845C.00/12–646: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom ( Gallman )
8099. Re Rangoon’s 18 Dec 627 Anglo-Burmese negotiations appear to be at highly critical stage with considerable danger that unbending attitude MacDougall and Laithwaite will lead to reversal promising trend since Ranee appointed present councillors Sept last. Believe breakdown now would lead to sporadic fighting and would accentuate turmoil other parts Southern Asia, giving communists and others splendid opportunity fish in troubled waters.
We are awaiting answers questions Deptel 7614 Nov 8 and hope you will find it possible continue on every appropriate occasion indicate our interest in Burma situation, particularly in peaceful transition Burma to self-govt.
Sent London 8099, repeated to Rangoon, 300.
- Not printed; sent to Department as 478, December 6, 1946, 10 a.m., repeated to London as 18. It reported the departure for London of Sir Raibeart M. MacDougall, Counsellor to Governor Ranee and senior Civil Service servant in Burma, to present the Governor’s views on current conditions (845C.00/12–646).↩