63. Telegram From the Embassy in Burma to the Department of State1
1206. Pass Defense. During my visit with Nu this morning2 I discussed our offer military assist briefly. I said our policy was simply one of doing what we could to help Burma maintain its independence and security. I recalled that when he first raised question of American economic assistance he had said that he would be agreeable to making token payment only in return. In connection with military assistance we had now been able make such an offer. We were however concerned with substantial amount military assistance [Page 99] Burmese defense officials thought essential. I assured him however we would do everything we could to give them needed assistance.
I said I was also concerned however with fact that Zhukov had also offered military assistance and wondered whether in his view it was necessary for his government accept military assistance from Soviet Union as well. He did not reply to this directly but said that during Bulganin and Khrushchev visit (December ’55) latter had offered military assistance but recommended Burma not accept it because this would lead to interference in affairs from other governments (clearly meaning western powers). U Nu did not believe Zhukov had offered military assistance but said he had not had time to go into military matters in any detail since resuming premiership. I said my understanding was that in inviting Burmese military mission visit Soviet Union Zhukov had at least by implication offered military assistance. He replied that while he was uninformed about this he did not feel it should interfere with assistance from US.
I said that of course if Soviets gave military assistance they would want furnish Soviet military experts. In our case it would be necessary if we furnished some types military equipment send Americans along to show how operate it. They would however be civilians, perhaps retired army officers, acceptable to Burmese Government. U Nu said he understood this and had no objection as long as such technicians were in pay his government and subject to its control.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790B.5–MSP/3–2157. Secret; Limit Circulation.↩
- Satterthwaite reported further on the conversation in telegrams 1205 and 1207 from Rangoon, March 21. The former reported discussion pertaining to U Nu’s pending visit to Kunming in the People’s Republic of China; the latter that U Nu had expressed confidence in the Burmese Government’s ability to cope with insurgents and with Soviet and Chinese attempts at penetration. (Ibid., 033.90B93/3–2157 and 790B.00/3–2157)↩