Office of the Historian

52. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Burma1

Washington, August 7, 1956—7:11 p.m.

142. Rangoon’s 157 sent London 9 Bangkok 13.2 Department studying ramifications Burmese territorial claims along Chinese border in preparation possibility US some time future may be asked support GUB in international forum.

In meantime you may wish assure GUB continued US interest and sympathy towards finding solution this problem.3

FYI: Present thinking in view uncertain course Chinese Communist action Burma border dispute and problem Chinese Communist representation UN, would not wish encourage GUB place matter before UN if possibility exists Peiping’s active participation UN forum or enhancement Chinese Communist prestige. However, agree little likelihood GUB will seek UN assistance unless Chinese Communists slam door on diplomatic negotiations. End FYI.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 690B.9331/8–556. Secret; Priority. Repeated to London, Bangkok, and USUN.↩
  2. Telegram 157, August 5, reported that Satterthwaite had discussed the Burma-China border situation with U Kyaw Nyein, who inquired about the the U.S. position. (Ibid.) A few days earlier, press reports had revealed the presence of Chinese Communist troops in certain disputed areas near the border.↩
  3. Satterthwaite reported in telegram 218 from Rangoon, August 16, that he had so assured Prime Minister U Ba Swe. (Ibid., 690B.9331/8–1156)↩