Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

690B.9321/9–1653: Telegram

No. 97
The Ambassador in Burma (Sebald) to the Department of State¹

secret

Rangoon, September 16, 1953—noon.

234. Gist of conversation with Kyaw Nyein: Series of conferences among government leaders have led to conclusions.

(1) Chinese Nationalist Government has no intention bringing about repatriation KMT troops;

(2) Committee has become device for delay and lip service to United Nations resolution;

(3) Chiang Kai-shek has given no indication sincerity or desire help Burma solve problem;

(4) Shuttling Chinese Generals and representatives between Bangkok, Monghsat and Taipei merely facade to fool United States, giving appearance activity which in fact meaningless;

(5) Efficacy United Nations as organization designed maintain peace and protect small countries against aggression seriously questioned; GUB and people rapidly losing faith in United Nations;

(6) In view flouting United Nations by Chinese Government and apparent inability Burma interest great powers come to Burma’s assistance against aggression leaders seriously debated pros and cons dramatic withdrawal Burma from United Nations with purpose high-lighting KMT problem (no decision reached this point mytel 229);²

(7) Appreciate difficulties United States taking drastic action against Chinese Nationalist Government in UN but anticipate considerable support should Burma decide request branding Taipei as aggressor. (Myint Thein apparently not yet instructed pending outcome joint committee deliberations.)

I appropriately countered each of above points and counseled further patience and faith in joint committee which has almost reached agreement. Expressed hope Burma would not compromise committee’s efforts. Kyaw Nyein said Burma has right to know whether Chinese Government (a) intends withdraw KMT troops (b) how many (c) when. Unless these questions answered immediately no point continuing committee discussions.

. . . . . . .

Sebald

1. Repeated to Bangkok and Taipei.
2. Dated Sept. 12; the Embassy reported that it had learned that some Burmese Government leaders were pressing for action, including possible withdrawal from the United Nations, to indicate Burma’s dissatisfaction with the lack of results from the Bangkok talks. (690B.9321/9–1253)