Onward Moslem Soldiers

Scattered through Indonesia (whose 80 million people make it the world's largest Moslem state) is a minority of some 4,000,000 Christians. Last week A. M. Tambunan, leader of the Christian Party, submitted a memorandum to Parliament deploring a growing campaign of terror against his people in southern Celebes. Roving bands of Moslem terrorists in the Celebes, said he, have forced more than 6,000 Christians to adopt Islam under penalty of death. Many others have been tortured and killed. Bibles have been torn up and used as cigarette paper, while more than 20 churches have been turned into mosques. "These deplorable events" said Mr. Tambunan, "are increasing in number every day."

Deputy Prime Minister and Security Chief K.R.T. Wongsonegoro expressed regret but added that the terror took place in a part of the country controlled by armed rebels. The only way to stop the persecution was to launch an all-out military offensive against the rebels. The government, said Wongsonegoro, had long been planning such an offensive, and $30 million was already earmarked to get it under way--one of these days.

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