GOVERNOR OF BURMA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24969, 16 July 1942, Page 5

GOVERNOR OF BURMA

FORTUNATE CHANGE OF PLANS (Rcc. 7 p.m.) RUGBY, July 14. A change of plans by one hour prevented Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith's capture by bandits in Burma and being held for ransom to the British Government. After the fall of Rangoon lie went to investigate trouble among the chiefs of the Shan States and made his headquarters at Taunggyi. After the trouble had been settled lie decided to start his return journey an hour earlier and his car passed through a band of robbers in ttie jungle who were waiting to capture him. The bandits were not prepared to act when the Governor's car surprised them an hour earlier. The piot was discovered afterwards.

Sir Reginald mentioned it in a speech in London to-day. He also mentioned an earlier attempt to kidnap him and his wife, which was discovered after the danger had passed. Speaking at a press conference. Sir Reginald declared that if our troops had not defended every inch of Burma and had let the Japanese right through there would have been a very awkward situation for India. “ Every sacrifice made in Burma was worthwhile." lie said. “We want our troops when they go to Burma again to bo well received. Wo don't want Burma to think that we regard it as a hostile country or that we arc ready to cut their throats.”