LOAN TO BURMA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27386, 11 May 1950, Page 7

LOAN TO BURMA

Commonwealth Governments APPROVAL OF BRITAIN’S SHARE SOUGHT NZPA —Copyright LONDON. May 9. Moving in the House of Commons today a resolution welcoming the Government’s intention to combine with the Commonwealth Governments in a loan of £6,000.000 to Burma, the Minister of State. Mr Kenneth Younger, said all the contributing Governments were ready to sign the agreement in Rangoon. Britain’s share of the loan was £3,700.000. Mr Younger said the Government was anxious to get approval so that Britain’s share could be made as an advance payment. Britain should not merely be a spectator in the South-east Asia area, “ but in so far as we can we should pursue .a ■ positive policy of helping our friends in that area to carry out the immense tasks facing them.” Mr Younger said that was the only way Burma could check the spread of Communism, which thrived on disorder and misery. Britain believed Thakin Nu and his Government were fundamental friendly to the Commonwealth, and wished to establish democratic methods of government in Burma. . , Mr R. A. Butler (Conservative) said the Opposition was by no means sure the loan would have the desired effect. The internal situation in Burma was very grave, and there was anxiety whether proper means were being taken to counter the Communist menace there. The Associated Press correspondent at Rangoon reports that the American Ambassador to Burma said today that Burma was seeking a loan from the United States of 50.000.000 dollars (£17.857,000).