Finally, the conclusion of CMATS also serves to relieve the Australian government from what has proved to be an embarrassing dispute in which it has
been perceived by some observers to be treating a small, struggling developing state unfairly. CMATS therefore serves to mitigate the international criticism that these allegations have attracted. Another way in which Australia
has sought to deflect these criticisms has been to consistently emphasise Australia’s
“generosity” in its dealings with East Timor.