A conversation with Gough

BY PAUL BENEDEK

SYDNEY — The last person you would expect to launch a book on East Timor would be Gough Whitlam, who was, in 1975, the Australian prime minister who allowed Indonesia's occupation of that country. So I was surprised to find old “blood-on-his-hands” the keynote speaker at the launch of Timor — A nation reborn.

The book is actually a rework of Timor — A stillborn nation, with some additions, including an epilogue that partially “pardons” Whitlam's role in the atrocities inflicted on East Timor.

After an hour-long presentation, during which Whitlam defended his actions and blamed the oppression of the Timorese on Portugal, other Australian governments (before and after Whitlam's) and even the Timorese themselves, he allowed questions. I had the following discussion with “the great man” (as recorded by the ABC's Radio National):

Me — “Do you really believe the Australian government, far stronger than Indonesia militarily and economically, could have done nothing to stop the occupation, if it clearly opposed occupation instead of backing it?”

Whitlam — “Are you suggesting the Australian government should have sent troops and gone to war with the Indonesians?”

Me — “It wouldn't have gone to war — that's the point. [Prime Minister John] Howard just sent troops to Timor, and there was no war. The truth is, Indonesia couldn't have invaded without Australia's blessing.”

During his speech, Whitlam referred to former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger's statement that the US knew nothing about Timor. I asked Whitlam if he believed this.

Whitlam — “Well, I read you the quote from Kissinger…”

Me — “Sure, but do you honestly believe the quote?”

Whitlam — “Well, do you believe Kissinger?”

Me — “No — do you?”

Whitlam — “No, I don't either.”

Me — “So why are you quoting in your defence stuff you don't believe?”

I was cut off at this point, but as the final question, an International Commission of Jurists member asked Whitlam to show some regret or empathy with the East Timorese. He showed none.

From Green Left Weekly, July 3, 2002.
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