690B.9321/6–653: Telegram
No. 78
The Ambassador in Burma (Sebald) to the Secretary
of State1
priority
2293. McGowan2 attended War Office conference with Ne Win and Aung Gyi3 today. Ne Win requested personal thanks and appreciation be given Ambassador Stanton and United States representation for “splendid efforts assistance rid Burma foreign troops”. Expressed disappointment Taipei has not sent key officer with authority negotiate and make decisions and hopes Colonel I Fu-de will return with concrete proposals designed speed proceedings. Hopes United States would urge President Chiang put pressure Li Mi to settle this problem. Ne Win agreeable his group sit with committee as whole but only after Taipei produces agreed plan visit Monghsat soonest. Feels essential committee talk with Chinese commanders on ground and finalize plans there not Bangkok. Ne Win stated his group authorized enter into any reasonable agreement expedite withdrawal troops from Burma but that while Burmese delegation will continue be patient in Bangkok talks unless Li Mi agreed some reasonable action within week he (Ne Win) would consider pulling out and letting United Nations take further action. Ne Win said Burma might even agree to total ceasefire provided United States could assure that Li Mi troops could be controlled which he doubted. McGowan returning Bangkok with Aung Gyi Sunday.
Comment: Burmese comment official private and press has been laudatory United States support and handling this difficult problem. Believe however it most essential Chinese Nationalist Government realize that further stalling in finding solution through Joint Committee might cause collapse this effort and refusal GUB have any further dealings whatsoever with Chinese Nationalist representatives. After recent successful presentation case in United Nations Burmese would not be loath making new charges in next UNGA and placing blame for collapse talks squarely upon Chinese Nationalist Government.