Southeast Asian Policy After the Vietnam Disaster

Abstract

were, of course, not totally surprised by the rapidity of the collapse and takeover. But they had hoped that US support would be of a size and staying power that would delay the debacle until they, as the Indonesians like to phrase it, could develop national and regional resilience. That is their way of stating that they must build the necessary national and regional strength to stand on their own feet, balance off and repel outside influences and attempts at domination, and preserve their own political, social, and religious life and forms. Although the expression it takes is different from nation to nation, there has been a strong tinge of bitterness in the reaction of almost all the ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) toward the way in which the United States handled its final act in Vietnam. One of the most bitter comments was made by Indonesia's Foreign Minister Adam Malik, who said that the landing of marines to rescue 39 crewmen of the Mayaguez had created a negative impression because America had taken no action when its help was needed by millions of Cambodians and South Vietnamese. The Indonesian Minister of Defense, General Panggabean, on the other hand, told the writer that the US had done everything that could be expected to help the South Vietnamese, who had unfortunately failed to do enough to help themselves. But like most Southeast Asian leaders, General Panggabean too was looking to the