Like much Australian policy at the time, this argument is based on wishful thinking. These documents are testament to a diplomatic disaster that led to a human catastrophe. Those who directed our policy at the time argued they were acting in the national interest, for the good of our relations with Jakarta. They argued that independence was not an option and that the East Timorese would adjust to Indonesian rule. Twenty-five years on, the East Timorese are on the road to independence.
Australian troops are in danger on the Timor border.
Our political relationship with Jakarta is in tatters. Judged by their own standards, those who directed our policy presided over an abject failure. Tom Hyland is foreign editor of The Age . The Age Company Ltd 2000. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.