To William Cohen

Sir, you have issued a stern warning to Indonesia to control the East Timorese militia. But what did you do when East Timor was still under Indonesian administration in respect of the so- called clandestine rebels? You and the West granted them refugee status, provided political and military support as well as awarding them generous Nobel prizes. They killed each other and the West did nothing to stop them. But now that East Timor is independent in accordance with the West's wishes, you want to force the militias (pro-integration) to be refugees on Indonesian soil and turn them into an enemy who are rebelling against the present East Timorese administration and then you call on Indonesia to be responsible for controlling them (disarm, punish or wipe them out). Sir, is your judgment fair? The militia are a frustrated group of people, don't you have any feeling of sympathy for them, or a desire to help them out of their plight?

The West gives us aid (economic, military, whatever), but you always attach so many strings that Indonesia is forced to act according to your wishes and instructions. Indonesia as a whole could also become frustrated and, as a reaction against such conditions, reject your aid in the same way as Sukarno once did by saying "go to hell with your aid".

Please do not act in such a way as to make Indonesia your next enemy in the same way as you have made Libya, Iran, Iraq and Cuba your enemies. Please search your heart and conscience. Why do certain countries encourage terrorism against you Sir? A few lines from you or one of your subordinates in reply would be much appreciated.

SLAMET SUDARMADJI

Yogyakarta