Cabinet archives: Alexander Downer sought way to withdraw East Timor force

In August 2000, as the first anniversary of the Australian troop presence in East Timor loomed, the Howard cabinet needed to come up with an exit strategy.

A protest against the UN's administration of East Timor in Dili in June 2000. Picture: Chris Crerar

In August 2000, as the first anniversary of the Australian troop presence in East Timor loomed, the Howard cabinet needed to come up with an exit strategy that would not jeopardise the hard-won peace in the soon-to-be-independent state.

Then-foreign minister Alexander Downer told colleagues in a cabinet submission that month that a “prompt withdrawal” of Australian Defence Force peacekeepers was needed, while ensuring East Timor’s stability and security.

It was written at a sensitive time — independent elections would occur the following year.

As Mr Downer correctly predicted, it was likely that an international security presence would be required in the country after independence.

Importantly, he urged the cabinet: “It would not be in Australia’s best interests for a post-independence security presence to comprise ADF personnel without international participation.”

His submission, which was heavily redacted to protect Australia’s international relationships, said the government should work towards having a post-independence security presence established under a United Nations mandate.

Ultimately, the UN Mission of Support in East Timor ran from May 2002 to May 2006, with Australian participation under UN leadership.

Downer’s submission, which was endorsed by colleagues, advised the government to support the early establishment of an East Timorese security force, and to encourage co-operative relations between Dili and Jakarta.

A submission by then-defence minister John Moore recommended Australia supply 300 M16 rifles with ammunition to enable the East Timor Defence Force to establish a “modest and affordable, lightly armed” force.