THE FUTURE OF BURMA

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25080, 11 January 1947, Page 7

THE FUTURE OF BURMA

"RIGHT TO FULL INDEPENDENCE ” TOPICS FOR LONDON CONFERENCE (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 10. “The first question which will arise at the opening of the British and Burmese conversations in London on January 13 is Burma’s right to full independence,” says “The Times,” in a leading article. “This right has already been acknowledged by Mr Attlee in a statement on December 20. The principal anxiety now is to give Burma the best possible guidance and help during the transition period. • The decision whether Burma is to remain inside or outside the British Commonwealth is entirely one for the Burmese people and it will no dpubt,” “The Times” says, “be influenced markedly by the estimates of British good will made by the Burmese delegation during their present visit. Once the delegation is satisfied about Britain’s attitude on this issue, a number of more detailed questions will arise, notably the Burmese de land for a ‘national government’ without delay. “This would mean the disappearance of the Governor’s discretionary powers and of the reserved subjects, and for this reason will present constitutional difficulties.” adds the newspaper. The acting-president of the AntiFascist People’s Freedom League described the country-wide independence campaign as “a dress rehearsal for the fight for Burmese freedom,” says a message from Rangoon. Should the fight take place, it would be directed against the British ,alone, he said, and he hoped to get the full support of the Burmese people, but only 50 per cent, support would be sufficient for victory.