P. 1M. No. 6o/ 1965
MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE
Statement by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Menzies
Details of the separation arrangements being now
available, Ministers have today been studying the implications
of the establishment of Singapore as a State separate from and
independent of Malaysia.
I feel that I need to say at the outset that no
prior consultation or discussion with the Australian Government
took place. But the separation having occurred, we fully
accept it, and direct ourselves to the future.
The changes that have taken place flow from
considerations of internal political relationships between
Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It was recognised in the negotiations
preceding the establishment of Malaysia that special
arrangements were necessary for the incorporation of Singapore
in the Federation. The structural changes now agreed upon
reflect an assessment on the part of the parties concerned that
those special arrangements have proved unworkable. We regret
deeply that it was not found possible to make a full success
of the Federation as established in 1963, but at the same time
we are glad that thae new arrangement recognises that the two
entities must continue to work together in close association.
We, for our part, apply ourselves with all goodwill to co-operation
with both Malaysia and Singapore for their future security
and welfare, since we believe? as they do, that this separation
should be regarded as the beginning of a new approach to the
task of working together to forward their common interests.
Various aspects of the separation will require
examination in some detail by the Australian Government and,
no doubt, in some instances, consultation with other Governments,
including the Governments of Singapore and Malaysia will take
pla ce, A central and most important matter is the continued
and combined defence of the region. Malaysia and Singapore face
the same defence problems, and Singapore's facilities are
involved in the defence of both. We welcome the agreement of
the two Governments to establish machirmry for ensuring a
common defence effort. We hope that this will be set up with
speed, and that it will be effective. The particular Australian
association with this common defence will require study in the
light of the new circumstances. But we are determined to play
our part with all the other countries concerned in continuing
a common resistance to attacks upon the Malaysian area, an area
which will still include Singapore, though it is no longer part
of the Federation of Malaysia.
I have today sent messages to the Prime Ministers
of Singapore and Malaysia expressing our satisfaction in that the
new arrangements provide for continued co-operation between the
two States in many fields, including economic affairs as well as
defence. 0000 / 2
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The Australian Government has recognised the
State of Singapore and I have informed the Singapore Prime
Minister that we will be happy to establish full diplomatic
relations with Singapore at the level of High Commissioner,
and that we wish Singapore well in its new sovereignty and
look forward to a continuance of close and friendly relations
with the new State and with Malaysia.
CANBERRA August, 1965.