845C.00/7–2247: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
secret
U.S. urgent
U.S. urgent
London, July 22,
1947—7 p.m.
3993. Following obtained informally today from Sir Gilbert Laithwaite, Burma Office.
- 1.
- While Rangoon murders have been great shock, Laithwaite found promptitude with which new government was formed under Thakin Nu, for whom he had a great respect and regard, a good augury for [Page 38] future. So far he has received no reports of trouble in Burmese countryside although “obviously Burma is powder keg at moment”. Both Government and Thakin Nu deserve great credit for their quick action in crisis.
- 2.
- Murders were “very puzzling business” particularly since they not associated with any opposition Putsch. He was reserving judgment on U Saw’s complicity but he thought quantity of arms uncovered in U Saw’s house is large even for present day Burma. He read Embassy impressive list of weapons, ammunition and hand grenades found at U Saw’s. Laithwaite regards it quite possible, as Tin Tut thinks (Embassy’s 3975 of July 2194), that motive behind killings was political vendetta. When first report came in, Burma Office officials suspected Communists but no evidence has yet come to hand confirming these suspicions, and Than Tun, leader White Flag Communists who is Aung San’s brother-in-law, has issued statement of sympathy and appears to be working with new Government. No recent reports have been received regarding recent operations of Red Flag Communists.
- 3.
- As Attlee stated in Commons yesterday, murders will cause no change in British policy vis-à-vis Burma.
- 4.
- Only new development in immediate future will be agreed announcement to be issued in Rangoon and London in time for morning papers July 24. When goodwill mission to London finished talks July 2 an agreed announcement was worked out and referred to Aung San for approval. Aung San raised “some minor drafting points” and Thakin Nu returned to Burma to iron these out. After telegraphic exchanges of views with London, announcement was approved by Aung San and his government, probably one of Aung San’s last acts. Thakin Nu is anxious to get out announcement as soon as possible and July 24 is agreed date. Laithwaite hopes announcement will be of some help to Thakin Nu who led goodwill mission and upon whom credit may redound.
- 5.
- With explanation that text would be handed Department by British Embassy Washington prior to publication,95 Laithwaite read announcement to Embassy representative.
- 6.
- Announcement indicates goodwill mission London reached agreement
with British Government on following points.
- a.
- British Government is pledged to earliest possible transfer of power and to working out with Burmese representatives intermediate steps covering such questions as nationality, defense, finance, etc., [Page 39] while constituent assembly is sitting with a view to completing these talks by September when Burmese constitution is expected to be ready.
- b.
- British Government pledges itself to introduce Burmese independence legislation at beginning next session of Parliament. It is indicated clearly that Burmese themselves will choose their form of government.
- c.
- From date of announcement, interim government in Burma will be known as the Provisional Government. The announcement refers to the Burmese “Cabinet” and indicates that the title “councilor” will be replaced by the title “minister”.
- 7.
- Laithwaite said that c above is the section to which goodwill mission attaches importance since it will be cited as the measure of goodwill mission’s success. He said it was pretty obviously “just a change of labels”, constitutionally speaking the Councilors would be Ministers in name only, although actually they have full powers.
Department please pass to Rangoon as 41.
Douglas