701.45C00/4–2247: Telegram
The Consul General at Rangoon (Packer) to the Secretary of State
immediate
314. As Aung San will not return Rangoon from trip up-country until May 2, I today raised with Shwe Baw, Secretary Dept Foreign [Page 23] Affairs who same time Secretary to Executive Council, subject matter Department’s telegram 127, April 10. He informed me as follows:
Government of Burma has decided not appoint Ambassadors abroad this time but start representation with Ministers who will be sent Delhi, Nanking, Bangkok and Washington. Matter raising their rank to Ambassador probably be considered in couple years. He understands HMG has already undertaken arrange exchange Ministers; in fact telegram already received indicating China already agreed that basis.57
I did not mention receipt Department instructions but based my inquiries several current press reports subject diplomatic representatives abroad including United Press despatch from Washington and local Reuter reports. Consequently any use Department may wish make of above vis-à-vis British Foreign Office could be on basis voluntary report.
Please relay London as 63.
- In telegram 370, May 10, Mr. Packer reported a conversation on May 8 with U Aung San who seemed to be thinking of an ambassadorship to the United States for U So Nyun, Commissioner of the Corporation of Rangoon (701.45C11/5–1047). Mr. Packer mentioned the matter of a consular convention also and reported in telegram 433, May 27, 10 a.m., that the Burmese Government was ready to examine a draft (711.45C21/5–2747).↩