Decolonization without Self-Determination?

Abstract As the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974 in Lisbon set in motion the process of decolonizing the empire, the future of ‘Portuguese Timor’ was the subject of an intense debate which involved external actors. Like other Asian remnants of the empire, Timor was a small territory surrounded by a giant neighbour, which laid claim to be part of the process. Indonesia sought contact with the Portuguese authorities, and the countries held several rounds of talks up to November 1975. This essay surveys those talks, based primarily on Portuguese archival material, and details how the two countries failed to reach an agreement. Whereas Indonesia sought direct negotiations that would decolonize the territory while excluding the Timorese themselves, Portugal took note of Indonesian claims but insisted that a genuine act of self-determination based on the direct consultation of the Timorese people was required.