790B.5811/11–352: Telegram
No. 27
The Acting Secretary
of State to the Embassy in
Burma1
664. Re London’s 2573 Nov 3 rptd Rangoon 25.2 Ne Win left New York 6 p.m. Nov 4, via Paris not London according understanding Def. Only official contact with Dept was protocol visit to Acting Asst Secy where procurement not mentioned. In Def subj was limited to broad exploratory discussions informal equipment list Ne Win had submitted which included items classed by Def not higher [Page 36] than restricted. He was given memo with overall cost and availability, by categories to avoid itemizing before governmental agreements concluded. Def told him these data based on current situation and subj to change, impressed on him govts must conclude agreement before details cld be furnished. Ne Win seemed content and understood procedure, spoke of working out details if and when govts agreed. Def again made point US in no way competing with UK; our main interest was to give info helpful for Burm equipment problem.
Cordial understanding prevailed throughout interview. Ne Win expressed great appreciation his treatment on visits to mil training institutions, said he wld like train some officers here in future but realized more background necessary before his men equipped receive such training as Fort Benning. Army officer present at talk speculates Ne Win might make request for training in future, might even angle for visit some US officers Burma, but no concrete discussions either training or procurement this trip.
Army considers visit Ne Win great success with trips to West Point, Benning, Leavenworth and calls on Lovett,3 Bradley4 and chiefs of services.
Others of mission expecting remain US until latter Nov.
In pursuance cooperation with UK Govt you may inform Brit Emb and BSM Rangoon and London may inform FonOff, pointing out Ne Win has made no specific request.