Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

690B.9321/10–2053: Telegram

No. 116
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Burma¹

secret
priority

Washington, October 22, 1953—5:45 p.m.

315. Department considers Taipei’s 241² as Chinese acceptance Burmese views. If not already done Rangoon inform GUB Chinese accept and point 4 Rangoon’s 376³ now in effect. As soon as Ambassador deems timing right he should seek GUB assent continue cease-fire so long as bona fide evacuation taking place, pointing to necessary delays for US and Thai preparations. Would be helpful if assent could be communicated to Chinese at early date in view difficulties with Monghsat generals.

Re point 5 Rangoon’s 376,⁴ Bangkok state whether believed necessary control teams including Burmese observers go past Tachilek or other border points excepting possibly small group in special case.

Assume Bangkok has requested US control team soonest. Report when can be available. Department hopes Bangkok can persuade Thai lose no time their preparations pending working out final details Thai-Burmese assurances, Bangkok’s 783.⁵

Estimate how soon first Chinese can be received at border.

Dulles

1. Also sent to Bangkok; repeated to Taipei and USUN.
2. Not printed. (690B.9321/10–2253)
3. Dated Oct. 20; it included the substance of a memorandum dated Oct. 19, given to Sebald by the Foreign Minister, confirming Sebald’s understanding of Burma’s views with regard to the evacuation. Point 4 stated that, with the understanding that Burma’s views were accepted by the Chinese Government without delay, no Burmese military action would be taken against the foreign troops before Nov. 15. (690B.9321/10–2053)
4. Point 5 of the memorandum cited in footnote 3 above stated that the Burmese Government wished to send two teams of observers to act as liaison with the Joint Committee.
5. Not printed.