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

790B.5/12–553: Telegram

No. 131
The Ambassador in Burma (Sebald) to the Department of State¹

secret

Rangoon, December 5, 1953—11 a.m.

548. Embassy telegram 519² Department’s telegram 461.³

1. US offer to supply only items approved by British would probably be accepted by Burmese as some evidence our good faith and would also confirm close US-UK collaboration. As we have repeatedly stated that we wish see Burmese armed forces materially strengthened our position is weakened, however, by our inability convey to GUB some indication that British will make sincere effort supply promptly other items on Burmese preliminary list. So far we have had no such commitment from British who we fear will continue use control of arms supply to exert pressure on GUB.

2. Recommend we accept suggested arrangement (except as to naval items) as best way out of bad situation and proceed with phase 3 for items approved by British, pointing out to GUB that British state they are able and willing to furnish any other items on list except napalm bombs. It would also be helpful could we inform GUB and British that we assume British will make effort send desired supplies promptly but that in case they unable do so we would be ready to consider further assistance.⁴

[Here follows discussion of specific items on the Burmese preliminary list.]

Sebald

1. Repeated to London.
2. Dated Nov. 27; it reported that the British Services Mission informed the Embassy that the British could supply almost all the military equipment desired by the Burmese but would not object if the United States supplied specified categories of equipment. (790B.5/11–2753)
3. Not printed.
4. The Department replied on Dec. 17 that it agreed on proceeding to Phase 3 as soon as possible for items on which the British had no reservation but that before making a formal request, the Burmese Government would probably prefer to study Department of Defense estimates on prices and availability which would be pouched to the Embassy. If the British did not take action within a reasonable time with regard to the items they wished to supply themselves, the Department would wish to reconsider the U.S. position. (Telegram 528; 790B.5/12–553)