All-Out Wat In Burma

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1948, Page 5

All-Out Wat In Burma

RANGOON, Mon. (10 a.m.)— The Government was fighting to defend Burma’s constitution and to prevent disintegration of national sovereignty, said the Prime .Minister (Thakin Nu) in a broadcast.

Government and insurgents were waging an all-out war. Only five 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 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. BIG BATTLE POSSIBLE The Rangoon correspondent of the Associated Press says military observers consider a large-scale battle possible as the insurgents close in on Rangoon. So far the rebels have employed guerilla tactics, but if they continue to draw closer Government troops may have the chance of striking a knockout blow.

Rangoon at present is cut off from the hinterland.

No trains are entering the city from upcountry, though a few road convoys run the gauntlet between Rangoon and Pegu. Government forces are gradually gaining the upper hand, especially in the Pegu, Toungoo and Bassein districts.