For those of us in the first generation of Singapore Foreign Service Officers, the tenure of S. Rajaratnam covered the formative phase of our lives. His commitment to the job, keen interest in the world we live in, dedication to the cause of an independent Singapore and skills as a debater and ideologue shaped our perspective and approach. He was visionary in outlook but political to the core.

Mr Rajaratnam's unfailing courtesy, graciousness and sharpness of mind left a strong impression on my colleagues and I as we ventured into the world of diplomacy. As we joined him at meetings, acted as his note-takers and presented the issues for his consideration, we learnt about the realities that shaped Singapore's foreign policy.

My strongest memory of Mr Rajaratnam dates back more than thirty years. On 30 April 1975, when Saigon fell to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) forces, Thailand sought the agreement of the ASEAN states to the joint recognition of the Provisional Revolutionary Government (PRG) of South Vietnam by 0700 hours (Bangkok time) the following morning. Lee Chiong Giam and I were the senior officers in the Foreign Ministry handling the issue (although barely 33 and 28 years old respectively) and we met him at his residence in the early hours of 1 May. Mr Rajaratnam was firm that ASEAN should respond in a measured style, without the appearance of panic or fear. He opposed the proposal for immediate joint recognition arguing against acceptance of the political fiction represented by the PRG. For Mr Rajaratnam, a contest of political wills was beginning in Southeast Asia and ASEAN should not be seen as caving in at the very onset of the struggle.

We learnt a valuable lesson in handling a crisis: the need for a calm approach and a careful consideration of the options open to us. Mr Rajaratnam was aware of the risks but unwilling to be stampeded into hasty decisions. As young foreign service officers, we quickly learnt that the ability to think on one's feet, to recommend appropriate policy responses and to use our initiative in a fast changing situation were key skills to be developed.

Mr Barry Desker is the Director of the
Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies
Nayang Technological University. He was
in the Foreign Service for more than 30 years
serving eventually as Ambassador to Indonesia

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