From the S&S archives: Suharto to mediate war 'if requested'

TOKYO — Indonesian President Suharto said here Saturday his country — one of the Asian nations with diplomatic relations with Hanoi — is ready to mediate the Vietnam war if it is requested.

Suharto, here on a five-day state visit, told a news conference that Indonesia, like many other countries, believes that the Vietnam conflict should be settled peacefully by the Vietnamese people themselves.

But Suharto, recently installed as Indonesia's second president, said Indonesia is ready to mediate in the Southeast Asian war "if we are requested by the parties concerned."

Suharto answered questions ranging from Vietnam to problems relating to Japan and Indonesia.

Asked if he believed the unconditional cessation of U.S. bombing of North Vietnam should take place before any peaceful negotiations start, Suharto said, "What's more important is whether there is sincere readiness (for peace) on the part of all the parties concerned...."

Suharto said Indonesia is not moving toward any military alliance with other countries in Southeast Asia to cope with possible threats from Communist China. He indicated, however, that nations in Southeast Asia could deal with Communist threats through regional alliances in the economic and cultural fields.

Suharto met with Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato Saturday morning to discuss Indonesian requests for economic aid. He said he hoped to meet with Sato "more than once" during his stay.

He is scheduled to leave Japan Monday, and said he will take the opportunity of his meetings with Sato at dinner parties and receptions to discuss problems of mutual interest. Suharto and Sato are to meet again on Sunday.

Indonesia reportedly wants at least $100 million in economic assistance from Japan this year. Japan has been reported not ready to commit more than $60 million it has already pledged.