Office of the Historian

845C.001/9–446: Telegram

The Consul General at Rangoon (Packer) to the Secretary of State

Rangoon, September 4, 1946.
[Received September 4—6:17 a.m.]

263. Governor10 said in speech at City Hall reception September 2nd: “I have not returned to Burma prepared to announce epoch making changes.” Stated three objectives: 1st, priority to reconstruction and rehabilitation; 2nd, he will seek create condition so elections may be held next spring; 3rd, will strive to restore law and order.

He indicated desire for representation of Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League and Myochits on Executive Council and that no change will be made in powers of councillors. Will encourage preliminary work on constitution and favors Dominion status rather than independence. Will further His Majesty’s Government’s declared policy of amalgamation for frontier areas when inhabitants signify desire. Expressed interest in improvement defense forces. Full text by air pouch.11

Packer
  1. Maj. Gen. Sir Hubert E. Rance, formerly on the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, South-East Asia (Mountbatten); he became Governor of Burma on August 31.↩
  2. Not printed.↩