Confrontation with Indonesia (1964-66)
Would you be a good foreign affairs decision maker?

File Attachment J

Situation/Decision/Consequence sheet

Situation 2

The decision has been made to support Malaysia in its request for military assistance. Military assistance could be through combat troops stationed at the front, who will be involved in direct combat with Indonesians, or it could be through specialist and support troops who can be kept in areas where there is no chance of actually having to fight the enemy, yet at the same time providing valuable assistance to Malaysia.

Decision 2

Do you:

A. Provide non-combat support?

OR

B. Provide combat support?

Decision 2 Consequences

Public Opinion: The public will be supportive of any help.
  • A=+1; B=+1.
Allies: Britain appreciates support, the United States would prefer that support was non-combat.
  • A=+1; B=+1.
Region: The more we give, the more grateful a regional partner will be.
  • A=+1; B=+2.
Indonesia: The more we support Malaysia, the less Indonesia likes it.
  • A=-1, B=-2
Security: The stronger another neighbouring country is, the better for our security.
  • A=+1; B=+2.

[ To Attachment J, Situation 3 ]