Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

845C.00/12–1646: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman)

secret

Washington, December 17, 1946—6 p.m.

8197. Following is Sec 1 Rangoon’s telegram 502 Dec 16:

• “1. Various Brit, Indian, Burmese and other observers are beginning fear unless London acts fairly quickly recognize Executive Council as national govt (my 409 Nov 4³⁰) disorders and bloodshed may result. In my opinion His Majesty’s Govt should not allow time limit (Jan 31) contained ultimatum recently served by AFPFL (my 432 Nov 13³¹) to approach too near before effecting such recognition. (Had London acted earlier, occasion for ultimatum, at least in such form, would not have arisen). It should, to be sure, be remembered this connection AFPFL has everything to gain nothing to lose if it acquires fuller powers than it now has before elections occur; this fact may partially explain London’s slowness act.
• 2. Bickford³² indicated me Dec 6 present Executive Council not considered be interim or national govt (mytels 477 [Dec 5] and 478 Dec 5 [6]³³).”

Dept believes foregoing emphasizes need prompt action and report along lines indicated Deptels 7614 Nov 8 and 8099 Dec 10.

Byrnes

30. See footnote 16, p. 6.
31. Not printed, but see paragraph 8 of airgram A–142, November 30, from Rangoon, p. 8.
32. W. R. Bickford, secretary to the Department of Defense and External Affairs of Burma.
33. Neither printed, but regarding telegram 478, December 6, see footnote 27, p. 10.