Rebels Cut Rangoon Off From The Hinterland

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 August 1948, Page 5

Rebels Cut Rangoon Off From The Hinterland

(Rec. 10 a.m.) LONDON. Aug, 23. The Rangoon Government was fighting to defend Burma’s Constitution and to prevent the disintegration of national sovereignty government, and the insurgents were waging an all-out war, the Premier Thakin Nu, said on the radio. Only 5 per cent of the armed forces had turned traitor and the rebels lacked the support of the masses. Therefore no formidable mass upheaval was possible.

The rebel leaders, he said, were those types who held that Burma must fight the Anglo-Americans if war occurred between the Anglo-Americans and the Russians. The Government was fighting to avoid plunging the country again, into a state of serfdom, for which the present violent insurrection was heading.

Large-scale Battle Possible The Associated Press Rangoon correspondent says military observers consider a large-scale battle is possible as the insurgents close in on Rangoon. So far the rebels have employed guerrilla tactics, but if they continue to draw closer the Government troops may have a chance of striking a knock-out blow. Rangoon is at present cut ofl from the Hinterland. No trains are entering the city from up-country, though a few road convoys run the gauntlet between Rangoon and Pegu. The Government forces are gaining the gradual tipper hand, especially in the Pegu, Toungoo and Basse-ill districts. Communist Threat Burma would never surrender to. Communism, Sao Khun, ActingForeign Minister, and the leader of a nine-man Burmese goodwill mission to Siam, told Reuter’s correspondent. The Minister said the Communist insurgent forces had already been suppressed in many districts and the Government was at present in control of the situation. The pacification of the whole country, however, would take some time. The Minister declined to comment on reports that the Burmese Govern-

ment is seeking foreign aid to suppress the Communists. Another member of the Mission, however, said that although the Burmese situation was serious the critical phase had passed some time ago. The Burmese Government had ample forces to deal with the threat without foreign aid. He was of the opinion that peace would be restored by the end of the rainy season, within two months.

Reuter’s Rangoon correspondent says a source close to the Government of Burma stated that the Government -was completely independent and could deal unaided with the present insurrection. Burma had not any treaty rights or obligations requiring the entry of foreign troops to aid it.