BURMESE REBELLION

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 May 1931, Page 5

BURMESE REBELLION

STATEMENT IN COMMONS ARDUOUS OPERATIONS [OFFICIAL wireless.] / RUGBY, May 11. The latest information regarding the rebellion in Burma was contained in a statement presented by Mr Wedgwood Benn, which stated that the situation in the Tharrawaddy, Insien, and Henzada districts continued to improve, the rebels avoiding contact with the Government forces and columns, which were endeavouring to hunt down two or three large gangs, still believed to be hiding in the jungles. The principal trouble in these districts is the number of small Dacoits outrages / carried out by small gangs. The situation in the Prome district, to the east of the Irrawaddy River; in which seven of a party of ten civil police, including District Superintendent Austin and an inspector Were, it is feared, killed, is still uncertain, but the rebellion is said to be confined to about four villages. Further military police and troops have been sent to Prome.

The number of rebels killed since the beginning of the rebellion is probably over 1000, and about 2000 have been captured, „ including villagers rounded up on suspicion, of whom the majority have been released. The casualties on the Government’s side are not yet known with complete ’■ accuracy. One District Superintendent, one Deputy-Superintendent, and an inspector are killed or missing, and one District Superintendent, two British officers, one surgeon, and one Subardar wounded. Of other ranks, about fifteen have been killed and a small number wounded. The number of headmen and villagers killed by the rebels is probably about 100. The forces at present in operation against the rebels in all districts comprise 1100 military police and two battalions of infantry. A complicating factor in the situation is the spread of communal feeling against the .Indians in/Lower Burma. Precautionary measures are being taken to deal with any eventualities. NO SIGN OF SETTLEMENT ; DELHI, May 11. Contrary to the reassuring tone of earlier messages, the week-end reports indicate that the Burma, situation is causing serious concern in official circles. The Burma rebels, despite their numerous defeats by the Government forces, show no disposition to lay down their arms, arid the trouble is still spreading. The police had a fierce encounter at Thayetymo against a force of one hundred and sixty rebels, who retired, leaving twenty-one dead. There were no Government casualties.