690B.9321/2–2654: Telegram
No. 147
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Burma1
priority
755. Extension Shan cease-fire and question south evacuation apparently in GUB hands through Ambassador Pe Khin with no direct action now required of Embassy Rangoon (Bangkok’s 17472 and 1751 Part II,3 Rangoon 297 and 300). Latter should however keep closely informed GUB intentions and insure our position understood if necessary:
- 1.
- US still desirous maximum evacuation; cannot underwrite Chinese intentions but recognize patience required if success to be achieved.
- 2.
- Situation among northern evacuees confused and clear commitment unlikely but number evacuated probably depends on length of cease-fire plus continued efforts of Committee working on guerrilla leaders.
- 3.
- South operation desirable soonest and should be expedited (Bangkok’s 1747 and 17503 Rangoon 297 and 299). Re cease-fire recognize GUB needs free hand with KNDO and can only be expected give reasonable assurances not attack evacuee concentrations before or during operation. Hope Committee soon able generally delimit concentration area.
- 4.
- We continuing every effort obtain greater ratio arms but note difficulty determine number arms available and that Burmese liaison estimates 50 percent armed (Bangkok’s 1723, Rangoon 287).3
Action with GUB left your discretion but make every effort keep operation going without engaging US good faith re Chinese performance. If asked re suggestion Bangkok’s 1747 GUB pay Mae Sod-Lampang airlift, we would welcome favorable response this Thai suggestion. You may wish point to considerable outlays by Thailand and US comparison GUB.
- Repeated to Bangkok and Taipei.↩
- Telegram 1747, Feb. 25, reported that Pe Khin, who was flying to Rangoon that day, said he would discuss the Joint Committee’s request for an extension of the ceasefire in the Shan state and the Committee’s inquiry about a ceasefire in the Myawadi area in south Burma. (690B.9321/2–2554)↩
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed.↩