690B.9321/3–254: Telegram
No. 149
The Acting Secretary
of State to the Embassy in
Burma1
priority
766. Rangoon’s 837 Taipei 150.2 Department hopes offensive limited and probably to gain face in Burma but is concerned possible effect on guerrillas’ resolve continue moving. Military action this critical juncture, while within Burma’s rights, may in effect upset tenuous balance in favor evacuation among Mong Hsat leaders (Bangkok’s 1774 and Rangoon 307 Taipei 271)3 and stall all progress perhaps indefinitely. GUB may have to choose between gaining merit its public and throwing away chance for peaceful evacuation several thousand more Chinese at no cost Burmese lives. Burma’s position in UN may also suffer. Unless serious objection perceived Embassy Rangoon requested express our concern above lines at highest level Foreign Ministry soonest also reiterating views our 7554 and 7605 to Rangoon (740 and 746 Taipei). Our concern legitimate in view US and Thai good offices at GUB request. Attempt associate Thai Ambassador in approach.
If there is indication offensive having adverse effect on evacuation Rangoon should also seek immediate GUB assurances, public if possible, to Committee and Chinese Government that cease-fire will be honored in spirit well as letter. Taipei meanwhile assure Chinese Government we doing all we can to protect interests evacuees.
- Also sent to Taipei and repeated to Bangkok.↩
- Telegram 837 from Rangoon, Mar. 2, reported that a Burmese offensive against the Chinese Nationalist troops was reported in the press that day. The War Office had informed the U.S. Army attaché that the operation was only a small-scale probing and holding action and that Burma intended to honor its ceasefire commitment. (690B.9321/3–254)↩
- Telegram 1774 from Bangkok, Mar. 2, reported on the progress of the evacuation; it stated that a committee of six or seven leaders in Mong Hsat was trying to persuade three or four hold-out leaders to evacuate. (690B.9321/3–254)↩
- Document 147.↩
- See footnote 3, supra.↩