2 September 1999: Memorandum for the minister of foreign affairs

DFAIT briefed Axworthy on developments in East Timor on 2 September, noting that the pro-independence option seemed to have prevailed on the referendum on a massive turnout. At the Security Council, Canada had pushed for contingency plans in case of violence, but the idea was rejected (as other documents indicate) by a majority vote of the Council. A series of other Canadian actions were laid out. One was the initial Canadian suggestion that Australia convene a meeting about East Timor on the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Although the Australian response is redacted, it is clear that Australia did not agree.

Axworthy subsequently asked Australia to convene a side meeting at APEC in a phone conversation with Downer, again without success. the side meeting took place, but with Axworthy and New Zealand foreign minister Don McKinnon (a host of the summit, held in Auckland) convening it.