790B.5/7–3153: Telegram
No. 88
The Ambassador in Burma (Sebald) to the Department of State
107. Limit distribution. Subject: Reimbursable arms procurement.
War Office has handed lists arms requirements respective Embassy Service Attachés in accordance phase II Deptel 1459.1 In some respects original lists unrealistic but subsequent discussions with Burmese should result in reducing requests to realistic proportions. Burmese envisage building defense forces to point where (a) they could liquidate insurrections and (b) eventually expect conduct [Page 123] holding action against external aggression specifically Red China. Planned Burmese defense establishment appears to us within Burmese capabilities after period of technical training and development maintenance facilities.
During past week complete and frank discussions concerning lists have been held on service level with BSM. General impressions gained by three Attachés is that BSM adopting completely negative attitude toward Burmese aspirations that British will advance view Burmese requests are inflated, impractical and ridiculous and that GUB should be unable maintain desired equipment. It also appears probable BSM will delay its recommendations to us for formulation final list until some decision reached with Burmese re new BSM agreement.
As we see British attitude toward question it reflects basic desire limit strengthening Burmese armed forces for various political reasons. We therefore believe it unlikely any satisfactory solution can be reached at service level and consider problem political one requiring high level Anglo-American agreement on mutual objectives this area.
Burmese War Office has informally indicated desire (1) increase number trainees US service schools and (2) obtain US technicians work with Burmese forces for training and maintenance instruction for American equipment which they hope purchase. We also believe Burma does not desire continue BSM as such and that any new agreement with UK would be on limited scale and based on concept similar (2) above. It appears clear that GUB desires disentangle self from dependence upon British its armed forces for training and supply and that they greatly prefer closer cooperation with US this regard being convinced only US able assist them build their forces to adequate strength. From Burmese viewpoint arrangement with British been unfortunate and unsatisfactory and they have time and again evinced considerable impatience and frustration with BSM in attempting obtain what they consider minimum support on reimbursable basis.
We foresee considerable danger to our friendly relations with Burma should Burmese approach to US be unproductive. Should Burmese be rebuffed in their endeavor strengthen armed forces through US or British the possibility exists they might approach Communist bloc to exclusion both UK and US. At same time we are aware danger Burmese playing British against US and vice versa. We consider it important that we avoid appearance of undercutting British or encouraging Burmese discontinue BSM which as indicated above we believe will in any case be discontinued. However, we believe it essential in interest of free world that US or UK take immediate steps strengthen Burmese armed forces.
[Page 124]Service Attachés keeping respective Departments informed concerning progress negotiations formulation final lists.
Department may wish repeat London.2
- See footnote 3, Document 70.↩
- Telegram 605 to London, Aug. 3, repeated the text of this telegram and requested the Embassy’s comments. (790B.5/7–3153)↩