89-02 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol. III, No. 2, February 1989 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Political Slogans 1 Political Articles (Excerpts) 1 Students Returned Home 6 Students Interviewed 6 Press Conferences 6 Detainees Released 8 Saw Maung Interview 9 Union Day 12 ELECTIONS Party Registrations 13 Party Registration Changes 15 Election Law Not Ready 16 Election Work Programme 17 DIPLOMATIC US Ambassador & Elections 17 New UNDP Address 18 Diplomatic Calls 18 Indonesian Ambassador Approved 18 Ambassador to Poland 19 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Rice for Bangladesh 19 FOREIGN VISITORS Thai Red Cross Delegation 19 Australian Senator's Visit 19 Hong Kong Bankers 19 Thai Delegation 19 Thai Education Group 19 BURMESE DELEGATIONS Imperial Funeral 19 BURMA GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 20 Appointments Confirmed 20 Appointments 20 GOVERNMENT Ministry Reshuffle 20 MILITARY Donations to Military 20 Insurgent Attacks 20 ECONOMIC Kalaw Economy 21 Burma-China Trade 21 Company Registrations 22 Rice Purchases 22 Joint Ventures Promoted 22 Government Wages Raised 22 Teak Industry 22 Rice Prices Too High 23 Overpass Inaugurated 23 Fish and Prawn Industry 23 Welfare Shops 24 Timber Concessions Offered 24 Forest Protection 24 Train Service 24 Rainfall in Rangoon 24 SPORTS Golf Championships 24 CULTURAL Tharchins Discussed 24 Burmese Painting 24 Konbaung Period Writers 25 Stage Theatre Renovated 26 Bells of Burma 27 Pagan Preservation 27 Parabaiks Donated 27 MISCELLANEOUS Crime News 27 Crimes of Disturbance Era 27 Obituaries 28 BAC Plane Crash 28 1988 Narcotics Seizures 28 Fire 28 +-+-+-+-+ Issues for Feb. 12, and 24-28, not received here or at Burma Studies Center, although March issues are coming through normally. We will cover the missing issues in later numbers if possible. +-+-+-+-+ POLITICAL CRISIS Political Slogans The political slogans quoted in the November issue continued to appear in each issue of WPD throughout February. Political Articles (Excerpts) Following the pattern begun in October, each issue contains lengthy feature articles, translated from Burmese, designed to bolster government views and policies. We note them briefly, with excerpts of particularly significant portions, but can provide copies if needed: Feb. 1-3: The Shwedagon Nyilagan-January 1946; The Seed of Panglong Agreement, by U Pe Kin. [continuation of article on early Burman-Minority negotiations, by a participant.] Feb. 1: The nightmares are no more, by An Advocate. [Freedom from nightmare of death threats for not demonstrating, experienced during the "recent incidents". "The demand for democracy was too excessively stretched." ] Feb. 1: In honour of disabled Tatmadawmen, by Tin Lay. [13th recreational trip to beach for disabled Army men.] Feb. 2: Preservation of cultural identity and program, by U Chit Oo. [Concepts of human rights vary; Burma does not need Western "rights" to abandon parents, wear indecent clothing, cohabit, view pornography, etc..] Feb. 2: In the bosom of parents, by A Mother. [Parental love for returned students.] Feb. 2: A matter of national welfare, by Mya Win (cont. from Jan. 19). [Political parties seek to win elections, student organizations to develop the "three values" of physical fitness, educational development, and moral maturity and to win students' rights, the Tatmadaw to "be strong and well consolidated." These objectives differ. But they also have the responsibility to strive for national welfare too. The army will stay out of politics. Parties should not injure the army or student organizations. Students as such should not be involved in politics because "party politics and students' interests have entirely different identities," and student leaders should be real students. National solidarity must be defended; "the country almost disintegrated in 1962." The people elected will have to solve the national problem, and "indigenous working people should realize that there is no reason to worry about free and fair elections not being held."] Feb. 3: Discussions between Chipathar & Pakhanthar, by Chipathar and Pakhanthar. [Dialogue: The nation is like a car; it cannot be properly repaired in haste. Ingratitude towards army by "some political parties" that "conducted combat training courses, and some brought in explosives," and by "some war veterans who have become quite well off."] Feb. 3: "A garden of joy", by E-ya Maung. [Beauties of Kan-tha-ya ground in Bassein, being restored by army and volunteers.-photos] Feb. 4: The future of the students, by Saw Hla Tun (Chaung-U). [Student returned from Thailand says UP story quoting a student wrongfully attributed critical remarks to him.] Feb. 4: From victory to victory, by Myo Htet. [Review of recent victories over KNU.] Feb. 6: More facts about the Me-tha-waw Battle, by U Khin Maung. [KNU took along foreign cameramen on their attacks in the Me-tha-waw area. Frenchmen are selling arms to the KNU. Boh Mya want aid from foreign capitalist countries; he tried to get students to fight for him, and then asked aid for them. His representatives are "members of the expatriates group Tin Maung Win, Ye Kyaw Thu, U Thant's daughter Aye Aye Thant and Aye Aye Thant's husband Dr Tin Myint Oo.... It is learnt that since Boh Mya wants aid from a big capitalist nation, he gave a lot of information about the area including Burma to the intelligence organization of that country and that the intelligence organization in return give the KNU monetary aid, weapons and intelligence information for the offensive.... It is said that expatriates Tin Maung Win and Ye Kyaw Thu's group is not only trying to obtain foreign aid by joining hands with the KNU...but also making intensive political agitation work. It is also learnt that just as the expatriates' group is carrying out both above-ground and underground activities in collaboration with the KNU insurgents giving priority to the problem of the students who have absconded, so also it is making its utmost efforts for the above-ground political parties led by former expatriate leaders to come to power.... The KNU has had to accept expatriate Tin Maung Win's group in order to get assistance from foreign countries and Tin Maung Win's group, joining hands with the KNU, is engaged not only in underground activities but also in making its utmost efforts to enable their political parties above-ground to come to power...."] Feb. 6: Which is correct, by Soe Than. [Politicized students talk big, but don't do their duties.] Feb. 6: Truth shall prevail, by Tekkatho Myatthu. [Profit-making capitalist media write falsehoods about Burma.] Feb. 7: Irritated though not angry, by Maung Ya-hta-bu-ta. [Foreign diplomats are meddling in Burmese affairs by "mingling with some political parties which are trying to out-do one another in carrying out their organizational work," and by asking leading, improper, and embarrassing questions to the Elections Commission. This contrary to diplomatic practise {quotations from B. Sen, Diplomatic Manual on International Law and Ethics}. 3 Western and 1 Eastern Ambassadors failed to attend the Jan. 4 Independence Day reception: "If it was true, it would amount to their being miserable persons who do not even know that they should respect the independence... it is very shameful for those who did not attend...."] Feb. 7: Those who confine themselves within four walls, by Ye-tagun (Baw-le-kyun). [Critics of Army denounced.] Feb. 8: On behalf of the people, by Pyi Thar Maung. [Praise for Government Press Conferences, and recapitulation of last one. US Senator Edward Kennedy "has not been able to get nominated...for the presidential election because the committee has some doubts as to his respect for law", for delaying reporting the drowning of a young lady; this is less serious than the Burmese political parties that threaten high treason by going underground if their demands are not met. During the disturbances, 4 soldiers were killed and 3 wounded; 26 policeman were killed and 10 wounded; 68 civilians were killed. Altogether, 103 people were killed and 13 wounded; if the criminals responsible were amnestied, many robbers and thieves would claim they committed crimes only because they had nothing to eat.] Feb. 8,9,10,11,12: For those who find delight in truth and objectivity, by A Reporter. [Survey of student return program.] Feb. 9: The thief who cries: Man! Man!, by Byamahso. [Dialogue about how the American movie "Imitation of Life" with Lana Turner demonstrates that "`the big countries which are supposed to be experienced democratic states practise racialism [and]... openly violate human rights.'"] [Note: same issue carries long AP story on Ansel Adams' photographs of WW II Japanese-American internment camps.] Feb. 9: Their voices which will reverberate sweetly for ever, by Saw Shwe Aung. [Account of Thai Red Cross delegation visit to Burma.] Feb. 11: They should feel ashamed, by San (Rangoon University). [US theatrical artist actress Mrs. Victoria Booth B. Ross, of New York, and her son James Patrick Stewart Ross, donated money and medicine to the Tatmadaw. Many Burmese have donated; those who have not should be ashamed.] Feb. 13: Narrow-minded outlooks towards human rights, by Wai Yan Min Tun. [Criticizes US complaints to UN Human Rights Commission about human rights in Burma. "Judging human rights affairs of other countries by the criterion of one's own is against the essence of the United Nations decision No. 32/ 130...." Israel violates Palestinian rights on West Bank, but US only gives "mild criticism," and calls for restraint. Many nations which criticize others have "human rights violations as regards the Blacks and the natives..." which shows they "have other ulterior motives." Burmese should solve their own problems. "One should not long for the aunt over the shoulders of one's mother."] Feb. 14: Code of conduct to be observed, by Kyaw Zeya. [Young people should obey the five {Buddhist} precepts and the code of moral conduct.] Feb. 15: Discussions between Chipathar and Pakhanthar (Shall write an article on their behalf), by Chipathar and Pakhanthar. [Dialogue: The Asiaweek article in the Feb. 12 Loktha Pyithu Nezin was part true and part false. Despite official information it quoted a diplomat as saying: "`It is not true that the number of students who have returned is over 2,000; I think the number...is only about 400 or 500.'" The diplomat must have been "illiterate or ignorant," or "insincere" and "deliberately telling lies...out of their evil minds.... They are scums of the diplomatic world. The majority of the diplomats are good. They are educated too." Some Burmese shamelessly put themselves at the service of the leftists or rightists. "I avoid going to receptions held by the embassies. I am ashamed of just seeing them behaving that way." Some people say articles in the [Burmese] papers "contain nothing but lies." These are the people who would like to read about forgiving murderers, keeping students from coming home, and victories for insurgents.] Feb. 16: To my beloved young brothers and sisters, by Ma Thu Zar (Fifth Year Law). [Denunciation of anti-Army slanders, such as that Army had poisened packets of preserved plums, had planned to put poisonous snakes into strike camps, had extorted K 60 million from a bank, was giving Army children counter-strike training, etc. Now there is fabricated news that returnee students have been arrested, that students were "injected to death," that they were drafted as porters. Believe the newspapers, not these lies.] Feb. 17: Threats aimed at causing trouble, by Kyaw Shin. [VOA broadcasts denounced; guard against "the imperialists who do not wish to part with Burma."] Feb. 18: Let's take a look back at history, by Kaung Chit. [Army's patriot role in Burmese history; "some Burmese people are longing for colonialism."] Feb. 18: My foolish young brother who revives a dead tiger, by Myint Thein Tin, BA (Law). [Civil servant's younger brother repents having believed the politicians and joining insurgents.] Feb. 19,22: The main enemy of the people; the Burma Communist Party, underground destructive elements--(1), by L Gun Ein. [BCP atrocities of the past; internal BCP power struggles.] Feb. 19: The "Pann-Hay-Wun" Park: A scenic spot at Mingaladon, by Myat Tha and Soe Myint. [Feature on a newly renovated Rangoon park, with merry-go-round and 9-hole golf course. -- photos] Feb. 20-23: "We fear our race may become extinct", by Myo Chit Thu. [During the colonial period, many writers bemoaned foreign incursion and the destruction of Burmese culture [excerpts]. [On Nov. 14, 1966 Party Chairman U Ne Win told the BSPP Party Seminar "about his personal experiences in connection with the danger posed by the entry of foreigners into Burma." He told of watching cars full of Chinese entering Burma in 1947 [excerpt] and warned that "`It is also racial problem. Those who have come in include the Chinese, the Indians, the Pakistanis. They also include Malaysians and others. They have got to our towns and cities and get themselves lost there. One day they will get us into danger.'" ["Thus foreigners come into Burma. First they occurred money and gold [sic]. Then they took our women.... Many Burmese girls have become wives of Indians and Chinese. They have given birth to impure Burmese nationals. Foreigners' marrying Burmese girls and trying to swallow up the whole race will continue to be a problem in the era of democracy in future. We shall have to go on living a life in which we fear the loss of our national identity...." (WPD 2/20) [Burmese geography and history of Indian domination during colonial period. (WPD 2/21) [Chinese immigration, domination of commerce, and intermarriage with Burmese women. (WPD 2/22) [Indians (kalas) in Burma. Kalas left their families in India, but many married Burmese anyway, creating Indo-Burmans. Birth of Burmese nationalism. "I think all will remember the greediness and disloyalty of the foreigners." Indians "tried cunning and wicked tricks" to entice Burmese women to India, and they smuggled out diamonds and gold. "Since the time we gained independence, efforts have been made to wipe out the foreigners who still have evil legacy of the colonialists. The success will only be achieved when the departments concerned and the entire people give all co-operation in this task." (WPD 2/23)] Feb. 21: A Letter to Win Yu Aye, by Win Yu Aye. [Author's niece wrote him that people were forced to join the demonstrations against their will; patriotism requires one to "pay back what we owe to the State."] Feb. 21-22: Their evil deeds affect their people, by Moe Nat Shin. [US soldiers brought Asian opium back to the western countries. Addiction is growing in SE Asia too, with 300,000 addicts in Thailand, 100,000 in Malaysia, and "just a little over 30,000" in Burma. In 1987-88, 1,400 tons of opium was produced in the Golden Triangle, and the amount is increasing. Burma Army cannot devote as much effort against opium as before. The US$ 12 million that the US provided Burma was "an insignificant amount compared to the amount of profit they are getting back due to the drug abuse control work carried out by Burma...." ["The political gains by US politicians who took advantage of recent disturbances seem to be considerable for the politicians but it was a loss for US citizens as there was a decline in the narcotic drugs abuse control work. The US Government also cut off 8 million US dollars as aid to be provided by the {UN} and the {USA} to Burma as part of the expense for carrying out opium suppression work during 1988-89. Due to this, officials of the western countries are grumbling that by cutting off this aid it has instantly crippled the opium suppression operations in Burma." (WPD 2/21) [Survey of 1988 narcotics seizures in Burma. Thai eradication efforts are encouraging, but the Myet-hnar-phyu Bo-tha-kih Sayas (whitemen) are not satisfied and accuse Thailand of laundering drug money and failing to enforce narcotics laws. Thai Chief of Staff General Chavalit told western authorities that the real cause of the drug problem is the narcotics consuming countries, where the number of addicts increases daily. (WPD 2/22)] Feb. 23: Idle hands make busy tongues, by A. K. Kyaw. [Mechanisms of rumor.] Feb. 23: History in review (1), by A Researcher. [Socialism and communism in Burma through 1945.] Feb. 23: Tatmadaw keeps watchful eye on the national situation, by Bo Thanmani. [The Tatmadaw will hold elections, even if "some political parties criticize or degrade it." It will not hand power "to any interim government in any way," but only to representatives elected by the people. Power belongs to the people, not the political parties and organizations. "Today, we are hearing that pamphlets criticizing the Tatmadaw are being dropped here and there in Rangoon City. A question is to be asked whether the political parties, which have registered but are instigating to cause unrest and make the country become unstable, [are] not responsible? What are the objectives and what is the destiny of such and such political parties which are dropping leaflets which are anti-State and anti-Tatmadaw?"] Students Returned Home Continued reports of "absconded students" returning home "after realizing the true attitude of the Tatmadaw." Articles include names, ages, academic affiliations, and fathers' name and address: Jan. 30: On Jan. 26--8 at Myawaddy, 2 at Thanbyuzayat; Jan. 27--1 at Hlaingbwe; Jan. 28--1 at Taunggyi. Jan. 31: On Jan. 26--2 at Moulmein; Jan. 27--3 at Myawaddy; Jan. 28--1 at Sandoway, 1 at Maungdaw, 1 at Manaung; Jan. 30--1 at Moulmein. (WPD 2/1) Feb. 1: 17 students were flown home by special plane from the Tak reception camp in Thailand. [photo] (WPD 2/2) Feb. 2: On Jan. 21--1 at Tenasserim; Jan. 25--1 at Tenasserim; Jan. 27--3 at Mudon; Jan. 29--9 at Tamu; Jan. 30--3 at Thanbyuzayat, 2 at Loikaw, 3 at Myawaddy; Jan. 31--11 at Mudon. A student returning to Mergui on Jan. 16 turned in 2 American made hand-grenades given him by insurgents "to use for demolition." [photo] (WPD 2/3) Feb. 5: 23 persons, including 15 students and youths, as well as 2 sisters and 7 family members of a motion picture director, returned from the Tak reception camp by military aircraft. [names] (WPD 2/6,7) Feb. 6: On Jan. 30--1 at Tamu; on Jan. 31--7 at Tamu, 1 at Thanbyuzayat; on Feb. 1--1 at Loikaw; on Feb. 2--1 at Thanbyuzayat; on Feb. 3--1 at Mongnai, 2 at Loikaw. (WPD 2/7) Feb. 8: On Jan. 28--5 at Tiddim; on Feb. 5--1 at Myawaddy, 4 at Kya-in-Seikkyi. (WPD 2/9) Feb. 14: On Feb. 4--3 at Kya-in-Seikkyi; on Feb. 7--1 at Tamu; on Feb. 9--1 at Thanbyuzayat, 3 at Mudon; on Feb. 10--4 at Loikaw, 5 at Hsataw Twp. (WPD 2/15) Feb. 18: On Feb. 12--1 at Shataw Twp.; on Feb. 13--4 at Moulmein; on Feb. 14--1 at Taunggyi; on Feb. 15--5 at Shataw Twp. (WPD 2/19) Students Interviewed [Feature articles interviewing returned students, and recounting their stories, with photographs]: Feb. 5: There is no greater love than the parents' for their children, by Myat Tha and Win Htay. Feb. 16: "I am determined to stay peacefully when back in Burma", by Myat Tha and Win Htay. Feb. 17: Students who returned from India & Bangladesh recount their experiences, by Myint Thein, Myat Tha, and Win Htay. Feb. 20: Very happy to be reunited with parents and thanks to arrangements made for welcoming student-returnees, by Myat Tha and Win Htay. Press Conferences Feb. 3: At the 25th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesman said: -- rumors are false that Me-tha-waw has fallen to the KNU; that 300 insurgents have entered Insein; and that 30 armed commandos are in Rangoon. Also that the Soviets helped in the attack on Me-tha-waw, that Soviet tanks and military advisers are in Rangoon, that the Vietnamese are carrying out secret military exercises in Shan State, and that two Soviet bodies were found in the Me-tha-waw battle. "The KNU usually spreads rumours whenever they lose battles." -- a law protecting political parties, demanded by some political parties and organizations, is not needed, because Article 11 of the 1974 Constitution establishing a single-party system has been annulled. -- activities seeking to cause disturbances are still taking place. On Feb. 1, persons shouted "Thabeik, Thabeik, hmauk hmauk" ("Go on strike!") at the funeral of Boh Yan Naing, causing panic in the crowd. -- the Government will act, but with leniency, against persons committing crimes. Thus "the State has been patient and has forgiven a former prime minister [U Nu--HCM] who declared that he had formed a parallel government." People distributing pamphlets violating Section 124(b)(b) of the Penal Code, prohibiting exciting disaffection, have not been prosecutied "up to now." -- 12 parties threatened to go underground unless a law protection parties were enacted; to go underground would be High Treason, punishable by death. -- anyone interfering with the performance of the armed forces or police is subject to the death penalty under the Emergency Provisions Act Section 3. -- some organizations are violating the video law (1985 Law No. 12) by showing videos not passed by the censors; this is subject to imprisonment or fine. -- 2,401 students have returned, including 88 this week. The 27 reception camps (such as: Bhamo, Muse, Namkham, Kunlong, Tangyang, Mongpang, Mongton, Loikaw, Papun, Myawaddy, Kawakreik, Pa-an, Hlaingbwe, Kya-in-Seikkyi, Moulmein, Thanbyuzayat, Ye, Tavoy, Mergui, Kawthaung, Shwekyin, Kyaukkyi, Thandaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Tamu, Kale, etc.) will remain open; the Tak reception camp in Thailand "would not be kept open after 31 January." -- arrangements are being made for more foreign journalists to visit Burma. (WPD 2/4) Feb. 10: At the 26th Press Conference spokesmen of the LORC Information Committee told journalists that: -- Fishing licenses have been issued for 217 foreign trawlers: 141 from 3 Thai companies; 40 from Malaysia; 20 from Hong Kong; 10 from Singapore; 6 from South Korea. This will earn the State US$ 17.6 million this year if they fish; if they don't, the State will still earn US$ 1.7 million. They may fish only beyond 30 miles from the coast of Rakhine State up to Tenasserim Division. They therefore do not interfere with smaller local trawlers fishing inside 30 miles, and local trawlers may go beyond 30 miles if they wish. Local trawlers pay only K 60 per ton, plus K 300 for the net, and K 15 per ton of fish. Foreign trawlers are taxed from US$ 648-1,000. There are 44 local trawlers registered in Rangoon Division and 134 in Tenasserim Division, but only about 100 are catching fish. -- Paddy production is expected to be 649.5 million baskets. 468 million "will be quite adequate for the consumption of the population." 24 million are needed for regeneration. Loss and wastage is estimated at 24 million. This totals 555.5 million baskets needed locally. Therefore there will be an excess of 94.5 million baskets, and the government has allowed free trade in rice and paddy. The government should not be blamed exclusively for the increase in the price of rice, which is due to trader manipulation. The government has a target to buy 119.4 million baskets under contract, leaving 530.1 million "which can be well traded among the people and traders." Though 12 baskets per acre "have been prescribed" [for sale to government], many farmers have freely sold as many as 15 baskets per acre. Some rice sent by boat from Rangoon to Tenasserim has disappeared, and this is being investigated. -- Since January, border trade has been carried out at Lashio, Kyuhkok, Muse and Namkham. Traders must import 40% for the government, and may settle accounts in kyats. Since regionally K 100 is worth 15.8 yuan, and the official rate is 59 yuan, "traders find it convenient and profitable." As of now, the value of the 40% has been K 56.529 million. -- A total of 2,476 students have returned, including 75 this week. -- The VOA broadcast of Feb. 6 on the State Department Human Rights Report said human rights in Burma had worsened, that the government had tried to cover up its killing of people in groups, that hundreds of people died in June, over 2,000 by the end of August, and another 1,000 on Sept. 19-21, leading to severe condemnations by the US and suspension of US aid. These accusations are untrue, and the facts and figures widely exaggerated. If the looting and killing by the mob had not been suppressed by force, bloodshed would have led to the virtual disintegration of the State. These false charges are improper, made "with doubtful purposes," and breach the "ethics and regulations of international relations." -- Rumors that film actor and humorist Zagana, alias Ko Thura, has died are false; he is in good health. -- Thanmani Bo Khin Maung is said to have gained supernatural powers and disappeared into thin air. He was mentioned as Health Minister when U Nu, patron of the League for Democracy and Peace, announced his parallel government on Sept. 9, but is not on the LDP executive committee list. His children say he went to Kyaikdaypi Pagoda near Indaing to meditate, and has pursued the htwetyatlan and practised alchemy. Since his children looked for him in vain at the pagoda, "they assumed that he might follow the htwetyat path alive." (WPD 2/11) Feb. 17: At the 27th LORC Press Conference Information Committee spokesmen said: -- The draft elections law will be presented for comment Mar. 1, and multi-party democracy general elections will be held within 14 months thereafter. This is faster than several political party leaders have suggested. -- The Army had no choice but to assume State duties. Two politicians have said "it would have been better under the rule of the British or Americans and that if they knew it was to be so they would not have fought for the independence." The Tatmadaw "cannot accept such kind of thoughts which smack of slavish mentality and servitude." -- "There are no indiscriminate arrests." Arrests "have been done with utmost tolerance and forgiveness." There were indiscriminate arrests and imprisonment during the parliamentary period; an example was Thakin Pe Htay, a disabled person. "The Tatmadaw is no rival political organization." -- At a meeting with Gen. Saw Maung on Feb. 17, Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohtaka informed the Chairman of Japan's determination "to normalize and improve relations between Japan and Burma." -- 2,505 students have returned, including 29 in the past week. -- "Blames for soaring of rice prices should not be put on the government," despite what people say. Rice is not controlled by the government. "`The existing government is not practising the socialist economic system which the previous government practised; free trade has been permitted in the country....'" Rice smuggling is being investigated. -- The KNU is attacking and robbing people like dacoits. Since the Myawaddy route is now open, merchants do not have to use the jungle paths and the insurgents cannot collect taxes from them. (WPD 2/18) Feb. 20: State LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt received 2 foreign journalists: Mr. Phillipe Decaux of French Television, and free-lance writer Akiku Takayama. [photo] (WPD 2/21) Detainees Released [Lists of persons released from detention, generally after they have asked forgiveness for their wrongdoing. Stories include names, ages, academic affiliation (for students), and fathers' name and address.] Jan. 30: 2 members of All Burma Students United Front (underground organization), detained Nov. 20, were released Jan. 27. Jan. 31: A leader of the Kyai Sein opposition group, arrested Dec. 8, was released Jan. 30. (WPD 2/1) Feb. 22: Two students (aged 16) arrested Oct. 23 for attending a training course on small arms were released to their parents Feb. 13. A student (aged 16) arrested Nov. 6 for trying to go underground was released to his parents Feb. 17. (WPD 2/23) Saw Maung Interview Feb. 5, 13: Interview given on Jan. 17 by Gen. Saw Maung to Asiaweek correspondent David King and journalist Dominic Faulder [text]: Q. The original conditions you set when you came to power were restoration of law & order, peace & tranquility, communications, and material well-being. How far have you gotten? A. There has been progress on all those conditions, but not to a satisfactory level. We are providing the foundation for forming the multi-party democracy. Now if you look at the condition of the parties, you can't go into the elections just like that. You have to organize the people, electioneering, things like that. We have established the General Elections Commission. We have already discussed the first draft of the new election law. There are different stages we need to overcome. Q. Do you guarantee there will be elections at some stage? A. I give you my guarantee. Q. But no firm date? A. No specific date. What we expect is that we will try our best as the situation permits and we will have what we are aiming at before too long. I'll say one thing: Do you think that I'm assuming power today because I hunger for power? The job that I want most is being commander of the armed forces. These responsibilities are burdens I had to take on because of historical need. In the armed forces we are not backed by a political party. In the next general election, none of us is going to stand for election. Q. What do you believe led the Burmese people to revolt, from March through September? A. It actually began with a quarrel between some students and some local people. The authorities in power at that time had the responsibility to resolve the situation. In this effort two students died and the blame was put on the government. That was the beginning, the spark. Afterwards, we had disturbances in Rangoon. At that time 41 people died. But the previous government did not announce this in time, so the people became very anxious. All sorts of rumours floated around. From that moment the demonstrations grew larger and larger and larger. Q. Outsiders were amazed by the ferocity of the response. Why was the force so great? A. We have to look at this in the constitutional context. In our country we have the People's Police Force, who are primarily in charge of maintaining law and order. We had the anti-riot squads: very small in number, about two companies. Of course, we had to help them. They could not control the situation. It is stipulated in the Constitution that if the disturbances get to that stage then state power will have to be handed over to the armed forces. We tried our best to be very controlled. On the one hand, we had martial law. On the other hand, the order given to us was: there must be no bloodshed. We looked at the situation objectively. On the 8th of August, we waited until 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 10 o'clock at night. That was the time when the rioters (indicated that no matter what) we are going to have this uprising. At twelve after ten, we fired into the crowd four rubber bullets. Four, that's all. There were six people who were hurt. Six people. So we controlled the situation in this manner. But on the following day, on the 9th, the mob came to assault us. In defence, we fired. But we did it in a controlled manner, not in an irresponsible manner. Instead of using our army weapons, we used shotguns--twelve-gauge. So the question can be asked: why did we have to use the twelve-gauge guns in this manner, why not use tear gas? We didn't have it. In martial law, we have military administration--the only thing left is to shoot with the arms that you have. So we had some firing on the 8th, 9th and 10th. And on the 11th, the order came again: don't shoot. Then on the 14th, the order was given to lift martial law. But the mobs did not use peaceful means. The situation became worse. And then we had changes in presidents and things like that. It was a very, very complex situation. Now what I would like to say is that after the election, when the new government comes into power, I will submit my report without reservation for the actions that I have taken. The happenings that occurred during my administration, whether they were good, whether they were bad. I assume responsibility. Q. It is said that you, Sein Lwin and Maung Maung are all part of the same clique. Are you Ne Win's appointee, Ne Win's man? A. Looking at it from the outside, from the majority view, it is something that gives reason for anxiety and suspicion--I'll be quite frank with you. But we have a tradition in the armed forces. The father of the armed forces is Gen. Aung San (assassinated in 1947). The person who developed the armed forces to maturity is Gen. Ne Win. The person who taught me from the time I was an ordinary private is Gen. Ne Win. Gen. San Yu (president until July) was also a chief of staff. Sein Lwin was my commander. So sometimes, since they have taught us so much, my thoughts perhaps might coincide with what they have thought previously. Naturally people accuse me of acting on their behalf. But in reality these people--U Ne Win, [U omitted!] San Yu, U Sein Lwin--are completely retired. They're really retired. Q. But is Ne Win still in power behind the scenes? A. It's most difficult for us to explain these rumours and allegations... When people see me visit Ne Win, they think I'm going for instruction or advice. But he's like a parent to me. Q. Did Ne Win know about the coup beforehand? Did you go to inform him that it would take place? A. No. Definitely I did not. Q. How was that decision taken? A. We consulted amongst ourselves. This was a situation where we had to take power because the situation had worsened very much. Because if we waited for two more days, we would be in big trouble. (The opposition) had worked out who would take which portfolio or responsibility. Q. Do you think excessive force was used in September? A. No. After we assumed power on the 18th, if we had used the arms that we had, I can assure you that the casualties would be tremendous. In actuality, in the demonstrations the number of people who died was fifteen--(in English) one-five. There were over 500 other deaths that occurred during the lootings and the destruction of factories and workshops. Q. Are you satisfied the army acted professionally and with discipline? There was no breakdown? A. I believe that I saved the country form an abyss. The country has come back from an abyss, and I saved the country, for the good of the people, according to law. Q. What can you say to investors worried about political stability and elections? A. We have an open-door policy in the economic sphere. If they want to come in, that's fine. If they don't, well... We don't expect that during our administration we will have this investment. I can understand this because an investor cannot just come in with money and invest it. You have to take time and do feasibility studies. There is room to believe that during the period of these studies, the multi-party general elections will be held. Q. The Japanese recently cut off aid. The US and West Germany have also done so. What is your reaction? A. It's a question for them--what can we do? It's no problem. We have timber and other natural resources that we can exploit and sell to fulfil the basic needs of the country. In the case of the Japanese, some (money) will be investments, of course. So if they don't give, of course we won't have this investment program. But one thing is certain: we are not going to starve because of that. Q. Many Burmese expatriates have valuable skills. Are they welcome to return? A. They are welcome to return on a visit now and again. There are some who commited crimes and ran away. I can't accept those... If they don't come, there's an adequate supply of intellectuals who can come here. You are right: we need their expertise. But for oil exploration, we can hire experts. In the case of joint ventures we could call technicians. Even foreigners can come and stay for a long time if they are going to engage in joint ventures--(in English) just as expats. Q. There's uncertainty about students returning from border areas. Can you assure us that they are not being maltreated? A. This is something that cannot be hidden. We are doing things openly. It's very difficult to convince people who refuse to believe. What can I say? We have a teaching from the Buddha--"Welcome to see for yourself and see the truth." Previously, we did not have so much contact with correspondents. To be perfectly frank with you, we were very, very lacking in public relations in the previous government. We've opened up. You are the first journalists to see me. Q. Are you looking for guarantees that no action would be taken against you or other military officers by a future government? A. Burmese don't do this. The way that (Korea's) Chun Doo Hwan is having difficulties, that's irrelevant. We have a clear conscience with regard to our personal discipline and behaviour, with regard to financial matters. Where do you think I'm getting my salary now? I don't take the salary of the president, the prime minister, the de fence minister, or the foreign minister (all his responsibilities). Only as supreme commander. Q. What will you do after the elections? A. I'll retire (laughs). Those who are still young enough will carry on. (WPD 2/5) --+-- During his Asiaweek interview, Gen. Saw Maung "made pointed observations about regional personalities and domestic adversaries: On how Burma compares with nations that have moved from military to civilian government: One thing you cannot do is compare the Burmese situation to external situations... We know what's happening in the Philippines and Pakistan and Korea. We have our own researchers. In the case of Pakistan, you had President Zia-ul Haq, he was in the armed forces, he retired and formed at political party and took over the reins of leadership. This is not the same in our case. We in the armed forces are not backed up by a political party. Our armed forces are united. You cannot compare the Philippine situation (during the military revolt of 1986) with the Burmese situation. Our armed forces are united. Just as in the Philippines, there were moves made to divide the armed forces (during the 1988 demonstrations). But it was not successful in our case... There are many countries where the armed forces have assumed state power. Because of our foreign policy I'll be very cautious in my comments about this. What normally happens is that the politicians are sent to jail. Look at the case of Pakistan, just as an example. We can look at Egypt, Anwar Sadat. These countries are our friends: I'm just taking them out as examples. This is not the case in Burma. Thai General Chaovalit and I are like brothers. On whether Thai armed forces chief Gen Chaovalit Yongchaiyuth is one of his mentors: Chaovalit does not learn from me, I do not learn from him. But we have exchanges of views on matters such as poaching and fishing in our waters, the (economic) open-door policy, things like that. Although we met only recently, I don't know why, we are like brothers. At one time I said it is time for me to go, to be pensioned off. He said: My brother, don't go (laughs). On the possibility of Burma applying to join ASEAN: At the present, this is not a priority. We don't have time for it. On communist influence during last year's revolt: It is true that the movement for democracy began with the students. But we found that the influence of the leftists had taken over the movement. And especially I speak now of the Burma Communist Party. If we look back in history, back to 1947, we find that the slogans, the models, that they've been shouting today are very similar to those slogans that occurred so many years ago. BCP insurgents agitate for riots and beheadings, anarchy in the city. Now during the time we were having disturbances in Rangoon, as you're aware we had the Mong Yang battle (in Shan State), where the BCP (outnumbered the military and) took over the area. We feel there is some (connection) in this. On the one side they agitate for riots and beheadings, anarchy in the city. On the other hand, they give pressure by military means in the countryside. On ethnic insurgency: We have no plans whatsoever for a ceasefire. I can't speak for the next government... From 1947 to the present we had leftist influences trying to divide the country, giving aid and comfort to the Karen insurgents, the Kachin insurgents and so on. Now the whole world is aware that the Kachin insurgent (leader) Brang Seng is trafficking in opium. We don't know from what quarters help was given but he went all over the world, to West Germany, Japan, the UK, and that gave us a lot of trouble. On the opposition: You need full discipline to enjoy full democracy. The problem is not with the public. It is the parties. If we say something, they just want to counter it... I will say something about the elections. The National League for Democracy is very popular. Internationally also. Who was in the party before? Gen. Aung Gyi was chairman. Aung San Suu Kyi was secretary. Now U Aung Gyi has his own party, the UNDP. What is U Aung Gyi saying? That he's still president of the NLD. So who's going to solve their problem? Not me. (WPD 2/13) Union Day [Feb. 12 Union Day celebrations were held on a curtailed basis, and in particular the traditional parade of a Flag through the 14 States and Divisions was omitted. Instead, cultural troupes {traditional dancers} were brought to Rangoon from the various ethnic areas, and Flag Hoisting Ceremonies were held in Rangoon and the State/ Division capitals on Feb. 12.] Feb. 9: Welcoming arriving cultural troupes, Union Day Celebrations Management Work Committee Chairman, Rangoon Command Commander Brig-Gen. Myo Nyunt offered an explanation of why "we are not in a position to celebrate the occasion as we did in previous years...." He said the Government had given in to student demands during the recent disturbances, including multi-party democracy general elections, but that "there were more demands when victory was closer prompted by the concept of the BCP." The BCP had always demanded an interim government, and had fought against Aung San. "It cannot be denied that the BCP was involved in incidents in 1947, 1962, 1974 workers incident and the incident connected with U Thant's funeral." That was why Gen. Saw Maung "saved the country by the strength of the Tatmadaw." "...there is difference between Burma's Communism and World Communism; World Communism usually seeks peaceful means in doing politics; Burma's Communists, however, do not hesitate to kill even their parents if they are to gain power... [example of Yebaw Htay, killed by his Communist son Maung Soe Win]. [photos] (WPD 2/10) Feb. 12: State LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung and his wife Daw Aye Yi held the 42nd Anniversary Union Day reception and dinner at the President House on Ahlone Road. Present were LORC and Government officials, senior military officers, the Chairmen and Secretaries of the political parties, local and foreign journalists, nationals from the hill regions and members of the cultural troupes [no diplomats mentioned]. Traditional dances were presented. [photos] (WPD 2/13) ELECTIONS Party Registrations Party registrations continue the format followed in October - January, including the keys to themes in Aims and Programmes (A&P). (185) Jan. 31. Wa National Development Party. 52 Byuhar St., No. 1 Ward, Lashio [Shan]. Ch Saw Graydan (a) Ai Kut; VCh Saw Nyunt; GS Gyit Seinn; JGS Sam Hsaung Kar, Joseph Tun; Sec. Ngot Nup, Khun Sam Yun Brat (4th yr. hist), Nyi Nup (4th yr. phys), Kyet Sein; CEC Ai Khine, Sam Hsike (3rd yr. bot), Ai Paung (2nd yr. zool), Lok Kar, Sam Nup, Ai Yaing, Saing Taung, Ngauk Kar, Nyi Paung, Saing Lin. A&P:I,III,V, 4,6,e,ii,narcotics substitution. (WPD 2/1,3) (186) Jan. 31. Mikhin Bama Pyi Aphwe. 10 (upper fl.) Zabumandaing St., Bo Kan Nyunt Ward, Thingangyun T. [Rgn]. Ch Daw Kyi Kyi (f. CEC Ba-Ta-La-Sa); GS Daw Tin Tin Win; CEC Daw Thein Kyi, Daw Kyin Aye, Daw Mya Htay, Daw Tin Tin Hla, Daw Thein Tin, Daw A T Win May, Daw Than Shi. A&P:I,VI,1,5,b,c,vi. (WPD 2/1,4) (187) Feb. 9. Lisu National Solidarity (LNS). 428 Khemar Thiri Ward, Myitkyina [Kachin]. Patrons Khin Bo (ret'd Air Force) (Mogok), Yaw Hsan Tan (Myitkyina), Lar Lay (Lashio); Ch Mu Shin Sike (a) Sein (Mogok); VCh Hla Mya Tha (Waingmaw), Jolly (Mogok); GS Le Me Tar (a) Ahtar (BSc, BD) (Myitkyina); Sec. Daw Arsami (4th yr. law) (Myitkyina), Daw Saw Mi Hsar (BSc) (Mogok), Ngwa Zaw (3rd yr. BSc) (Putao); CEC Lau San (BSc) (Mogok), Bya Wu (Ret'd Tatmadawman) (Mogok), Saw Hla Maung (Mogok), Zi Tar (a) Nyan Win (Mogok), Bya Loo (Lashio), Kyan Htawma (a) Gyan Mar Gam (Myitkyina), Arhsee (Myitkyina), Yuli (Myitkyina), Yuda (Tanai), Taung Hsee (fin. yr. BSc) (Waingmaw), Htaing Hu Naing (Putao), Ni Yarmi (a) Ngwa Hsee (2nd yr. BSc). A&P:I, II,III,d,e. (WPD 2/10,16) (188) Feb. 15: National Economic League for Trade. 84 Hume Rd., Sanchaung Twp. [Rgn]. Ch Khin Maung Gyi (f. Ch. of econ. & trade, So-Pa-Ka-Tha); VCh Aung Soe (MSc-Tokyo) (Myanma Oil Corp., rtd.); GS Daw Nay Yi Ba Swe (B.Com (AA)); Sec Aung Than (writer Soe Hein) (Mann Tetkatho); CEC Ba Than (adv.), Thaung Nyunt, Daw Aye Aye Myint (BA-hist), Ohn Shwe (Min Thukha) (adv.), Ye Myint (Yenan Myay) (adv.), Tin Thein (BSc). (WPD 2/16) (189) Feb. 16. Karen National Congress for Democracy (KNCD). 515/ 8 Lower Kemmendine Rd., Kemmendine Twp. [Rgn]. Patrons Thra Tha Hto (BA, BL), Sithu Mrs. Ba Maung Chain (BA), Saw Way Thor (BA); Ch Thra Hanson Tadaw (MA (Rgn), MA (Lond.); VCh Saw San Dun (BA), Saw Julius Htet (BSc-agric); GS Saw Harry Si (a) Saw Harry (BA, RA); Tr. Saw R. Sein Gyi; CEC Saw Kenneth C. Po (BSc-eng), Saw Bonny Tun (Master Home Trade Mariner), Naw Tha Blay Paw Sankey (BSc-phys, phys. educ. (Ind)), Saw Peter Yin (Kawkareik) (BA), Mahn Lin Myat Kyaw (BA, BEd, HGP, RL), Mahn Gilbert. (WPD 2/20) (190) Feb. 17. National Progressive Socialist League (NPSL). 26 Rangoon-Insein Rd., Ward 13, Hlaing Twp. [Rgn]. Patrons Thakin Lay Maung, Tun Aye; Ch Dr. San Thaung; GS San Lwin; CEC Thaung Kyaw Htin (BE-civil), Min Maung, San Aung, Tun Yi, Daw Htar Htar Mu (BSc-zool), Aung Kyaw Htin, Myo Myint, San Myint (a) Sami, Ni Aung Kyaw, Myint Aung (2nd yr. zool). (WPD 2/20) (191) Feb. 20. Matured Democratic Party (MTP). 4 Pye Sone Thaya Uyin-chan, Zabuyaza St., Yadana Kyaukkon, Yankin Twp. [Rgn]. Patron Nyunt Lu (Mogok); Ch Aung Than Tin (rtd. person from Tatmadaw); VCh Daw Tin May (lead. of Asia Youth, Mogok); Sec. Daw Khin Yuzana (BSc-zool) (Yankin); CEC Myo Chun (Thabye), Aung Shwun Wai (Swegu, Mogok), Daw Khin Moe Pwint (Mogok), Pe Thein (Mogok), Ko Ko Lay (BA) (Mogok), Khin Maung Oo (BA) (Bauktaw), Aung Kyaw Than (Mandalay), Kyauk Shwe (Kanni), Win Cho (Monywa), Maung Maung Kha (BA-geol) (Yankin), Maung Maung Lay (BSc-chem) (Yankin), Phone Zaw Oo (BSc-zool Hons) (Yankin). (WPD 2/21) (192) Feb. 21. Inn-Tha National Organization. 16 Lanmadaw St., Yawnghwe Hawgon Ward, Taunggyi [Shan]. Patrons Lun (f. MP) (Inle), Hla Kyaw (BAEd, BEd) (Yawnghwe) (ret'd princ. Teachers' Training Sch.), Lun Pyay (Nag Mung); Ch Aye Maung (BA,DMA,BEd) (Inle); VCh Kyaw Win (BA) (Inle), Dr. Thein Aung (MB, BS) (Taunggyi) (WPD 2/23); GS Khin Maung Thant (BE-comm.) (Taunggyi); JGS Chit Sein (Inle), Dr. Aung Than (MB, BS) (Taunggyi), Tin Soe (BE-chem.) (Inle); CEC Aung Ba (ret'd teach.) (Inle), Kyaw Myo Tint (ret'd teach.) (Inle), Than (ret'd teach.) (Inle), Tun Hlaing (Yawnghwe), Po Yin (ret'd teach.) (Taunggyi), Tun Shein (Inle), Tin Maung Win (BSc-bot.) (Taunggyi), Maung Maung (BSc-phys.) (Taunggyi), Nyunt Maung (BSc-chem.) (Taunggyi), Kyaw Zan (Inle), Myo Nyunt (BSc-chem.) (Taunggyi), Win Aung Kyaw (BSc-chem.) (Yawnghwe), Tin Maung Maung (BSc-phys.) (Inle), Thein Tan (BEcon.) (Rangoon). (WPD 2/23) (193) Feb. 21. The Rakhine National Humanitarian Development Organization. 16 Yuwa St.,(Kha) Ward, Thingangyun Twp. [Rgn]. Ch Hla Maung (Sittwe) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi); VCh Shwe Hla (Sittwe) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi); GS Hla Oo (Rgn) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi) (adv.); JGS Maung Maung Thein (Kyaukphyu) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi) (HGP); CEC Maung Tha Aung (Mrauk-U) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi), Tha Doe (Minbya) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi), Tha Hla (Minbya) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi), Maung Maung Tin (Sittwe) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi), Maung Maung Kyin (Minbya) (Ma-ra-ma-gyi). (WPD 2/23) (194) Feb. 21. Indigenous Race Collaboration Party. 52/kha Maha Myaing St., (Kha) Ward, Thingangyun Twp. [Rgn]. Patrons Al-haj Maulana Mohd Zakariya (Maungdaw), Mohd Alam (Maungdaw), Maulana Nazir Hussain (Buthidaung); Ch Hussain Ahmed (Maungdaw); GS Fazal Kabir (a) Kyaw Thein (Maungdaw); CEC Ali Meah (a) Chit Swe (Maungdaw), Dosh Mohammed (a) Hla Myint (Maungdaw), Shrirazul Salim, Mohd Arif (Sittwe), San Shwe Maung (Sandoway), Sulei-mulla (a) Maung Nyo (Buthidaung), Zamaluddin (a) Khin Maung Hla (Sittwe), Al-haj Asul Basir (Buthidaung.) (WPD 2/23) Party Registration Changes [Beginning in January, the Elections Commission has announced changes in officers of previously registered political parties. We have compiled them, organizing them by party number (order of registration) and--as with original registrations--omitting honorific "U" titles.] (2) National League for Democracy. In a letter dated Dec. 3, the NLD advised that Ch Aung Gyi had resigned from the NLD. In a letter dated Dec. 9, Aung Gyi said that he had never resigned. In a letter dated Dec. 10, the NLD informed that: VCh Tin Oo was elected Ch; and that Aung Gyi and CEC members Kyi Han, Ba Shwe, Nan Nwe, Khin Maung Maung, Tha Hto, Thein Naing, Min Din, Khin Nyo, Kyaw Myint Lay, Po Aung, Maung Maung, and Zaw Win Oo had resigned. In a letter dated Dec. 13, the NLD informed that: Aung Gyi, Kyi Han, Ba Shwe, Khin Nyo, Zaw Win Oo, Min Din, Kyaw Myint Lay, Tha Hto, Thein Naing, Khin Maung Maung, Maung Maung, Nan Nwe, and Po Aung were expelled. In a letter dated Dec. 16, the NLD informed that the matter of expulsion of Aung Gyi "was finally decided by both sides." In a letter dated Dec. 22, Aung Gyi informed that "he did not accept the expulsion." (WPD 1/15) . On Feb. 9, the NLD sent the following list of officers: Ch Tin Oo; GS Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; Sec. Win Tin, Chit Khine; Research Off. Kyi Maung; Org. Aung Shwe; Tr. Lwin; Info. Off. Aung Lwin; Head of Mass and Class Org. Dept. Daw Myint Myint Khin. (WPD 2/15) (9) Burma Democratic Party. Ch Aung San (a) Aung Tun, VCh Aung Naing, GS Nyunt Wai, Sec. Daw Ma Lal Thang Zam (a) Thida Swe, JSec Tun Tun, and CEC members Daw Yin Yin Aung, Ye Myint Soe, Han Naing Htoo, and Tin Myat Htwe have resigned. Maung Maung Thant (indig. med. pract.) and Chan Lwin (BA, BL, rtd. Cent. Court Adv.) were added as patrons. Elected were Ch Pe Maung Tin (retd. police); VCh Nyunt Lwin (retd. police), Tint Lwin (indig. med. pract.); GS Kan Tint Shwe (BAEd) (retd. headmast.); Sec. Kyaw Htay; CEC Daw Myint Myint Wai and Aung Aung. (WPD 2/21) (10) Graduates and Old Students Democratic Association. CEC member Myo Khaing Zaw has resigned. (WPD 2/7) (11) Union Karen League. Patron Saw Tha Hto has resigned. (WPD 2/2) (12) National Peace and Democracy Party. GS Daw Khin Khin Sein, Secretariat member Dr. Ba Kyu, and CEC members Kyaw Win Maung, and Khin Maung Lat have resigned. JGS Lay Myint was elected GS; U M Yacoob (a) were elected CEC members. CEC member Chit Maung was removed from office, and CEC member Maung Ko Gafari and Secretariat member Pa Lay (a) Tu Nay Aung were terminated. Harvi was elected Patron, and K Ba Thaung as VCh. Tun Aung (Al Haj) and Kyee Myint were appointed CEC members. (WPD 2/8) (15) Democracy Development Organization. VCh Maung Maung Gyi and CEC members Zaw Win Zaw and Dr. Ne Win have resigned. (WPD 2/10) (39) Democracy and Human Rights Organization (DHO). CEC members Maung Maung Nyunt, Hla Thein Oo (Ko Oo), Thein Naing, and Than Lwin have resigned. (WPD 2/3) (48) Patriotic Democratic Youth Front (Burma). Patrons Ohn Myint and Than Nyunt, VCh Than Maung, GS Win Cho, and CEC members Ohn Kyaing, Khin Maung Than (Pabedan), Tin Htut (Mayangon), Khin Maung Than (Rakhine), Daw Khin Hnin Oo, Daw Mu Mu, Ye Htut, Kyaw Zaw Lay and Tin Htut (Mingala Taungnyunt) have resigned. CEC member Aung Hein (Pabedan) has been terminated. New appointments are: Patron Aung Thein, GS Myint Soe (Bogale) (f. Sec.), and CEC members Maung Aung, Thein Tun, Mya Tun, Daw Htwe Yi, Daw Hla Hla Htwe and Daw San San Wai. (WPD 2/2) (53) Democratic Republican Front (Burma). JGS Thein Toe (Thein Nwe) has resigned. (WPD 2/9) (56) Youth Unity Organization. Win Myint Maung, Hla Win, and Aung Soe were added as CEC members. (WPD 2/14) (60) Society for International Friendship (Union of Burma). CEC members Kyaw Win and Dr. Aung Than Oo have resigned, and been replaced by Daw San San Aye (LL.B., adv.) and Daw Khin Khin Pyone (LL.B, H.G.P.). (WPD 2/1) (65) Shan National Development Democratic Party (Union of Burma). CEC member Pye Win (Pye Win-Shan State) was expelled, and Thein Shwe (adv.) was added to the CEC. (WPD 2/14) (67) Party for Unity and Peace. VCh Than Tun Aung (Pakkoku) and CEC member Twante Thein Tan have resigned. (WPD 2/14) (83) League for New State Democracy. CEC members Phone Myint, Dr. Hsu Aung, Min Aung (vocalist), and Aye Myint (Ah Naing-vocalist) have resigned. (WPD 2/14) (86) National Peace Party (NPP). Ch Bawa (boxer) has resigned. (WPD 2/1) // Hlaing Myint was appointed Ch. (WPD 2/8) // Patron U I M Mada, GS Karen Soe Lwin, and CEC members Daw Mi Mi Cho, Daw Than Than Nwe, Myat Thu, Htein Linn, and Aung Minn Soe have resigned. VCh Ismail (a) Tin Tun was elected GS; Sec. Daw Myat Htay Kyi was elected VCh; CEC members Daw Han Min Thwe and Daw Tin Nwe Yi were elected JGS; Daw Zin Mar Htike, Daw Tin Tin Aye, Daw San San Aye, Daw Tin Tin Hla, DAw Khin Kyi, and Maung Maung Aye were added as CEC members. (WPD 2/14) (89) Free People League of Burma. Ch Maung Maung Than resigned and was replaced by VCh Aung Naing.CEC members Khin Soe (Khin Soe Press) and Ko Ko Gyi (Twante) resigned. Maung Gyi was elected VCh and Chit Maung (BAEd, BEd, BL, adv.) as CEC member. Then Ch Aung Naing in turn resigned and was replaced by Daw Khin Khin Sein (daugh. of Arzani leader U Razak). Khin Maung Latt (adv.), Haji Tin Nyunt (Moumein), and Myint Too (Shwe Htoo restaurant) were elected patrons. Ngwe Thein (retd. Tatmadawman), Chit Shwe (Kachin St.), Hla Shwe (Pegu Div.), Kyaw Win (BSc) (Shan St.), Maung Maung Gyi (BA), Soe Myint Maung (Thaton), Chit Tin (Thingangyun), Tin Aye (indig. med./acupunc.), Thein Saung (BSc), Daw Aye Aye Myint (BA), Dr. Ba Htoo, Aye Kyu, Maung Nyunt and Win Kyaw were added as CEC members. (WPD 2/9) (94) People's Peace Organization (Union of Burma). Patron Thakin Kyaw Sein, JGS Tin Ngwe (a) Tin Tun Win, and CEC member Saw Yan Naing have resigned. (WPD 2/3) (98) Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (Original) (Burma) (HQ). CEC member Daw Thanda Aye has resigned. (WPD 2/1) (111) League for Mother Democracy. Ch Daw Kyi Kyi has resigned. (WPD 2/1) (116) National Solidarity League (Union of Burma). CEC members Than Htoo and Maung Maung Htwe were substituted as members of the secretariat. Thein (Henzada), Win Naing (Thonze), Hla Thwin (Thonze), Tin Myint (Thonze), and Daw Khin May Kyi (So. Okkalapa) were added as CEC members. (WPD 2/14) (145) People's Justice Party (Burma). CEC members Aung Kyi and Dr. Kyaw Saw have resigned. (WPD 2/2) (147) League of New Generations (Union of Burma). CEC member Daw Thi Thi Mar has resigned. (WPD 2/10) (155) Progressive New Burma Party. CEC member Ye Linn has resigned and been replaced by Thein Myint Oo. (WPD 2/7) // VCh Daw Khin Khin Sein resigned and CEC member Tin Soe was elected VCh. (WPD 2/14) Election Law Not Ready Feb. 8: The Elections Commission told foreign journalists Yoshikazu Mikami (Agence France Presse, Tokyo) and Barbara Odrich (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Tokyo) that the elections law for multi-party elections was not yet ready. The journalists were also received by LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt. [photos] (WPD 2/9) // They were received by LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung. [photos] (WPD 2/10) Election Work Programme Feb. 16: Multi-Party Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No./194 of Feb. 16 establishes a 14-month work program and schedule leading up to general elections. Final consultations on the Pyithu Hluttaw elections bill will be held Feb. 24, and the draft will be made public Mar. 1 so that suggestions from the public and from political parties can be sought. The schedule is as follows: Election date minus... 14 months: 1. Draft law announced and suggestions sought. 1 month. 13 months: 2. Draft law amended as needed and submitted to State LORC. 1 month. 12 months: 3. State LORC promulgates election law. 1 month. 11 months: 4. Elections Rules drafted. 5. Elections Rules examined by Elections Commission. 1 month. 10 months: 6. Directives announced. 7. Guidelines for Ward and Village-tract Sub-commissions and polling booth in-charge and members announced. 1 month. 9 months: 8. State/Division, Township Sector, Township, Ward/Village- tract Sub-commissions formed. 9. Rules, Directives, and Guidelines sent to Sub-commissions. 10. Stationery and forms sent to Sub-commissions. 11. Election funds allocated and distributed. 12. Sealing-wax, rubber seals, and stamp-pads made and sent out. 2 months. 7 months: 13. Course given by Elections Commission to State/Division and Township Sector Sub-commissions, and by them to other sub-commissions. 14. Ward/Village-tract Sub-commissions take, scrutinize, and announce electoral rolls. 15. Township Sub-commissions compile final electoral rolls. 16. Township approved rolls sent back to Ward/Village-tracts. 2 months. 5 months: 17. Commission visits State/ Divisions to hold co-ordination meetings with Sub-commission members. 18. Township Sector Sub-commission scrutinize and announce list of Pyithu Hluttaw candidates. 2 months. 3 months: 19. If ballot papers are be used, ballot papers are printed with signs and names of candidates and sent to Sub-commissions; or, if ballot cards and ballot boxes are to be used, ballot cards are sent to Sub-commissions. 20. Fixing of period for canvassing for votes by candidates. 21. Appointing polling booth in-charge and members by Ward/Village-tract Sub-commissions. 22. Sending ballot papers to Burmese embassies abroad "to enable those who are abroad with the permissions of the government to cast votes." 23. Measures and directives for Tatmadawmen, students, and trainees whose names are not included in constituencies to cast votes. 24. Conducting courses for polling booth in-charge and members. 25. Making of ballot-boxes and polling booths. 3 months. Elections date: 26. Holding of multi-party democracy general elections. (WPD 2/17) DIPLOMATIC US Ambassador & Elections Jan. 31: American Ambassador Burton Levin, accompanied by Political/Economic Counselor Marshal Adair and Embassy Adviser U [John] Htin Aung, called on Multi-Party General Elections Commission Chairman U Ba Htay and Commission members. Ambassador Levin said some people had been heard to say that the draft Elections Law included "provisions restricting some leaders of the political parties from standing for the elections." The Chairman said the the Commission was studying the 1947 Constitution, the 1948 and 1976 election laws, and election laws of other democracies, and "taking into consideration the prevailing situation. There is no desire to affect and cause grievance to anybody." The new law is being drawn up to be "fair and just for the cause of democracy and in the interests of the State. Ambassador Levin inquired about the date for elections, and was told that the time for party registrations was Sept. 29, 1988 to Feb. 28, 1989, and that therefore time was needed "for them to carry out organizational work." Fair general elections will be held "as soon as possible if conditions permit." Even though some countries have suspended aid because an election date has not been set, Burma "would maintain friendly and cordial relations with all the countries." [photo] (WPD 2/1) New UNDP Address Feb. 1: The offices of the Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) have moved to 6 Natmauk Road, Rangoon. The new UNDP phone number is 92911 (10 lines) and Telex number is 21407 DPBUR BM. The new UNIC phone numbers are 92622 and 92619. (WPD notice 2/1) Diplomatic Calls [The following calls, not otherwise reported, were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Ambassadors or UN officials accredited to Burma:] Feb. 3: Egyptian Ambassador Dr. Adel El Adawy called on Minister for Health Dr. Pe Thein. [photo] (WPD 4/4) // Feb. 6: He called on the Elections Commission, noting that "he was delighted that Burma was peaceful and tranquil when he arrived." (WPD 2/7) // Feb. 7: He called on Minister for Planning & Finance Rear Adm. Maung Maung Khin. [photo] (WPD 2/8) Feb. 7: Pakistani Ambassador Mohammad Qurban was received by LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt, as was Malaysian Ambassador Sallehuddin bin Abdullah. [photos] (WPD 2/8) Feb. 10: East German Charge d'Affaires Hans Laabs was received by Minister for Energy and for Mines Rear Adm. Maung Maung Khin. [photo] (WPD 2/11) // Feb. 13: He called on Minister for Planning & Finance, and for Trade, Col. Abel. [photo] (WPD 2/14) // Feb. 14: He called on Minister for Livestock and Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe. [photo] (WPD 2/15) Feb. 10: Australian Ambassador Christopher L. Lamb called on Attorney-General U Tha Tun. [photo] (WPD 2/11) Feb. 14: Sri Lankan Ambassador Weerakonda Aratichige Kalidas Mahipala de Silva called on Elections Commission members, to exchange experiences on election matters. He said conditions in Sri Lanka were similar to those in Burma 5 months ago, including school and government office closures, and he was therefore delighted at the way law and order had been restored in Burma. [photo] (WPD 2/15) Feb. 15: FAO Resident Representative Oscar J. S. Lazo was received by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe. [photo] (WPD 2/16) Feb. 17: State LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung received Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohtaka [see Press Conference report], and later saw Soviet Ambassador Sergei P. Pavlov. Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel met with Lao Charge d'Affaires Veng Saysana. [photos] (WPD 2/18) Indonesian Ambassador Approved Feb. 8: The Burmese Government has approved the nomination of Maj-Gen. B. P. Makadada as Ambassador of Indonesia. Born in 1936, Ambassador Makadada joined the Indonesian Armed Forces in 1960. Since 1985 he has been Territorial Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff. He is married, with two children. (WPD 2/8) Ambassador to Poland Feb. 15: U Than Tun, Ambassador to Czechoslovakia, was named concurrently as Burmese Ambassador to Poland. (WPD 2/16) // Feb. 16: He presented his credentials in Prague as Ambassador to Czechoslovakia. (WPD 2/21) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Rice for Bangladesh Feb. 15: Burma has donated 300 tons of rice to Bangladesh, in sympathy for the Dec. 29 hurricane disaster. (WPD 2/16) FOREIGN VISITORS Thai Red Cross Delegation Feb. 1: A 23-member Thai Red Cross delegation, headed by the Tak Governor and President of the Red Cross Society Mr. Soomboon Purommeth, arrived in Rangoon at the invitation of the Ministry of Health, and left for Shan State on a 4-day study tour. [photo] (WPD 2/2) // Feb. 4: The delegation visited Taunggyi, Inle, and Pagan, and on Feb. 4 met LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung and toured Pegu, before flying back to Tak. [photos] (WPD 4/5) Australian Senator's Visit Feb. 3: Australian Senator Christopher Cleland Schacht, accompanied by Ambassador Christopher Leslie Lamb and First Secretary Phillip Stonehouse, called on the Elections Commission. The Senator was told that all qualified citizens 18 and over would be eligible to vote in the forthcoming elections; he offered to provide cardboard voting booths, ballot boxes, computers and calculators to help in the Burmese election. [photo] (WPD 2/4) // Feb. 9: They were received by LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung, who reviewed Burmese modern history and assured them that elections would be held. They also met Minister for Trade Col. Abel. [photos] (WPD 2/10) Hong Kong Bankers Feb. l4: Mr. A.K.D. Townsend, General Manager, and Mr. B. Wallace, Manager of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. [photo] (WPD 2/15) Thai Delegation Feb. 20: A special delegation from the Thai Prime Minister headed by Mr. Prapat Pothasuthon, Chiarman of the Special Committee to Eliminate Smuggling of Forestry and Mining Products of Thailand arrived in Rangoon, and was welcomed by Timber Corporation and Thai Embassy officials. The delegation has 14 members, including Mr. Phisan Moolasartsathorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Maj-Gen. Pricha Rochanasena, Chief of Staff, 1st Army Corps, and Mr. Rangsan Pradithpongse, Inspector-General, Ministry of Commerce. It will be in Burma until Feb. 23. (WPD 2/21) Feb. 21: The delegation called on Gen. Saw Maung, and met with Ministers and officials concerned with Foreign Affairs, Agriculture & Forests, Livestock & Fisheries, Mines, Trade, and Energy. Minister Maj-Gen. Chit Swe held a dinner for the delegation in the evening. [photos] (WPD 2/22) Feb. 22: The delegation visited pagodas in Pegu. (WPD 2/23) Thai Education Group Feb. 21: A Thai education delegation headed by Prof. Dr. Kramol Thongdamachart, Head of Political Science Department at Chulalongkorn University, and including 28 academics and government officials, arrived. It will stay until Feb. 25. [photo] (WPD 2/22) BURMESE DELEGATIONS Imperial Funeral Feb. 21: Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein, accompanied by Attorney General U Tha Tun and Director of Protocol U Pe Thein Tin, left for Tokyo to attend the funeral of Emperor Hirohito. They will be joined in Japan by Burmese Ambassador U Ba Thwin and his wife. (WPD 2/22) BURMA GAZETTE Probationary Appointments Feb. 9: The State LORC appointed on probation: Lt-Col. Tin Pe (BC/8578), Deputy Quarter-Master-General, Ministry of Defence, to be Managing Director, Motion Picture Corporation, Ministry of Information. Lt-Col. Khin Maung (BC/3443), Deputy Director, Office of the Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Defence, to be Managing Director, Medicines and Medical Stores Trade Corporation, Ministry of Trade. (WPD 2/9) Appointments Confirmed Jan. 12: The State LORC has confirmed the following probationary appointments, after one year: U Tin Tun as Director-General, Energy Planning Department, Ministry of Energy. U Aung Min as Managing Director, Myanma Oil Corporation, Ministry of Energy. Dr. Myo Thwe as Rector, Institute of Medicine (1), Ministry of Health. (WPD 2/9) Appointments Feb. 16: The State LORC has appointed the following: U Tun Hla, Managing Director, Ceramic Industries Corporation, Ministry of Industry (1), to be Director-General, Regional Industrial Co-ordination and Industrial Inspection, same Ministry. Col. Khin Maung Swe, Managing Director, Metal Industries Corporation, Ministry of Industry (1), to be Managing Director, Ceramic Industries Corporation, same Ministry. Col. Tin Htut (BC/8633), Deputy Commander, No. 99 Light Infantry Division, to be Managing Director, Metal Industries Corporation, Ministry of Industry (1). (WPD 2/16) GOVERNMENT Ministry Reshuffle Feb. 9: State LORC Declaration No. 1/89 of Feb. 9 assigned duties to government Ministers as follows: Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin: -- Ministry of Energy -- Ministry of Mines Maj-Gen. Tin Tun: -- Ministry of Transport and Communications -- Ministry of Social Welfare and of Labour Brig-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw: -- Ministry of Construction -- Ministry of Co-operatives Maj-Gen. Chit Swe: -- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries -- Ministry of Agriculture & Forests Col. Abel: -- Ministry of Planning & Finance -- Ministry of Trade Dr. Pe Thein: -- Ministry of Health -- Ministry of Education. (WPD 2/10) MILITARY Donations to Military [Lists continued of private donations "for the Tatmadawmen who are serving in front areas."] Insurgent Attacks Feb. 1: KNU No. 9 battalion insurgents on Jan. 27 entered Hinthawe village, Shwekyin Twp. [Pegu] and executed 2 villagers, and later killed a man near Mabi village, Kyaukkyi Twp. (WPD 2/2) Feb. 14: KNU insurgents on Feb. 6 fired on a Pa-an - Kawkareik mini-bus near Kyondo, killing the conductor and wounding a passenger [names]. On Feb. 11, KNU insurgents fired on a passenger bus going from Pa-an to Kawkareik, near We-kayin village, Pa-an Twp., killing 7 passengers and 1 soldier, and wounding 5 passengers and a policeman. One insurgent was killed and an AK-47 rifle seized. KNU insurgents on Feb. 8 fired on a car at the Kawka-da bridge between Pa-an and Kawkareik, killing 1 person and wounding 2 [names]. On Feb. 9, 12 KNU insurgents crossed the Salween River and entered Hmawbi village, Paung Twp. [Mon], where they burned 8 houses. On Feb. 11, 20 KNU insurgents entered Yin-ohn village, Bilin Twp. [Mon] and burned 3 houses, wounded 6 persons, and stole 11 cattle. On Feb. 8, an armoured train was mined and attacked by weaponfire at milepost 123/1 between Thaton and Hninpale stations, while carrying out mine-clearing on the Rangoon-Moulmein rail road; the train was slightly damaged. Service was restored the same day. (WPD 2/15) Feb. 15: On Feb. 13, 60 KNU insurgents entered Hton-ain village, Pa-an Twp. [Karen], wounding 1 policeman, and stealing 60 cattle and 10 bicycles. 1 insurgent was killed. (WPD 2/16) // Feb. 20: 33 of the cattle were recovered. (WPD 2/21) Feb. 15: On Feb. 7, KNU insurgents from batallion 7 entered Chaunggyi village, Shwekyin Twp. [Karen] and Inbalar village. A villager was killed and his body floated down the Salween River. KNU insurgents from the old Wunkha camp on Feb. 13 attacked Myawaddy with a rocket launcher, which exploded in Ward 4, wounding 3 youths. A woman in Lwe Son village, Lwe Law village-tract, Mogaung Twp. [Kachin] was killed by a KIA mine, and her companion maimed, on Feb. 10. (WPD 2/16) Feb. 16: On Feb. 12, an armoured train carrying out mine-clearing work was attacked by 10 Mon insurgents with an M-79 launcher and small weapons. One guard was injured and a motor damaged. Pa-O insurgents, wearing uniforms of the Burma Army 55 LID, on Feb. 11 robbed passengers in three vehicles near Namhkok village, Hopong Twp. [Shan], stealing four lakhs of goods and wounding one person. (WPD 2/17) Feb. 20: 30 KNU insurgents on Feb. 12 attacked a truck near Auk-bo-te village, Kawkareik Twp. [Karen] and robbed its passengers. When one insurgent drove off the truck, others mistakenly fired at it. 2 people were injured by the shooting. KNU insurgents fired into Myawaddy with launchers from the old Wankha camp on Feb. 19, wounding a child. 20 Mon insurgents entered Ohnbinkwin village, Yebyu Twp. [Tenasserim] on Feb. 14, and destroyed 6,746 baskets of paddy in godowns. 30 Karen and BCP insurgents on Feb. 17 entered Winwa village, Thayetchaung Twp. [Tenasserim] and burned down an Agricultural Corporation office and godown, destroying 732 baskets of paddy and 1,150 gunny bags. (WPD 2/21) Feb. 22: KNU insurgents fired 35 rounds of rockets and mortars into Myawaddy [Karen] from the old Wanka camp and from the north and south of Myawaddy. They fell near the Shweminwun Pagoda in Ward No. 4 and the Natsin gate in Ward No. 5 but caused no damage. 250 KIA insurgents on Feb. 21 attacked the Namma camp and railway station in Mohnyin Twp. [Kachin], retreating after a 3-hour battle. They set fire to the railway station and a rice mill, blew up the 40-foot railway bridge No. 611, and destroyed 40,917 baskets of paddy, 406 bags of rice, 366 bags of broken rice, and 830 bags of bran. A man was beaten and a child wounded. Two Tatmadawmen died; three insurgent bodies were seized. (WPD 2/23) ECONOMIC Kalaw Economy Feb. 1: Feature article by Myint Lwin on economy of Kalaw Township [Shan], focussing on its output of over 15 million viss of potatoes, and its seventh annual World Food Day Award. (WPD 2/1) Burma-China Trade Feb. 2-3: Feature articles by Soe Myint (Guardian) and Nyunt Lwin. In the first government border trade deal, the MEIC [Myanma Export-Import Corporation] agreed Dec. 13 to sell 1,500 tons of maize to the Yunnan Province Import Export Corporation, value US$ 180,000. Consumer goods brought back by MEIC from border traders totaled K 10.546 million (as of Dec. 20-23) in soap, toothpaste, milk powder, sugar and other consumer goods, of which K 4.783 million has been brought to Lashio by a 33 truck convoy since Dec. 21, and K 3.332 million was sent from Lashio to Rangoon by a 20 truck convoy since Dec. 24. Customs duties collected totalled K 22.9 million in Nov. and K 12.5 million in Dec. (up to Dec. 19), for a total of over K 35 million. 12 trucks carried maize from Kyuhkok (Pangsai) to Wanting in China Dec. 18. [photos] (WPD 2/2) Details of trade procedures. The 60-40 ratio for private traders between imports of their choice and imports chosen by MEIC is working well, and is an example for trade with other neighbouring countries. [photos] (WPD 2/3) Company Registrations Feb. 2: Companies Registration Office Press Release No. 1/89 lists companies and partnerships permitted to register between Jan. 1-31 under the Burma Companies Law and the Partnerships Act: Companies: (1) Associated Business Consultancy Services Ltd., 308 Ahlone Rd., Dagon Twp., Rgn.; (2) The Great Cosmetics Industries Company Ltd., 485 Lower Main Rd., Pabedan ward, Moulmein; (3) General Industrial and Commercial Company Ltd., 2 Airport St., 10th mile, Insein Twp., Rgn.; (4) Tin & Soe Co Ltd., 352 Maha Bandoola St., Kyauktada Twp., Rgn.; (5) Myanma Computer Co Ltd., 317 Maha Bandoola St., Kyauktada Twp., Rgn; (6) Sein Kyaw & Co Ltd., 136 Latha St., Latha Twp., Rgn.; (7) Aung Lin & Sons' Company (Pte) Ltd., 164(12) Sule Pagoda Rd., Kyauktada Twp., Rgn.; (8) Poppa Fuji Trading Co Ltd., 107 (Rm. 2) Botataung Pagoda Rd., Botataung Twp., Rgn. Partnerships: (1) Grand and Able Partnership, 917 Hlaing River Rd., Ward 5, Hlaing Twp., Rgn.; (2) Silver Land Trading, 99 Yekyaw Rd., Mingala Taungnyunt Twp., Rgn.; (3) Gestetner Service Centre, 123 27th St., Pabedan Twp., Rgn.; (4) Aung Thabyay Fish and Prawn Trading, 34 C, Myopat St., Sison Ward, Daingwunkwin, Moulmein. By Order, Khin Maung Aye, Registrar of Joint Stock Companies Registration. (WPD 2/2,3) Rice Purchases Feb. 2: As of Feb. 1, over 19,000,000 baskets of paddy had been purchased in Pegu Division [breakdown by township]. (WPD 2/3) Feb. 21: As of Feb. 19, 10,572,092 baskets of paddy had been purchased in Rangoon Division, or 71.75% of the target of 14,734,536. [breakdown by Township Sector] (WPD 2/22) Joint Ventures Promoted Feb. 7: Members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry headed by U Yu Saing called on Minister for Trade Col. Abel to discuss formation of a Union of Burma Joint-Venture Corporation, Limited, which would use investments from trade corporations and the working people "to contribute towards cottage industrialists by doing import and export businesses on rice and rice products, rubber and other suitable goods...." (WPD 2/8) Government Wages Raised Feb. 9: "The Government will raise the salaries of all services personnel with effect from 1 April 1989 in order to narrow down the gap between commodity prices and the pay scales, to ease the food, clothing and shelter needs of the services personnel and to raise their productivity, it is learnt." (WPD 2/10) Teak Industry Feb. 10-13: Feature article on "`Golden Teak', treasure of the country," by Sein Aung Myint discusses Burmese teak industry. [photos] (WPD 2/10,11,12,13) Feb. 16: The Timber Corporation held the second teak auction of 1989. 23 foreign representatives and 52 local representatives, of 75 foreign timber companies from Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, India, and Europe competed in the bidding. 70 lots, weighing 4,389.91 tons, were sold for US$ 3.28 million on the first day [details]. [photos] (WPD 2/17) // Feb. 17: On the second day, 146 lots weighing 5,623.39 tons were sold. (WPD 2/18) // Feb. 18: Altogether, 8,304.68 tons of teak were sold for US$ 6.8 million (over K 43.3 million). (WPD 2/19) Feb. 21: Mr. Karsten Willerup, Director of the Danish firm M. Kruger & Co. A/S, met with Ministers Maj-Gen. Chit Swe and Col. Abel to discuss "economic co-operation based on teak and other forest products of Burma." [photo] (WPD 2/22) Rice Prices Too High Feb. 10: The Rangoon Division Supervision Committee for bringing down commodity prices met with merchants to discuss measures to bring down rice prices. Despite free trade in rice, and improved flows of goods into Rangoon, "there are signs of a rise in rice price." Merchants claim "there is no paddy stock under their control" because of high prices, even though it is harvest time, but "there is reported to be no paddy in the hands of farmers." Routes by which rice is smuggled out of the country are being sealed. Various aspects of the problem were discussed. (WPD 2/11) Feb. 16: The Rangoon Division commodity price committee met with the divisional Rice Merchants Association. Association members agreed to sell 200 bags of emahta rice weekly to Tatmadaw welfare shops at K 7 per pyi. (WPD 2/17) Feb. 19: "`Although the price of commodities hs come down to some extent, yet the price of...rice, oil, and other commodities has not come down as expected....'"--State LORC Secretary (2) Brig-Gen. Tin Oo. (WPD 2/20) Feb. 22: "`To bring down the price of rice, 200 bags of rice are being provided weekly to the Tatmadaw welfare shops and co-operative shops. They sold to the people at K 7 per pyi. But the price of rice did not fall down. Likewise, the price of cooking oil also did not fall down. Hence there is a need to make more efforts to bring down the prices of rice and oil as well as that of chilli, onion, potato, vegetables and meat and fish.'" When the Commodity Prices committee was formed, high prices were caused by transport difficulties; these have been resolved but prices have not come down. -- Col. Kyaw Min, Commander of 55 LID and Chairman of the Rangoon Division Supervision Committee for bringing down commodity prices. (WPD 2/23) Overpass Inaugurated Feb. 12: The new pedestrian overpass over Bogyoke Aung San Street, leading to the Bogyoke Aung San [Scott] Market was opened. It cost K 2 million, and is 110 ft. long and 15 ft. wide, with a 10 ft. wide pathway. (Details of construction.) [photos] (WPD 2/13) Feb. 19: Preliminary work has started on a pedestrian overpass over Sule Pagoda Road near the Pa Pa Win and Ye Yint cinema halls. (WPD photo caption 2/19) Fish and Prawn Industry Feb. 15,16,17,19: Feature article on "Fish and prawn abundant in Burma Waters" by Tun Aung. Burma has over 1,600 miles of coast, and the FAO found in 1980 that Burmese waters have over 970,000 metric tons of surface fish and 780,000 metric tons of bottoms fish; of this 500,000 tons of surface and 400,000 tons of bottom fish can be caught without depleting the fisheries. Another paper says 880,175 tons of fish and prawn could be safely caught annually, while only 300,000 tons are being caught now. Even 1,059 new trawlers would leave an ample excess of 160,000 tons. 8 foreign companies have signed agreements to fish Burma waters, with 211 vessels totalling 27,723 gross tons, and bringing in US$ 17,666,223 [tabular breakdown for each company]. [Further details of license arrangements, and on fishing in various areas.] (WPD 2/15-19) Welfare Shops Feb. 16: 21 welfare shops [run by the Army] and 3 co-op shops have been opened in [Rangoon] townships to sell food at fair prices. Emahta rice was sold at K 6.50 per pyi in Dec., K 5.50 in Jan., and Ky 5 now. Groundnut oil is sold at K 28 per viss. Since Jan. 9, 5 tailoring shops have been opened in Rangoon (Dagon Tailors Nos. 1-5) to provide inexpensive clothing to Army families. Tailor charges will be Ky 200 for a ceremonial uniform, Ky 80 for a long-sleeve safari suit, Ky 75 for a short-sleeve safari suit, K 35 for a Tetrex uniform. 3 more shops are scheduled. (WPD 2/17) Timber Concessions Offered Feb. 17, etc.: The Timber Corporation announces two areas to be put on open tender: 1. Kau-Ye-Kyun (island) covering 12,860 acres with hardwood potential of 40,000 Hoppus tons; 2. Campbell-Kyun (island) covering 9,200 acres with hardwood potential of 30,000 Hoppus tons. Tender documents available from Feb. 15-28. (WPD 2/17, etc.) Forest Protection Feb. 19-23: A feature series on Forest conservation work essential for timber production by Ye Myint Pe discusses Burmese forest resources and conservation: (1) Forests play an important role for development of the country; (2) Reward and punishment system practised to prevent log poaching; (3) People's participation needed for meeting with success; (4) Forest plantations and forestry research work; (5) Research work important for forest plantation. [photos] (WPD 2/19-23) Train Service Feb. 21: Arrangements are being made, effective Feb. 22, for daily runs of the Rangoon-Mandalay No. 7 and Mandalay-Rangoon No. 8 trains, which previously ran only on alternate days. When these trains arrive late "due to various reasons, the passengers are sent back to their respective homes by the authorities concerned in motor vehicles." Two other trains are making daily express runs in the mornings. (WPD 2/21) Rainfall in Rangoon Rainfall since January 1, 1989, in inches, at Rangoon's three weather stations of Rangoon Airport (RA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Rangoon (CR) was: As of RA KA CR Feb. 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 Feb. 15 0.00 0.00 0.00 Feb. 28 0.00 0.00 0.00 SPORTS Golf Championships Feb. 5: The prize distribution of the 1989 Amateur Golf Championship was held at the Rangoon Golf Club. President of the Burma Golf Federation U Than Aung presented the championship cup to Zaw Moe, who had a 4-day score of 290 strokes. Runners up were Myint Thaung (299), Nay Win Myint (306), Thein Pe (307), and Win Naing Tun (315). [photo] (WPD 2/6) Feb. 12: The 1989 Burma Open Golf Championship sponsored by the Burma Golf Federation was completed. Top ten scores, for the four days play, were Nay Win Myint (297 strokes), Win Naing Tun (301), Thein Pe (310), Zaw Moe (310), Myint Thein (310), Myint Thaung (311), Win Aung (312), Maung Shein (317), Myint Swe (318), and Soe Win (320). Champion Nay Win Myint (Construction Corporation, Maymyo) won a Wilson golf set. [photo] (WPD 2/13) CULTURAL Tharchins Discussed Feb. 4: An article entitled "The Saddan Sinminn Tharchin" by Saw Lu discusses a popular traditional Burmese form of dialogue-story. (WPD 2/5) Burmese Painting Feb. 5: A feature article on "Painting in transition from Pagan to Ava" by Win Pu continues a series on Burmese painting begun in January. In Pagan times, paintings in grottos proliferated, and there were paintings in temples. But painting disappears for 350 years after the end of the Pagan period, although it is referred to in literary sources and inscriptions. In the late Ava period, the 17th and 18th centuries are important for Burmese painting; the style is transitional. It follows the Pagan style, without the Indian appearance of Pagan paintings, but has not attained the more realistic Burmese style. [various sites discussed.] (WPD 2/5) Feb. 13: The series by Win Pa continues with "Pyidaungsu Paintings" which, after reviewing some Shan State wall paintings, turns to recent artists dealing with Burmese national minorities. The article cites, in particular, U Ba Kyi (nationalities in traditional costume), U Hla Shein (landscapes), the late U Ba Yin Gale (hill towns), the late Yangon Ba Swe (Naga scenes), Sayagyi U Ngwe Gaing (beach and hill scenes), Bagyi Maung Ngwe Htoon (hill people), U Min Naing (national groups), etc. "I would like to have an opportunity in the near future of viewing a Pyidaungsu Paintings exhibition that features works directed towards national solidarity." (WPD 2/13) Feb. 19: The series continues with "Parabaik paintings," [described as "a native manufacture writing paper]. There were two types: black parabaiks, painted on in yellow, red, and white; and white parabaiks, painted on in all colors. Parabaik painting flourished during the Konbaung era, but many were lost after the "exile" of King Thibaw. Some surviving parabaiks are "extraordinary documents of historical value." [photos] (WPD 2/19) Konbaung Period Writers Feb. 5: In his forty-fourth article, Aung Moe considers "The Two Marionette Masters:" U Kyaw Hla was a brilliant than-cho composer and a successful marionette master. He was born in 1841 in Maung Daung village, in Budalin township of Monywa district, son of U Tuang Yeik, Khonmingyi or justice of the peace, and Daw Min Ei. A novice at 14, he studied poetry under U Myat Win, and at 20 joined a marionette troupe popular in Alon, Monywa, Pinya, Ava and other districts around Mandalay. Thanks to the Salin Princess, he joined the Royal Marionette Troupe, and later under King Thibaw composed a than-cho defending the Princess against her detractors. After 1885, U Kyaw Hla joined another marionette troupe. While performing in Rangoon, he met the great U Pho Sein, then in his 20's, and guided him on his successful career. U Kyaw Hla was imprisoned during World War I for a than-cho denouncing the British, but was freed with support from U Pho Sein and other artistes. He died in 1921. He wrote many prophetical than-chos, including one predicting the Axis, World War II, and Burmese independence. Saya Thin was born in Hsinbyugyun in 1858, son of court employees U Su, a boatman, and Mai Khwe, the Queen's hairdresser. As a novice he learned poetry, and wrote many, including a versification of U Pho Hlaing's "U-tu-bawzana Kyan" on medicine and dietetics. Blinded by thugs, Saya Thin fled from Mandalay to Danubyu, where he studied astrology and medicine from Kyonsha Sayadaw, and wrote plays and songs. He went to Rangoon, and married Daw Khin Sone; after her death he moved to Henzada and formed a marionette troupe. At Thongwa, near Kyauktan, he settled down to teach, and later married Daw Mya Nyun, a nurse. The couple moved to various towns, with Saya Thin telling fortunes. Finally, he opened a school in Syriam, and eventually both he and his wife passed the Teacher's Certificate Examination. He died in 1934, and Daw Mya Nyun during World War II, both at Bogyoke village, Syriam. He wrote plays (Sein Nan Thu-Mya Nan Thu, Tasay Gale Maung Phay Ba, Wun Thudaw, Ne-Beikman Minthagyi), discourses, narrations for dramatists, 672 stanzas of thanbauk, and his U-tu Ratha Kyan. (WPD 2/5) Feb. 19: In the forty-sixth in his series, U Aung Moe discusses "Playwrights of Lower Burma," who flourished under British colonial rule. U Koo was born in upper Burma but grew up in Sataingmoot village, Hanthawaddy district. He left the monkhood to become a marionette manipulator as Sataingmoot Saya Koo. At 45, he joined the Burma Herald and the Rangoon Ratnabon as Burmese Reader, and began to write plays. "The Ape Man and his Sister" was printed by Ratnabon Press in 1875, and was reprinted five times for over 15,000 copies. Some were copied onto palmleaves and parabaiks in Mandalay. Other plays were: "Padar Sari", "Mai Dwe the Silver Paddy Bird", "Okkalapa Razawin", "Buddhawin", "Wethandra", "Buridat", "Pondaw Rama", "Kakawaliya", and "Mahawthada." He died in 1895, aged 68. Saya Yaw was also born in upper Burma, but grew up in Moulmein as a marionette artiste. Following U Koo's example, he wrote "Thaton History Pyazat", printed by the Ramapura Press in Rangoon and reprinted by the Tenasserim Press. It became more popular than U Koo's first success, and was memorized by many. It was Saya Yaw's only play. Saya Kha of Tatmye, Pazundaung, Rangoon, had his "Mai Thaw Dar Pyazat" printed in 1882 by the Pyi Gyi Mandaing Press, 25th St., Sarsodan (Poet's Row), Rangoon, where he worked as a staff writer and reader. He began writing plays in 1851, and his works are: "Ma Thein Yin", "Mai Thaw Dar", "Kyaiktiyo Thamaing", "Maung Hti Lat the Third", "Thinkha Pannami and Sister Wunthaki", "Mya Hnin Nwe Princess", "Bassein Shwe Moke Htaw", "Sein Wazi San Ma Hmi", "La Sanda Princess", "Shwedagon Thamaing", "Bo Mai and Thief Tet Khar", "Sale Nga Khwe", "Tawateintha Maha Myinmo Pwegyi", "Robber Chief Bo Aung Swar", and "Thanbara Tharthat Pyazat." Saya U Poke Ni was born in 1849 in Kyauktada, Rangoon, son of Amarapura Court Judge U Khwe Pyu, a Mon. U Poke Ni became a lawyer, but learned Burmese literature from Ahkyeedaw U Than Hmo who had fled Mandalay after the 1866 Myingun Prince coup attempt. He was also taught by Thingazar Sayadaw, whom he accompanied on a pilgrimage to Buddha Gaya in 1881 as translator-interpreter. On his return he wrote his "Maha Bodi Megga Dipani" about the trip. U Poke Ni began writing plays in 1875, aged 25. His first work was the "Kommara Pyazat". In 1880 his second work, "Captain Maung Hpe Ba Pyazat" appeared. After 1882 he wrote his last play, "Beinpon Raza and Kumbon Kommar," though it was based on another's idea. He published a ngo-chin, "Laments of a Princess searching for her lost husband", in 1882, and died after 1888. Several of his plays were translated into English by Dr. Hla Pe, PhD (London) and MA (Rangoon). (WPD 2/19) Stage Theatre Renovated Feb. 5: A feature article by Maung Maung Nyo discribes the renovation of the Waziya cinema hall (former Escelsior cinema hall) on Bogyoke Aung San St. in Rangoon to show legitimate stage plays rather than movies. The first play will be a comedy, Gon-tu-Gon-pyang, arranged by Dagon Saya Tin in 1942, with script by the late Ko Win Oo and direction by Bogale U Tint Aung. Admission will range from K 5 - K 25, with tickets sold 3 days in advance. During World War II, plays were staged at Lwin Lwin, Kandawmeik, and Naythurein Theatres in Bahan, Rangoon; later plays were staged at Kahtay Theatre on Canal St., and Zaw Hall in Yegyaw. Plays were shown at the Win Win Theatre on Pansodan St., from 1949-55 and 1960-61. (WPD 2/6) Bells of Burma Feb. 7: In the seventh in a series begun many months ago, Khin Maung Nyunt discusses "The two bells of Kodatkyi." Two bells hang in the courtyard of the Kodatkyi Paya (formal name: Atuladipati Mahamuni Sakya) in the precinct of the Bargayar monastic complex in Sanchaung Twp. [Rgn], which houses a 65 foot high Buddha donated in 1905-10 by U Kyin and Daw Ngwe Zan. Only the larger of the bells is inscribed: it was cast in 1878, donated by Ashin Malabidhaja, and weighs 333 viss and 30 ticals. It is 3'1" high, and 5'8" in circumference; how it got to the more recent Kodatkyi Paya is unknown. The bell has 55 lines of inscriptions, in a mixture of Pali and Burmese, of a religious nature [text quoted]. The inscription notes the bell's casting "while His Majesty the King [Mindon] reigned peacefully and contemporaneously with Queen Victoria, in the year of Buddhist Era 2411." [photos] (WPD 2/7) Pagan Preservation Feb. 18: A conference on Pagan restoration and the protection of ancient cultural artifacts was held at Pagan on Feb. 15, involving Mandalay Division officials and Archaeology Department Research Officer U Kyaw Nyein. The latter said it was necessary to excavate the walls and moats of the Myohaung [old city-HCM] and to recover stolen cultural artifacts and protect them from being stolen again. The meeting then formed a Committee for Renovation and Preservation of Pagodas and Temples in Pagan and Cultural Artifacts. (WPD 2/19) Parabaiks Donated Feb. 22: Daw Khin Tint of Aungban, Kalaw Twp. [Shan] on Feb. 16 donated the Pithetkama-kyan, Thama-let-swe-kyan medicinal formulae, the Inns, 5 parabaiks including U Pyinnyhathiha's formulas, 2 ancient lacquer boxes and a medicinal cup made of Pyinza-lawha (five kinds of metal), to the Deputy Director of the Indigenous Medicine Department, Dr. Aung Naing. [photo] (WPD 2/23) MISCELLANEOUS Crime News Feb. 2: Ywahtaung police on Jan. 15 seized 0.784 kilos of heroin at Wetlet station from a man on the Mandalay-Myitkyina train. Rangoon police on Jan. 31 seized two che hti gamblers and a total of K 2,988 in stakes. (WPD 2/3) Feb. 3: Rangoon police on Jan. 31 arrested 2 people with che-hti gambling documents and K 752 in stakes; on Feb. 3 they arrested 3 more with Ky 1,970. (WPD 4/4) Feb. 4: Rangoon police on Jan. 31 arrested 6 people for stealing K 458,547.9 from a safe in the office of the Director-General of the Central Research Organization. The money was recovered. [photos] (WPD 2/5) Feb. 8: Maungdaw [Rakhine] police on Dec. 16 seized a man with 18 bottles of phensedyl 125 ml.; Tiddim, Chin St. police on Jan. 1 seized 3 persons with 158 bottles of phensedyl 125 ml. [photos] (WPD 2/9) Feb. 19: Mandalay police on Feb. 11 seized 0.0974 kilos of heroin and arrested two people. The same day they seized 166 bottles of narcotic liquor, 928 tablets of TWC, and 5,890 tablets of valium-5, and arrested 4 people. Yesagyo Twp. police [Magwe] on Feb. 1 seized 300 125 ml bottles of phensedyl and arrested 4 people. Monywa Railway Police on Feb. 1 seized 49 125 ml bottles of phensedyl and arrested 1 person. [photos] (WPD 2/20) Feb. 20: Rangoon police arrested 8 che-hti gamblers, and seized K 154,390 in stakes, on Feb. 16. The same day, they arrested 3 gamblers and seized K 49,542. On Feb. 15, Rangoon police arrested 2 che-hti gamblers and seized K 6,610. (WPD 2/21) Crimes of Disturbance Era Jan. 31: Four men [named], members of the Aung San Red Star Column, are sought in Mandalay for having beheaded a civilian accused of being a "counter-strike destructionist" on Sept. 19. [photo and description of one of them] (WPD 2/2) Feb. 1: Information is wanted on a man [named] involved in beheading a wounded man at Rangoon General Hospital on Sept. 9. Police in No. Okkalapa arrested four men involved in burning alive a policeman on Aug. 10; they were sent for trial Jan. 23. [photos] (WPD 2/2) Obituaries Nov. 11, 1988: Mr. Fimihiro Kipe, company commander of a number of courses at Mingaladon Officers Training School, died in Ikuhashi [Japan]. (WPD 2/10) Feb. 2 [sic]: Mahn Tha Dun Zan, (Maubin), husband of the late Gha Than May, died in Rangoon, aged 84. Burial in Sawbwagyigon Christian Cemetery Feb. 3. (WPD 2/2) Feb. 4: Mr. A.H. Ariff (a) U Aung Khin, retired Chief Appraiser, Customs House, husband of Daw Ohn May, died in Rangoon, aged 86. Burial in Kamayut Muslim Cemetery, Feb. 5. (WPD 2/5) Feb. 5: U Sein Myint (Walter), retired Ass't Director (Finance) E.P, husband of Daw Ahmar Lay, died in Rangoon, aged 59. (WPD 2/6) Feb. 8: C.X. de Souza, father of...Eileen (German), Philomena (London), Patricia (London)...died in Rangoon, aged 75. Funeral Feb. 9 at St. John's Cantonment Church. (WPD 2/9) Feb. 9: Mr. Takenobu Kawashima, Commander of the Tavoy Column of the Burma Independence Army and chief instructor of the Mingaladon Officers Training School and Japanese Royal Military Academy for Army Officers, died in Tokyo. (WPD 2/10) Feb. 13: U Tin Maung (a) Mohamed Ahmed Timol, BA, B.Com., BL, RA Auditor, Retired Chief Accountant (Labour), husband of Daw Khin Swe Nyunt, died in Rangoon, aged 65. Burial Feb. 14 in Suretee Sunni Muslim burial ground. (WPD 2/15) Feb. 14: U Chit Swe (Moulmein), widow of Daw Sein, died in Rangoon, aged 97. Burial Feb. 16 in Nanattaw Christian cemetery. (WPD 2/15) Feb. 15: U Sein Win (Thaton), Director (Forest Department), husband of Daw Nu Nu Sein (Yvonne), died in Rangoon, aged 59. (WPD 2/16) Feb. 15: Daw Thein Nu (Tamwe), widow of U Ko Gyi, died in Rangoon, aged 71. (WPD 2/17) Feb. 19: U Saw Sein Pe, Ret'd District Accounts Officer, Burma Railways, husband of Daw Chaw Sein, died in Rangoon, aged 82. Burial Feb. 21 at Sawbwagyigon Christian Cemetery. (WPD 2/20) Feb. 21: Daw May May (Sittwe), relict of U Tha Tun Oo, died in Rangoon, aged 88. (WPD 2/22) BAC Plane Crash Feb. 3: BAC Fokker aircraft XY-AEK crashed into the Mingaladon Air Base just after takeoff from Rangoon to Kengtung, killing 26 of the 29 passengers and crew. The cause was engine trouble. 3 people were injured on the ground. [list of dead and injured]. (WPD 2/4) 1988 Narcotics Seizures Feb. 9: In 1988 the Army seized drugs worth K 21,071,539, including 497.65 kilos of opium worth K 2,473,250; 61.99 kilos of heroin worth K 18,595,950; 5.2 kilos of marijuana worth K 2,339; 1,284 gallons of acid and chemicals; and 3 tons of soda powder. Also in 1988, the Police exposed 2,832 narcotics cases; arrested 3,719 persons; and seized narcotics worth K 49,123,159. (WPD 2/10) Fire Feb. 17: A fire in Mergui on Feb. 16, caused by a short-circuit at a wedding ceremony in Yeganbaung Rd., Myitnge Quarter, destroyed 2,059 houses in Kangyi, Seiknge, Gaung, Myitnge, Tavoyzu, Yeganbaung, Ahlekyun, Kyaungnge, and Parami Wards, leaving 22,008 persons from 3,700 households homeless. Damage is estimated at K 304.65 million. The No. 2 High School, 2 primary schools, 5 fire brigade buildings, 3 cinemas, Trade Corporation No. 9 stationery shop, Road Transport Administration Development building, and the Development Committee quarters were destroyed. [photos] (WPD 2/18) // Feb. 22: The Chinese Red Cross Society sent a telegram of sympathy. (WPD 2/23) +-+-+-+-+ TO SUBSCRIBE Write to Hugh C. MacDougall, 32 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Annual Subscriptions: U.S. (individuals) - US$ 40.00 U.S. (institutions) - US$ 50.00 Foreign - US$ 50.00 (by airmail); additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank-$5.00. NOTE: Checks should by payable to: Hugh C. MacDougall. Please indicate the monthly issue with which you wish your subscription to begin (available back to April 1987). Burma Press Summary No. 24, Feb. 1989 Hugh C. MacDougall