Confrontation with Indonesia - Attachment J

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

Situation/Decision/Consequence sheet

Situation 3

The government policy of providing support troops who are not likely to come into conflict with Indonesian troops is threatened by the increase in Indonesian attacks on border regions in Borneo, and on the Malay peninsula itself. The Malaysian government is worried that if the increasing attacks continue, it will not be able to defend itself. The Malaysian government asks Australia to move its combat troops to Borneo, where it is certain that they will clash with Indonesian troops on the Malaysian-Indonesian border.

Decision 3

Do you:

A. Send them there knowing that it will lead to direct clashes with Indonesian troops, but will help Malaysia remain viable?

OR

B. Keep them in non-contact roles?

Decision 3 Consequences

Public Opinion:	The public will support both options. A=+1; B=+1.
Allies:	Britain will appreciate support; the USA wants Indonesia kept happy. A=+1 -1; B=+1 +1.
Region:	The more Australia helps Malaysia, the more it will support Australia in the region. A=+2; B=+1.
Indonesia:	The more Australia helps Malaysia, the less Indonesia likes it. A=-2; B=-1.
Security:	The stronger Malaysia is, the better is our security in the region. A=+2; B=+1.

[ To Attachment J, Situation 4 ]