REBELS IN CELEBES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29514, 16 May 1961, Page 15

REBELS IN CELEBES

Surrender Possible

IN Z PA -Reuter—Copyright) MENADO (North Celebes), May 14 The Indonesian Defence Minister and Army Chief of Staff (General Abdul Haris Nasution) believes that the bulk of the remaining rebels in the North Celebes will sv'render in the near future The General was speaking to reporters at the village of Tempasse Baru where a Government brigade groun was moving to surround about 1500 insurgents. This band, under the command of former LieutenantColonel Venje Sumual, is the last rebel field force fighting against the Government. Since the start of the year nearly 40.000 rebels under their “Commander-In-Chief.” L’eutenant-Colonel Kawilarang. and his senior officer. D Somba Laurens Saerang. have "returned to the lap of the republic.” General Nasution said. General Nasution said that some contact had been made with the members of Sumual’s troops who wanted to surrender. In the meantime, armed pressure was being maintained on the rebels. His own belief was that “most will surrender in the near future.” In a four-day swing through North Celebes which concluded today. General Nasution inspected the surrendered rebels and had talks with Kawilarang Saerang.