Little muscle behind Cook's big stick

By Vernon Small

deputy political editor

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook waved a big stick from the other side of the globe in Auckland yesterday, but said Britain was looking at sending only a reinforced infantry company to East Timor - the same size as New Zealand's contingent - and only if invited by Indonesia.

Speaking after a special foreign ministers' meeting at the Apec conference to discuss the East Timor crisis, Mr Cook said the overwhelming vote for independence had to be accepted and implemented.

"I say to those minority in East Timor who are trying to frustrate that ballot by violence, 'You will not succeed'," he said. "The violence is not only brutal, it is futile. The world has heard East Timor's plea for independence and the world will expect that plea to be translated into reality."

If Jakarta asked for help to end the violence and restore peace, all the countries at the meeting, representing 75 per cent of the world's GDP, were ready to help. Mr Cook said he had a mandate to speak on behalf of the European Union.

"That large, broad representation at the meeting must provide a clear signal and a strong message to Jakarta of the unity and deep concern of the world community at the brutality and the violence within East Timor."

He said the consensus was that the vote for independence had to be accepted and translated into reality.

But he would not be drawn on the consequences if Indonesia did not accept help, saying that would be the quickest way to scuttle a positive outcome. He said the presence of United Nations staff in Dili gave Jakarta breathing space to restore order.

"If it is not possible for them to do so then they know that from today's meeting that help is available. I hope that they will consider responding to that offer of help in the immediate future and while the UN mission in ET is still present."

Britain was heavily committed to other peacekeeping operations and most of its troops were on the other side of the world. But it was looking at providing a reinforced infantry company and was discussing with Australia what other technical support it could provide.

The destroyer HMS Glasgow had been dispatched to East Timor.

Canada, Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to supply peacekeepers, and Australia said it was prepared to commit up to 4000 troops, but all say participation would depend on an invitation from Indonesia.

Canberra has said it is prepared to lead a force without the United States, which yesterday ruled out committing forces to the area.