Office of the Historian

S45C.00/1–2947: Telegram

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

confidential
London, January 29, 1947—6 p.m.

639. Embtels 606 and 612 of January 28.29 At first opportunity after conclusion Burma talks Tin Tut and Thakin Mya30 called at Embassy. [Page 12] Both seemed highly pleased regarding success of talks. Tin Tut said delegation would not have signed agreement unless, as was the case, it was confident of obtaining widespread support for it in Burma. Following points arose in conversation:

1.
April elections for Constituent Assembly will proceed as scheduled. Assembly is expected to convene May and may require “from 6 months to a year” for constitution framing.
2.
Bottomley participated London talks and left for Panglong yesterday to sound out tribal leaders and to be chairman Committee of Enquiry. This Committee is scheduled to report by May. Tin Tut stressed fact that he and his colleagues intended leave minorities no legitimate grounds for dissatisfaction.
3.
Aung San held press conference this morning, at which reporters were eager to know whether Burma would remain in Empire. Aung San replied cautiously that this would be settled later. Tin Tut expressed to Embassy his belief there was considerable prospect Burma choosing dominion status.
4.
Tin Tut said that projects boards would be either wound-up completely or taken over by Government of Burma as promptly as possible. Tin Tut confirmed that 87,000,000 pounds loan never realized in full, and said that now much lower total will be fixed without string. He said no decision yet as to how many projects boards functions would be retained by GOB after British companies retire from projects’ management.
5.
U Saw and Ba Sein were said to have taken little active part in discussion and to have indicated disagreement only late Sunday night. Apparently, according to Tin Tut, they hoped there would be no agreement and that they would be chosen by Governor to form new government. Tin Tut said both will be ejected from Cabinet if they do not resign.
6.
Tin Tut raised question exchange diplomatic representatives and said British Government would formally approach Department soon this subject. Embassy reiterated Department’s position as conveyed British Embassy, Washington, pointing out Indian precedent for diplomatic agents with personal rank minister pending Constituent Assembly elections. Tin Tut seemed to appreciate Indian analogy and said that in any case it was doubtful that Burmese Minister could reach Washington “for at least 3 months”, by which time he “hoped Department would agree to exchange fully accredited Minister”.
7.
Tin Tut raised also Burma’s desire for early membership in International Bank and International Fund. He said British have agreed support Burma’s applications and expressed hope US support would also be forthcoming.
8.
Ba Pe left for Burma 29th. Remainder delegation except U Saw returning special plane 30th.
9.
Embassy referred to desire to [of?] both US and British Governments that one or more Burmese participate lend-lease talks here beginning February 4 and inquired whether San Lin now in London as Junior Burmese representative on Burma Currency Board might be assigned to participate. Tin Tut said San Lin wished return with delegation but Tin Tut would decide during day whether San Lin would remain for talks.31 Embassy understands similar suggestion was made to Tin Tut yesterday by Burma Office.

Sent Department 639; Department repeat to Rangoon 9 and New Delhi 13.

Gallman
  1. Latter not printed, but see footnote 27, p. 10.↩
  2. Latter was a member of the Burma Mission in London and of the Burmese Executive Council (Home); he was a leading member of the Thakin, later Socialist Party and of the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League.↩
  3. In telegram 645, January 30, 11 a.m., from London, it was reported that N. R. Chakravarti, Secretary of the Finance and Revenue Department (Pay Commission) of Burma, would represent Burma (845C.00/1–3047).↩