnant and nursing mothers. Indonesia has agreed to a con invasion in December 1975 to the end of 1984. It sets out to document terpreters to filter out information unfavourable to Indonesia. Even tinuation of the program. two broad categories of human rights violations, the killing of non- humanitarian organisations are subject to restrictions; 'Amnesty Protection combatants during military operations and the killing and 'disap International has noted with regret that visits by humanitarian The ICRC plans three series of visits to prisons this year. During the Assistance on main island pearance' of people outside combat. In both categories it reports that organisations, particularly the International Committee of the Red first series, 15 April-6 May, 228 detainees were visited in four places No survey of the main island was carried out in 1984. Indonesia, abuses have continued long after the 1975 invasion. It reports a'pat Cross(ICRC), have been irregular and have not involved full access of detention: L.R Cipinang and L.P. Tangerang (both in Jakarta) however, agreed to a joint ICRC/PMI medical-nutritional survey in tern of. . . campaigns' against the resistance 'which have included to all parts of the territory'(15). and L.P. Comarca and L.P. Becora (both in Dili). Atauro, where seven sub-districts in the interior of the main island (21 villages in extensive and apparently systematic killings and "disappearances" The Indonesian version there are 1,271 'displaced persons', was also visited at this time. The all), commencing 28 May.(This was the first access of this kind by both of combatants who had surrendered or been captured and of visits were carried out by three delegates, one medical delegate and ICRC to the interior since July 1983 except for an ICRC visit to three noncombatants . . . suspected of contact with Fretilin guerrillas' Amnesty's report is in effect a refutation of the Indonesian portrayal an ICRC nurse and included interviews without witness with the detention centres in the interior in September 1984.) (20). The victims are reported to have included groups of as many as of events in East Timor.'Since 1979 Indonesian government spokes detainees. Assistance valued at SFr 6300 was distributed to de In March the ICRC handed over 30 tons of butter oil to the PMI 400 men, women and children, the latest of such mass killings being persons have repeatedly represented the situation in East Timor as tainees. for distribution to needy persons in Iliomar and Luro. reported in June 1984. Amnesty also 'has the names of over 550 having returned to a state of normality with opposition to Indonesian people reported to have been killed outside combat or to have "disap rule allegedly confined to small bands of Fretilin "remnants". The Tracing Returnees from Atauro peared" between 1975 and the end of 1984','but it considers that this main focus of Indonesian activity is claimed as having been the The program of repatriation and family reunion which commenced In April the ICRC visited the Ainaro/Dare region (centre-west) to figure falls far short of the true total' (20). economic development of the territory.' Time and again, after In in 1979 under ICRC auspices continued. Between January and assess the medical-nutritional needs of 600 'returnees' brought from donesian representatives have made such claims to the UN and other April, seven persons left East Timor for Portugal and one for Atauro at the end of 1984. 500'returnees' and the rest of the villagers bodies, it has later been revealed that arrests and extra-judicial ex 'The violations described in this report have occurred in a ecutions, and in one case a large-scale offensive, was in progress. Australia. of Dare needed food and medicine. The ICRC reports that it hopes situation in which the fundamental freedoms of expres The system of exchanging family news through Red Cross to survey the needs of people returned to other regions of the island sion, assembly, association and movement have not existed The underlying issue messages set up by the ICRC/PMI continued to function normally. by the end of the year. and in the absence of the constraints of legality. People have Amnesty avoids making political points, but its report cannot fail to been detained and ill-treated for asserting their right to provoke the question why, if the overwhelming majority of East US Congress challenges visit to Indonesia last year, have helped to focus world attention on these freedoms.'(p.II) Timorese accept 'integration' into Indonesia and welcome Indo the situation in East Timor. But it is clear that further expressions of nesia's development programs, the Indonesians have to resort to such Reagan on Timor concern are needed. barbarities 10 years after their invasion of this tiny territory. It is a The most immediate international issue relating to East Timor is The report also documents torture of prisoners, apparently question most Western governments prefer to ignore. A bi-partisan group of 131 members of the US Congress wrote to the matter of access to the territory by the International Committee countenanced in Indonesian military documents, and the abuse of Amnesty International: East Timor. Violations of Human President Reagan on 26 April urging him to express American con of the Red Cross (ICRC). Since August 1983, when Indonesia the civil population by Indonesian troops. Amnesty says that there Rights: Extrajudicial Executions, 'Disappearances', Torture and cern over East Timor during his visit to Portugal in early May. The launched a military offensive aimed at crushing resistance to its rule, has been no satisfactory investigation of any of these incidents, and Political Imprisonment, London 1985. Available from Amnesty letter is the largest expression of Congressional concern to date on the the ICRC has been prevented from providing food and medical no instance of disciplinary action against members of the Indonesian International, 1 Boston Street, London WCIX 8DJ, andfrom East assistance to the territory. ICRC activities are currently limited to forces. Timor Report. prison visitations and family reunifications. Earlier this year, ICRC President Alexandre Hay deplored the difficulties presented by the Dear Mr President, Indonesian authorities for ICRC activities in East Timor. 2. secure an end to hostilities which prevent the people of East We are deeply concerned about the continuing human tragedy in 427 MPs endorse Timor Timor and their representatives from contributing freely to East Timor, the predominantly Roman Catholic former Portuguese The Portuguese government also criticised the lack ofICRC access to East Timor, and at the UN Human Rights Commission called at negotiations leading to self-determination; colony invaded by Indonesia in 1975. Since then, more than 100,000 declaration 3. provide internationally acceptable conditions of access to relief East Timorese have perished from the combined effects of the In tention to the ICRC's'absence offreedom of action necessary to carry Forty-three MPsfrom Australia were amongst 427 parliamentarians and development agencies and to independent visitors, jour donesian occupation. out the assistance' to the Timorese population. We believe your visit to Portugal provides an excellent opportunity for the United States to from 13 countries who put their names to thefollowing declaration nalists and diplomats; We respectfully urge you to discuss issues relating to East Timor 4. include an act of self-determination which is free from inter with the Portuguese government during your visit to Portugal in join with Portugal in calling for access by the Red Cross to East released in London on 3June by Lord Avebury, chairperson of the Timor. UK Parliamentary Human Rights Group. ference and verified by international observers acceptable to the May. Although East Timor is occupied by Indonesia, Portugal still East Timorese people. considers itself to be the administrative authority of the territory We fully realise the importance of close and friendly relations with 'Recognising that the territory of East Timor has been illegally oc under international law. The plight of the Timorese people is a mat Indonesia. We also are aware that there will be many other issues on cupied by Indonesia since December 1975, inflicting extreme loss of We commend all international initiatives which observe these prin ter of ongoing concern to Portugal, both for historical and contem your agenda when you travel to Portugal. However, we respectfully life and destruction; ciples, and will call upon our governments to support actively a pro porary reasons. Today there is a community of East Timorese clergy ask you to add the suffering of the people of East Timor to your agen Recognising that the Indonesian policy to isolate East Timor cess of negotiation conducted on such terms." da. You have a special opportunity during your visit to bring to bear prevents the ICRC and other relief and development agencies from and refugees in Portugal, many of whom were direct witnesses to the Australian signatories recent grim events in their homeland. on the Timor tragedy the prestige and moral influence of the United reaching those in need, and denies the international community op Portugal continues to pursue diplomatic initiatives regarding East States. portunities to assess the wishes of the people independently; Australian signatories were: Sen Don Chipp (AD), Sen Jack Evans Timor. At the UN Human Rights Commission session in Geneva on The letter was drafted by Rep Tony P. Hall (D-Ohio): 1728 Condemning the human rights violations committed since 1975, as (AD), SenJanineHaines(AD), Sen Michael Macklin(AD), Sen Colin 20 February 1985, the head of the Portuguese delegation noted that Longworth House Office Building, Washington DC20515, USA. reported by church leaders in East Timor and by independent Mason (AD), Sen John Siddons (AD), Sen Daxrid Vigor (AD), there are 'violations of human rights in East Timor that cannot leave human rights organisations; Michael Hodgman (LP), Sen Alan Missen (LP), Sen Nick Bolkus my country or the international community indifferent'. We hope Appeal from Mgr Lopes Recognising that the East Timorese have been denied their right to (ALP), Allen Blanchard (ALP), Peter Baldwin (ALP), Sen Bruce you will express to the leaders of Portugal your willingness to work The former head of the Catholic church in East Timor, Mgr da Costa self-determination; Childs (ALP), Sen Peter Cook (ALP), Peter Duncan (ALP), Ray with them on proposals to bring an end to the human suffering in Lopes, also wrote to President Reagan on the occasion of his visit to Welcoming, finally, UN General Assembly Resolution 37/30 which Devlin (ALP), Wendy Fatin (ALP), Sen Barney Cooney (ALP), Sen East Timor and to bring an authentic peace to East Timor. An in Portugal. Appealing to the President as a fellow Christian, Mgr asked the UN Secretary-General "to initiate consultations with all Pat Giles(ALP), Graeme Campbell(ALP), Colin Hollis(ALP), Sen dication of your interest could contribute significantly to efforts to Lopes wrote:'Mr President, there is an alternative to the madness of parties directy concerned, with a view to exploring avenues for Jean Heam (ALP), Sen Lewis Kent (ALP),Jim McKieman (ALP), prevent further bloodshed and misery in East Timor. unending conflict. Mgr Belo and many others in the East Timorese achieving a comprehensive settlement of the problem", and Jeanette McHugh (ALP), Sen Gordon Mclntosh (ALP), Peter Last July, Pope John Paul II. in an unusual admonition to the new church state . . . that there should be immediate negotiations, acknowledging the steps which have been taken to bring Portugal Milton (ALP), Peter Staples (ALP), John Langmore (ALP), An Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See, raised the issues of continu urgently pursued, between all parties directly involved, without and Indonesia into negotiations; thony Lamb (ALP), Lloyd O'Neil(ALP), Sen Cyril Primmer(ALP) ing human rights violations and lack of international humanitarian coercion of any kind.' A solution can be found. Mgr Lopes told the We affirm that negotiations will not lead to a just settlement unless Sen Ted Robertson (ALP), Sen Margaret Reynolds(ALP), Jim Snow access to East Timor. The Pope also called attention to the religious, President, 'if only the United States would have the will to achieve a they: (ALP), Robert Tickner(ALP), Sen OliveZakharov(ALP), SenRuth ethnic, and cultural rights of the people of the territory. The Pope's just settlement. The US supports such measures in Afghanistan and I. involve representatives of the East Timorese people including Coleman (ALP), Sen John Coates (ALP), Sen George Georges concern, as well as that raised by Secretary of State Shultz during his Cambodia. I ask, why not in East Timor as well?'. those who resist the present occupation; (ALP), Gerry Hand (ALP). (Two ALP names are missing.) has been a nightmare'. Arguing that'international co-operation is necessary for the peaceful resolution of the situation', the report urges Quakers to engage in greater public education with a view to winning support both for non-govemmental access to East Timor and for UN-sponsored self-determination. Brazilian Bishops discuss Timor Quaker UN Office, 777 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017. The Brazilian Bishops Conference (CNBB) discussed East Kiwi contradiction Timor at their meeting injune. Mgr da Costa Lopes, the former apostolic administrator of East Timor, who attended the con New Zealand's Prime Minister, David Lange, claims the In ference at the Bishops' invitation, made a strong plea for sup donesian incorporation of East Timor is irreversible but that his port from the Brazilian Church for the struggle of the East government supports a UN solution. Timorese people for independence. Lange outlined his self-contradicting policy in a letter to the Hobart East Timor Committee, 12 June. Caii for Congressional enquiry 'My government does not condone the way in which the In donesians went about incorporating East Timor into their coun Also in June, Bishop Francis Murphy, auxiliary Bishop of try, but we accept that the process cannot now be reversed and Baltimore, who represented the US Bishops at the launching of that the territory is for practical purposes part of Indonesia. 1 do the Amnesty International report on East Timor, called for a not think that keeping alive the idea of independence for East full Congressional Hearing on the allegations contained in Timor will do anything to help improve the living conditions of Amnesty's report. 'We need to break down the walls of silence the East Timorese or to assist those parties seeking to settle the about a forgotten place,' he said. difficult issue of the territory's status. As 1 am sure you know, the United Nations General Assembly has not considered the issue German Bishop speaks out for the last two years and there seems to be general agreement Injuly, a German Bishop for the first time spoke out in strong among the organisation's members that the problem is most terms about the human rights situation in East Timor. likely to be resolved through the Secretary-General's mediation Bishop Frans Kamphaus, chairperson of the West German efforts. My government supports these. Bishops' Commission for Justice and Peace, made a strong plea Of course, we are very concerned when we receive reports for solidarity with the suffering East Timorese people and for about human rights abuses from East Timor and we let the In pressure on the Indonesian Government to put an end to the donesian authorities know this. We do this through official war. {Press release, Bistum Limburg, 9July 1985) channels, however, as we think that this kind of approach is more likely to be effective than public denunciation of Indone Howard's hiccup sian actions.' John Howard, now leader of the Opposition in Australia, ex Church groups back pected to visit East Timor as part of an Indonesian tour he made 10-12 June, but owing to a 'hiccup in planning' it did not come self-determination off. 'They said it was inconvenient to go to Timor this time,' One hundred and nine organisations from Asia, the Pacific and Howard is quoted as saying in the Financial Review, 28June, Australia have endorsed a declaration which condemns the In adding that he had an invitation to visit the territory on some donesian occupation of East Timor and affirms the right of the return trip. people of East Timor to self-determination. According to the Financial Review, Mr Howard was clearly The text of the declaration was prepared by Lord Avebury of pleased at the high level reception he received in Jakarta where the British Parliament and is reproduced elsewhere in this issue he had meetings with President Suharto, General Benny Mur- of East Timor Report. It was circulated in the region by Chris dani, some cabinet ministers, and the Centre for Strategic and tians in Solidarity with East Timor, who publicised the response International Studies. on 24 June. Indonesian claims to Mr Howard that 'there's dispropor Thirty-seven Protestant and Catholic groups from Asia, 53 tionate concentration on the East Timor problem' in Australia, from Australia and 19 from the Pacific endorsed the statement. to quote Mr Howard, fell on fertile ground. Signatories including the Uniting Church Presbyteries of Illa- On his return, Mr Howard wrote a long article for The Aust warra and Nepean, the Catholic Commissions for Justice and ralian, 6-7July, headed'It's time we made it upwith the Indone Peace of Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Papua sians'. The article kicked the communist can hard by seeking to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, the National Christian remind Australians'how close Australia came to having a mili Council of Japan, officers of the Pacific Conference of tant, communist nation as our nearest neighbour' in 1965 and Churches, the Bishop of Tonga, and the Bishops of Vanimo and by arguing that Fretilin was 'pro-communist' and 'intent on Bougainville in PNG. coming to power by means of the gun'. Concluded Howard,'a secure, stable, prosperous, and friendly Indonesia is about the ALP Branch caii most important foreign affairs goal for Australia — after the The Northern Terriory branch of the Australian Labor Party alliance with the United States'. (ALP) unanimously adopted the following resolution in May: In a response published in The Australian, 13-14July, Shirley 'This conference, noting that this year is the tenth anniversary Shackleton, widow of Greg Shackleton, one of the journalists of the killing of five Australian journalists and the invasion of killed in East Timor in 1975, accused Mr Howard of'repeating tired old misinformation about East Timor' and charged that East Timor by the Indonesian armed forces, in clear breach of the United Nations Charter and of International Law, calls on Australian politicians 'are responsible for the fear and mistrust the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to act on between our two countries'. Federal ALP policy on East Timor, and, in particular: 1, to play a positive role to ensure that constructive negotiations Quaker concern be held between Portugal, Indonesia, and the people of East The Quaker UN office issued a six-page report in August en Timor as represented by Fretilin, and titled East Timor: A silent war. 2. to promote the issue of East Timor within the United The report, by Cynthia Obadia, says there has been no pro Nations, in order to end the last 10 years of massive breaches cess of self-determination and that'Indonesia's occupation . . . of human rights.'

ACFOA acknowledges the generous .support given to East Timor Contributions to help defray costs of production and postage Report by the Asia Partnership for Human Development. would be welcome.