89-05 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from the WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol. III, No. 5, May 1989 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Political Slogans 1 WPD Slogans 1 Political Articles (Excerpts) 2 Press Conferences 8 Saw Maung Orders New History 12 June School Opening Set 15 Detainee Released 15 ELECTIONS Party Registration Changes 15 Preliminary Election Meeting 19 Second Draft Discussed 19 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 19 Ambassador to New Zealand 20 Indonesian Ambassador Arrives 20 Ambassador to GDR 20 Ambassador to Hungary 20 Ambassador to Denmark 20 Sri Lanka Ambassador Approved 20 Ambassador to Poland 21 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Rice to Bangladesh 21 FOREIGN VISITORS Thai Minister Leaves 21 Red Cross Delegate 21 World Bank Experts 21 Asian Development Bank 21 Thai Commerce Minister 21 Thai Deputy Commander 21 Thai Police Official 22 Bangladesh Commerce Official 22 Australian Trade Official 22 BURMESE DELEGATIONS Col. Abel in China 22 Military Visits Thailand 22 WHO Delegation 23 Educators to Thailand 23 Fishery Officials to Thailand 23 BURMA GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 23 GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message 23 Military Titles Changed 24 Border Committee Formed 24 MILITARY Donations to Tatmadaw 24 Insurgent Attacks 24 Insurgents Surrender 25 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 25 Company Registrations 26 Economic Improvement 26 Rice Prices 27 State Restaurant Sales 27 Traders Registered 27 Rice Millers Association 27 Economic Organizations Formed 27 Teak and Tusk Auction 28 Fingerlings Available 28 Economic Review on Sale 28 Duty-free Shop 28 Foreign Investment Areas 28 Rainfall in Rangoon 29 SPORTS Delegation Returns from China 30 New Swimming Records 30 Judo Trainees to Japan 30 Athletes to China 30 Badminton in Indonesia 30 CULTURAL Burmese Literature 30 Burmese Arts 30 Memoirs of Htin Lin 31 Video Business Warned 31 MISCELLANEOUS Crime News 31 Crime from Disturbance Era 31 Obituaries 31 Parks & Gardens 32 +-+-+-+-+ Includes Apr. 14 issue. +-+-+-+-+ POLITICAL CRISIS Political Slogans The political slogans quoted in the November issue continued to appear in each issue of The Working People's Daily throughout May. WPD Slogans Since Apr. 7 the The Working People's Daily has run a political slogan across the bottom of each front page: May 1,5: Are you worried because of rumours? To know the truth, read the Working People's Daily. May 2,4,6: Only correct news, facts and true wishes of the people are presented. Valuable news photos and educative articles on various subjects are also included. The Working People's Daily May 3,8: Missing the Working People's Daily a day means missing an age. Read the Working People's Daily and keep yourself abreast of the news. The Working People's Daily May 7: Don't be confused. To get correct news of the latest situation, read the Working People's Daily. The Working People's Daily May 9,15,21: Crush the disturbance-makers and instigators. Expose the rumour-mongers. May 10,16,22: Love your nationality. Love your country. Preserve and uphold your culture. May 11,17: Only the people of Burma love Burma most. Love your motherland. Defend and protect her. May 12,18: Expose those `pining for the aunt over and above the mother' [taking direction from foreigners--HCMacD.] and those marring national identity. Combat those endangering the State and those bent on malevolence. May 13,19: Oppose those who disturb peace and tranquillity. Crush those who mar the rule of law. May 14,20: Anyone attempting to cause loss of independence is our enemy. We want no destructive elements within and without. May 23,28: This nation is Myanma Naing-ngan. It belongs to all the indigenous people. May 24,29: The Myanma people alone must strive for the development of Myanma Naing-Ngan. May 25,30: Study, critically analyse and expose the machinations of the imperialists to disintegrate the Myanma Naing-Ngan with their origins in historical context. May 26,31: Defend and safeguard the land of the Myanma, the heritage of our forefathers. May 27: Vague talk from all sides will be deceptive and divisive. 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: Apr. 14: A system should not be imposed by force, by Kaung Chit. [Sculpture requires meticulous care and cannot be done mechanically; the same is true of rebuilding the nation.] Apr. 14: The serious and solemn side of Thingyan, by Tint Lwin. [Thingyan is a serious religious occasion, not just for rowdy merry-making.] Apr. 14: Parents and children (Discussion between Thitsa and Myitta), by Byamahso. [(1) Duties of parents towards children.] May 1,2: How is it, Hpa Hti, that they are no longer making noises like frogs?, by Mahn Aung Toe. [Saw Tha Nyan and Saw Htoo discuss KNU attacks on Myawaddy, and denounce KNU "imperialist lackeys."] May 4: "Coming to their wit's end, the insurgents destroy towns", by Saw Thet Maw. [Attack on Myawaddy; 99 houses and 50 vehicles were burned, 2 militia members and 6 civilians were killed, and KNU insurgents including 2 "wrong path" students were killed. (photos of fire and destruction)] May 5: Don't make scoundrels your master (Thitsa and Myitta Discussions), by Byammaso [sic]. [Results of associating with bad company, as with absconding students.] May 6: Rumours on the wing, by Bo Thanmani. [Rumours circulating include: Gen. Saw Maung had to intervene in the LORC on the multi-party elections; Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt is going to seize power; there has been indiscriminate arrest of people in the wards; 300 tons of rice donated to Bangladesh got stolen; there have been clashes within the service personnel; large numbers of "destructive elements from the other country" have landed by parachute in Magwe. "These rumours have appeared when a party organization is disturbing the people.... Why does that organization want to open `military fronts' and fight?" ... "Now, the tempo of the rumours has slowed down and is coming like a breeze."] May 9,10: All that glitters is not gold, by Soe Tun Ni. [The VOA says insurgents should be allowed to compete in elections; history of insurgent treachery reviewed. "{We must not} allow our country to be turned into a colony and ourselves to be turned into slaves again."] May 9,10: Beware of being listed as tricky and deceptive, by A Reporter. [Two men who said last August-September that they would not form political parties now lead parties; they keep changing their story. Like the Communists in the 1950's they are not to be trusted.] May 11,12: "I know why you pity me, BBC", by A Listener. [BBC commentator Martin Smith says many students were killed in Burmese attacks on KNU camps, including 14 killed, 11 wounded, and 1 missing at Me-la. Students who have stayed with insurgents are criminals, not real students; the real students have returned home. In a war "to completely uproot the KNU insurrection, a legacy of colonialism, that has been going on for 40 years," it is inevitable that bullets and shells hit everyone in enemy camps. Why doesn't the BBC speak about the Irish struggle against the British? "It my firm belief that Ireland will become an independent nation some day in the not so distant a future."] May 11,12: Look at things as Mahawthahta, by Win Yu Aye. [Everyone wants schools reopened as soon as possible. The proof of who really cares for Burmese children will be demonstrated by who {presumably, some political parties--HCMacD} opposes the reopening of schools. Fable of Mahawthahta, who, when two women claimed a child, urged them to grab it; one refused for fear of hurting the child, and thus showed herself to be the true mother.] May 12: We all see through your evil designs, by Bo Thanmani. [Service personnel are barred from politics; past attempts of BCP to use one segment of the Tatmadaw against another recalled. Rumors against satellite towns being set up around Rangoon; some say squatters are being sent into the forest "to live in darkness without lights and water." This is typical BCP rumor.] May 13: I would like to request you thus, by Manizawta. [All Burmese, and all political parties, should observe the seven traditional rules of good conduct.] May 13,14,15,16,19,23,25,27: Go back, one and all that stink of servitude, by Tekkatho Myat Thu. [(1) King Thibaw fell because of pro-foreign treason. U Ottama and U Wisara's nationalist roles. (2) Mistreatment of U Wisara. (3) Death of U Wisara; plight of peasants under the British. (4) Saya San uprising. (5) British exploitation of workers in the 1930's. (6) 1938 oil workers strike. (7) review of student strikes in 1920, 1936, and 1938; student factionalism after 1948. (8) British supply of arms to assassins of Bogyoke Aung San; 1988 intrusion of a naval task force "of a big power"; foreign plots, and those inside country who want to be slaves again.] May 15: Only the people of Burma love Burma most, by Bo Thanmani. [Need for national unity.] May 15-31: Reply to US Senator Patrick Moynahan, by A Listener. [(1)-(17) Senator Moynahan's criticism of Burmese anti-insurgent campaign answered by citing a long series of Karen atrocities in the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's, with facsimiles of contemporary newspaper articles and reports. Moynahan is reminded of US use of atom bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.] May 16: A word to go well by, not to go awry, by Thagadoe. [Essay on atrocities in the streets--translated from Sept. 16, 1988, Kyemon Daily.] May 17,18: Parents' duty to have good sons and daughters, by Khin Maung Yin. [Fine Burmese traditions of parents' duties towards their children contrasted with juvenile crime in America, the Central Park gang rape of a jogger, and a gang rape in California. {extensive illustrations from Time}] May 17: Inhuman use of children by the KNU, by Ye Myint Aung. [Unlike Tatmadaw, which takes only men 18 or older, the KNU conscripts teenagers. The May 12 [Bangkok] Nation story that most dead Burmese soldiers found by KNU were teenagers is false. {photos of armed KNU children}] May 18: Too much talking reveals one's nature, by Maung Htwe Zaw. [All India Radio (AIR) "has been slandering our country and attacking it with abusive language and rumours." They are mostly editorials from the Times of India, the Statesman, and the Hindustan Times, and "are just like cow dung mixed with human excrement." Thus, AIR accuses the Tatmadaw of putting off the elections because it "is not sure to win". "The All India Radio no longer has even a scintila of prestige and dignity." May 18: We can no longer remain silent, by Manizawta. [A small number of political parties are "seeking help from abroad.... One can see motor vehicles with white plates entering and leaving their premises. Broadcasts of the BBC, VOA and AIR also make it clear which parties are dealing with them.... [SE Asian publications] are publishing items desired by such parties and the insurgent organizations which are pets of the colonialists.... In the recent disturbances slogans were shouted calling for democracy, [but]... became mixed with curses against the Lanzin Party and soon followed strong words against leaders of the Party. Then followed un-democratic acts such as flying the flag upside down, wearing of clothing strips across the brow and forcibly seizing motor-vehicles, boldly getting donations from unsympathetic persons, openly asking for monetary contributions from the people, carrying out looting and theft at the instigation of the above-ground BCP elements, breaking open of State-owned and private godowns, breaking into factories and mills and looting the place and even destroying the goods belonging to the people, catching and beheading innocent persons, bullying the people with such anarchist activities." The "multi-coloured insurgents" took advantage of the situation to attack in the border regions, but were defeated. "...the silent majority which had remained silent out of fear...are beginning to look suspiciously at some political parties which thought much of some foreign countries.... At the same time they fear that disturbances would occur again set up by such parties basing their activities on youths of many colours who had committed crimes and then sought refuge with the parties." May 20: Tatmadaw's concept as regards the national unity, by Mya Win. [Exigesis of Tatmadaw's "three affairs"...to prevent disintegration of the union, to prevent disintegration of national solidarity, and to ensure perpetuity of sovereignty.] May 22,23: Objective criticism on two political prophets: Mr Winston Churchill and Mr Stephen Solarz, by Bo Thanmani. [Churchill in 1947 predicted civil war in Burma between Burmese and imperialist-dominated Karens, and imperialists proved him right. U.S. Representative Stephen Solarz visited Burma Sept. 3-4, 1988. Together with U.S. Ambassador Burton Levin he met with government officials. "It was reported in the newspapers that Mr Stephen Solarz also met with Ex-Prime Minister U Nu, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Aung Gyi, U Tin Oo and the student leaders. It was also reported... {that he} also met with Burmese nationals who are political advisers of the United States Embassy, who explained to him the existing situation. It was also mentioned that the photographs of his meeting with U Aung Gyi and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were issued by the United States Embassy." On Sept. 5, 1988 (in the 5-9-88 issue of the Bangkok Post) Solarz predicted Burma "could plunge into civil war." "Then soon after, the 1988 August {sic} incidents took place and among the disturbance-makers were found white-plate motor-cars belonging to the embassies of some western-bloc countries. Some people made their camp with the United States Embassy in the background and made speeches and staged demonstrations. The long-nosed personalities could be seen among the demonstrators everywhere. "As forseen and predicted by the American prophet, the Burmese killed the Burmese weilding swords {sic} and cutting off heads, set fire to State-owned offices, mills and factories and slandered and insulted others using abusive language and all these acts were video-filmed by the long-noses and sent to their countries as if they were `valuable things' and brought shame to the people of Burma. Furthermore, the `instant' politicans and the top-most leftist and rightist leaders went around in saloon cars belonging to the embassies and held discussions for political movements, visited the embassies from western-bloc countries and had their feasts there. "One prediction of the American Prophet Mr Stephen Solarz did not come true. That was that no civil war broke out as he had predicted. His predictions that the Tatmadaw would disintegrate did not come true at all and the Tatmadaw did not get split up and disintegrate as they had calculated. "The prediction by the US Prophet Stephen Solarz that there would be other bloodshed and disturbances in Rangoon and other towns with anarchism reigning supreme came true. Why was he able to predict that such and such things would take place? "Let me boldly assert that I would not be wrong if I say that it was because the broadcasts of foreign broadcasting stations which spread rumours and false news, the various activities and interference of the long noses, the internal traitors and those who `long for the aunt over the shoulders of the mother' contributed towards the taking place of such incidents and disturbances...." May 23: To all those who are wavering, by Khin Myanma. [Everyone should support the reopening of the schools.] May 24: To Bertil Lintner and his ilk, by Maung Pe Mon. [Article in the May 11 issue of the Far Eastern Economic Review by Bertil Lintner, on "An army divided," is refuted by citing Lintner's repeated visits to insurgent groups since 1985 and his close relations with the KIA's Brang Seng. The article allegedly said that Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt was more powerful than Gen. Saw Maung, and that he and Brig-Gen. Tin Oo took their orders directly from U Ne Win, "that they were hardliners who had little sympathy for democratic aspirations," and that there was dissent and resentment in the Tatmadaw "between the hardliners and liberals." This is "baseless and false" and "a divisive concoction without any foundation whatsoever." The Army was divided in 1948, but Gen. Ne Win united it. Gen. Saw Maung "stands and acts independently as a head-of-state." There are no hardliners or liberals, no dissent and resentment. Lintner's charge is like the Sept. 3 and 13, 1988, broadcasts by the the "inethical and shameless Western journalist," Christopher Gunness, that army and air units had joined the demonstrators. "Those spreading lies skyhigh with broadcasts and articles including Bertil Lintner are only foreigners.... But with what intention do traitors within the country and some political parties which aspire to lead the nation in future want to destroy the Tatmadaw?...with the thought that it would grab power... dancing to the satisfaction of Bertil Lintner and his ilk.] May 24,25: Leftist-Rightist struggles that can disintegrate Burma, by Mya Win. [(1) KNU and KIA are rightist; BCP is leftist. There is always antagonism in parties. There is a big dispute in "a political party that has become very popular these days" over a dispute with the communists or those who favor the communists. In "a big political party," too, there is a dispute among the leaders, each accusing the other of leftist extremist penetration, resulting in "a top leader's going underground." "How can unity and solidarity be built up amidst the leftist-rightist antagonism? It will be like searching for a needle in an enormous garbage dump. It will be a difficult task to be accomplished." [(2) "Patriotic politicians have become cross and disappointed with the political parties.... Patriotic politicians do not care whether an organization which holds leftist ideas gains power, pro-rightist party becomes Government, a dictator reigns the country or (there is democracy or not) in the political future of Burma {sic}. What is in their mind is that whatever may take place Burma shall not lose its independence, there shall be no disintegration of Burma; that peace and tranquillity prevail in the country and Burma becomes prosperous; and the people shall earn their livelihood freely and peacefully; the country shall develop and the people enjoy social rights to the full; the interests of all the citizens of Burma are to be safeguarded and fulfilled to the maximum and there shall be improvements in the fields of politics and economy."] May 26: Letter to the editor from a student, by Zaw (Institute of Agriculture). [Anger at report that "a big political party is planning to distrupt the...reopening of schools." "Since we are students we will attend classes when the schools are reopened. We must learn our lessons. We will solve the problems concerning the students. We will not get involved in party politics. We will solve problems concerning the whole nation such as national political problems."] May 27: Myanma nationals are great donors, by Thein Sein. [Civil servants should follow Burmese tradition and give part of their raised incomes to charity.] May 27,28: Myanma Pyitha, by Bo Thanmani. [(1) British attempts to divide and rule; fabrication that Karens were a Caucasian "lost tribe of Israel." (2) Imperialist divide and rule in Burma, favoring Karens, and chiefs of Shans, Kachins, etc. "Foreigners should avoid...urging the Myanma people to secede from the Myanma Naing-Ngan and as to saying they will give help only after the Myanma Naing-Ngan has been divided and broken up."] May 28: Let us uproot all the stumps on which we could stumble, by Zaw Htet. [Continued need to destroy the weakened BCP, which has "crept into positions in big well-known parties," woos the students, lures service personnel into {illegal} party activities. "One political party...is fighting the Government with all its might breaking the laws...with a view to sowing discord and misunderstanding beween the Tatmadaw and the people in order to cause {the Tatmadaw's} disintegration."] May 29,30: Those lamely being affected by events far removed from them, by San Lin (Mandalay). [(1) Sen. Moynahan is reported to have asked for a ban on American imports of Burmese teak, timber, and fish, on the grounds that the military government is endangering them by overproduction, and to have deplored Thai purchases of Burmese teak. It is greedy foreigners and Karen insurgents who have cut timber indiscriminately. {Table listing 18 KNU sawmills and their daily output, with total 1987-88 production worth Ky 409,680,000} (2) Unlike insurgents, Government is conserving forests. Tree cutting in Myanma Naing-Ngan is insignificant to world weather, compared to superpower dumping of industrial wastes. Moynahan only wants to protect the insurgents; he "has ill-feeling and mischievousness ...." {Table listing value per ton of 10 different kinds of teak and hardwoods}] May 29: We cannot believe any hearsay, by Zaw Htet. [VOA on Mar. 31 and Apr. 2-3 broadcast a special meeting of the "Myanma Naing-Ngan Study Team of the Asia Study Committee" held at the Hilton Hotel in Washington. It was a roundtable with no speeches or papers, and hence "just a little better than a discussion of a motley group at a teashop at which one said whatever one liked and even slandered others." But this "very lowly and low-grade discussion" was broadcast by the VOA because it involved Myanma Naing-Ngan. ["The discussion was led by "Myanma Naing-Ngan Study Group Chairman Anthropology Professor Dr S Coleman of the Illinois University of the United States, and attended by Political Science Professor Joseph Silver Stein of the Workers University, Writer and so-called Adviser David Hamburg, Dr Waller Djiler of the Anthropology Department of the University of Texas, Dr Saw Shwe Da from the Overseas Burma Foundation, Dan Gris George of the Anthropology Department of the Harvard University, John Wright of the Myanma Naing-Ngan Division of the US State Department and Christopher Redman of the World Bank." {sic} [It was "a deliberate `plot' to make listeners misunderstand the construction work in Myanma Naing-Ngan...and to make them go astray." They said that though Rangoon appears normal, "life has become harder for people in the low-income bracket, that the diseases such as scabies caused by malnutrition have spread," and the government is like the 1958 caretaker government and "wants to cure the disease by quick medicines." These one-sided allegations "amounts to calling the Myanma Naing-Ngan a `ngapwe' nation (a scabby nation)." [The "writer/adviser" said there are differences of views between government and opposition, that the open door policy has not gone far enough, and that there are restrictions on journalists invited to press conferences. This "amounts to distortion of the facts" with a view "to cleverly instigating the people against the Government." It is not strange that there are differences between Government and opposition. He asked if there could be foreign investments under the new system; that "is not in accord with what he said earlier. This is no advice at all." He said the border trade was unsuccessful and the black market was still growing. "Worst is his allegation" that the Government wants to retain power. ["We do not know what sort of political science Professor Joseph Silver Stiles {sic} specializes in but he said that the army did not really intend to hand over power; that it is a pity the insurgent organizations have no right to stand for the election," and that therefore the civil war will continue. This is a "tricky way" to achieve insurgent objectives. "Look at his Maha Cetana" in calling for insurgent participation in elections. He denied that the racial problem was "an evil legacy of British colonialism." "What an `upright' professor!" The people should not believe "the words of these so-called roadside wise men."] Press Conferences May 5: At the 37th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesman said: -- The goodwill visit of Gen. Than Shwe to Thailand will bring benefit to the Armed Forces of both countries, as well as to their peoples. -- Gen. Saw Maung has called for the "compiling facts for Burmese History" [see separate article, below]. -- The high level talks held during Gen. Than Shwe's visit to Thailand will be followed up by the Ministries concerned. Topics included the opening of communication centres on the Thai-Burma border, and harnessing of border rivers for hydro-electric power. -- Students in Thailand can return home through the reception camps in Thailand; those who return on their own are to report to local LORCs. -- Foreign tourists will be charged for visits to the Shwedagon Pagoda, and famous pagodas including those in Pagan and historic regions; "collection of five dollars each from every foreigner entering the Shwedagon Pagoda has started." -- "Stories that arrangements are being made to send back those who commit offences and abscond either from Thailand into Burma or vice versa, are all false." -- "No discussions whatsoever" have been held on repairing the World War II Thai-Burma railway ["Bridge on the River Kwai" railroad--HCMacD]. -- The VOA on May 3 said that a meeting of the "United Burma Revolutionary Forces," on the border was held to form a Democratic Burmese Government; that one of the leaders of the American-based Committee for the Restoration of Democracy, Daw Mi Mi Myint Phu, attended the meeting, and that efforts were being made to get observer status at the UN by forming a group similar to the PLO. Daw Mi Mi Myint Phu, aged 28, has a BA (Econ) degree and lives as a dependent in America; she is the daughter of the late U Myint Phu and Daw Jennifer of the International School in Bangkok. -- Former Chairman of the Democratic Party for New Society [No. 18] Moe Thee Zun has gone underground, of his own volition; his claim that he faced arrest by the Tatmadaw is groundless--he was merely warned 4 times "to carry out party activities within the framework of law." Party splits and divisions are not our concern. -- It is not true that 100-150 members of the Democratic Party [No. 1] have been arrested since Sept. 18, 1988. -- The date for completion of the "True facts on Burmese History" book has not been set, but it will be carried out "correctly and swiftly" in accordance with the Tatmadaw motto. -- The BBC story of Apr. 19, that the Tatmadaw put up obscene posters in the border town of Tamu [Sagaing] in order to harm the prestige of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, that the accusation was made by U Min Kyi, a regional committee member of the National League for Democracy [No. 2], and that the authorities had confiscated a Reuter correspondent's camera used to film the posters, are all false, as testified by U Min Kyi. (WPD 5/6) May 12: At the 38th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesman said: -- Tourism has grown from 20,000 visitors in 1977-78 to 42,000 in 1987-88, of whom 40% were on group tours and 60% individuals. Before 1962, 1-month visas were given tourists; this was changed to 24 hours in 1962, to 72 hours in 1969, and to 7 days in 1970. Most tourists were French, Germans, Americans, British, Italians, or Japanese. Tourist complain of the 7-day limit. At present, tourists can visit Rangoon, Pegu, Pagan, Mandalay, Maymyo, Taunggyi, Inle, Kalaw, Pindaya, and Ngapali. The average daily expenditure was US$ 100 per day for group tourists, and US$20 per day for individuals. -- Effective today, tourist visas will be issued for 14-days. Charter groups can also now fly directly from Bangkok or Chiangmai [Thailand] to Pagan-Nyaung-U, Mandalay, or Heho [Taunggyi] airports, without going through Rangoon. Visitors will be permitted to visit Maungmagan, Moumein, Bassein, Chaungtha, Prome, Pyinmana, Yezin, Meiktila, Monywa and other regions by air, rail, or water. -- Three new modern 5-Star hotels will be built in joint-ventures with foreign companies, at a cost of US$ 90 million (60% foreign currency): one with 400-500 rooms on Ahlone Road in Rangoon near the Pyithu Hluttaw Building, one in Pagan next to the Thiri Pyitsaya, and one in Mandalay near the Mandalay Hotel. Resthouses will be built in Monywa (48 rooms), Meiktila (38), Maymyo (25), Popa (24), Kyaikhtiyo (18), Yezin-Pyinmana (24), Prome (24), Chaungtha (20), and Bassein (24). There are people who want to invest in Burmese tourism. Rangoon's Strand and Inya Lake Hotels will be repaired and renovated, also by joint-venture. A new tourism law is being drafted. Arrangements are being made to add regional dishes and specialities to [hotel] menus. -- The Tatmadaw is attacking the KNU Wankha camps; further details will be released soon. -- The Kokang group has split from the BCP and formed the Kokang Democracy Party. The Wa national group has also split and exists independently at the Pansang headquarters. But the two have not joined together. -- There is no rice shortage. Paddy production is estimated at 649.5 million baskets; the State had planned to buy 119.4 million, but could not obtain even 100 million. Only small amounts have been smuggled out of the country. The government does not fix prices, because this would make goods disappear. Rather, the government distributes engine oil and lubricating oil, to bring down prices, and the welfare shops sell rice to the poor at reasonable prices. -- The government wishes to reopen all schools and institutions of higher learning. There will be no change of the green uniforms prescribed for students and teachers, nor of text books and curricula, but "terms and usages which are not in tune with the times will be changed." -- We have only now heard of the Thon-yaung-chai Kyaung-tha Ahphwe (Three-colour student group), whose seal was used at a border-area meeting, and do not know from which organization or party it is. We have only heard of the Ba-Ka-Tha (Bama Naing-ngan-lon-saing-ya Kyaung-tha-mya Tha-megga) (Federation of the All-Burma Students Union), Ma-Ka-Tha (Committee for reorganization of All-Burma Students Union), Rangoon University students union, Rangoon Institute of Technology students union, basic education students union, ABSDF (All-Burma Students Democratic Front), and the Mandalay University Students Union. -- It is true that Min Theinkha and Ba-Ka-Tha Vice Chairman Ko Ko Gyi have been under detention, for making seditious speeches, together with Min Ko Naing. They will be dealt with according to law. -- Aung Din of Ba-ka-tha has been arrested and action is being taken against him. -- It is not true that merchants may not join political parties. -- We have heard that Wa insurgents captured the BCP headquarters at Pangsan and wounded and seized BCP Chairman Ba Thein Tin; we are investigating. The Kokang and Wa have seized the Burman senior BCP cadres, and some small units have been formed with ex-BCP cadres. The underground BCP strength has been reduced by half, but vigilence is still needed. The Wa have not requested peace talks, but have said they will not attack the Tatmadaw unless attacked. (WPD 5/13) May 18: At the 39th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesman said: -- Students and youths who return home from the insurgents must report to the authorities. Those who do not "remain as armed insurgents" and are thus subject to punishment for High Treason, which is death or transportation for life. Moreover, one who "harbours such absconding persons or gives assistance to their destructive activities or comforts them" may be punished by transportation for life or imprisonment for 10 years. Moreover, if anyone knows of such a person, "it is necessary for him or her to inform the authorities," or be guilty of failing to disclose High Treason, which is punishable by imprisonment for 7 years. Many of those who joined the insurgents had first committed crimes such as murder or destroying State property; anyone harbouring a person guilty of a crime is subject to imprisonment for from 2-5 years. Mere membership in an insurgent group, even if inactive and because of ethnic origin, is subject to 2-3 years imprisonment. Anyone who was a member of an insurgent group, for whatever reason, "cannot stay above the ground stealthily after leaving respective insurgents' organization of their own will," but must turn himself in. These are clarifications of the law, and "should not be regarded as an act of threatening." -- A State has four main characteristics--race, territory, government, and sovereignty--which must be strong if the country is to be strong. It is the duty of the Tatmadaw to defend them. In fighting insurgents it is not fighting any race, but only protecting the stability, union, and sovereignty of the State. -- The Army has captured the KNU Thitkara camp, Mawphathu saw mill camp, and Old Wakha camp. The 44th Light Infantry Division launched the attack on Thitkara camp on May 9 against 100 enemies, and captured it, killing 3. The same day, it attacked the Mawphathu saw mill camp, and captured it without casualties, killing 1, and seizing sawmills, timber, and other equipment. Old Wakha camp was captured May 17, after an offensive beginning May 7 against 150 KNU. 34 Burmese troops were killed and 95 wounded; 43 enemy were killed and 12 weapons seized. The 66th LID captured the KNU Uthuta camp on May 16, capturing much equipment, with a loss of 2. [map] The Old Wakha camp was captured in 1977, but subsequently reoccupied. -- Senator Moynahan's statement, broadcast by VOA on May 17, that the Burma Army was attacking KNU camps because of the students hiding there is false; if students or others in the camps got killed it was coincidental. -- The government had to raise the price of rice because of the rise in the price of the rice it bought for distribution. Rice prices are not a government concern, but it is trying to help out during the interim period. Rice is being sold for K 9.50 per pyi. Small groups of youths are going to the countryside and offering K 9-10,000 per 100 bushels, but only buy a little; this may raise prices. Prices are gradually coming down. -- Of the absconded students, 3,056 have returned, plus 101 from the student battalions, for a total of 3,157. Only a few criminals remain with the KNU. But the KNU now holds only the Mane-Palaw stronghold; other camps are small camps "by which timber is stolen." -- After these defeats, the KNU may form into small groups and "create disturbances to the inner towns and villages." They once did so in the delta region. The people is requested to report KNU movements to the Army. -- Schools will be reopened in June, but a date has not been set. (WPD 5/19) May 26: At the 40th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesman said: -- "Measures are being taken for the correct use of Burmese expressions. For example, our country is officially called `Pyi-daung-su Myanma Naing-Ngan' and is expressed in English as `Union of Burma'. `Burma' sounds like mentioning `Bama'. In fact, it does not mean the Bama (Burmese nationals), one of the national racial groups of the Union only. It means `Myanma', all the national racial groups who are resident in the Union such as Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Mon, Rakhine Bama, and Shan nationals. Therefore, to use `Burma' is incorrect and `Myanma' should be used instead. Accordingly, `Union of Myanma' will be used in the future. Furthermore, measures are being taken for using words such as `Yangon', `Pyi', `Sittwe', `Mawlamyaing' and `Pathein' in place of `Rangoon', `Prome', `Akyab', `Moulmein' and `Bassein' respectively. These have been told to you, journalists in advance to have first hand knowledge." -- Everyone must abide by the Printers and Publishers Registration Law of 1962. It is clarified that: printed matter includes hand written matter; printer or publisher includes officers, partners, shareholder managers, directors, or anyone in charge of printing or publishing organizations. Violations of registration requirements carry a 3-year imprisonment and K 2,000 fine penalty. -- The criteria for scrutiny of all manuscripts are : "1. whether the writings affect the policies laid down by the State or not; 2. ...affect religious aspect within the religion or affect other religions or not; 3. ...affect the national unity or not; 4. ...affect security, enforcement of the rule of law and order, enforcement of discipline and peace and tranquillity or not; 5. ...contain wrong thoughts which could send fright into youth and children or not; 6. ...which are not in conformity with the times and conditions are included or not even though the facts are true; 7. ...contain indecent facts or not; 8. ...contain the facts which encourage unnaturally cruel acts and crimes or not; 9. ...contain facts detrimental to Myanma culture; 10. ...contain facts which are not constructive but which only slander the activities or the departments or not; 11. ...contain the facts which will affect the dignity of a person or not; 12. ...contain the facts which serve as propaganda in favour of other organizations in the country and foreign contries in connection with political, ideological and personnel affairs or not; 13. ... contain the facts which will affect the character of the youths and children or not. "The essence of these facts is true at any place and at any time and these are to be observed by every cultured human society...." "Now there are a lot of printing and publishing works which are detrimental to existing law.... Papers having no imprint [of publisher and press] have been published.... The most unpleasant factor is that some political parties are publishing those which are not in conformity with this law.... They pretend not to know this law.... Things being done now...are also similar to the ways and means of the insurgents .... I have to give warning again to abide by the Printers and Publishers Registration Law." -- Negotiations with insurgents "has not yet been taken into consideration." Nobody asked for a ceasefire and mediation when the Rangoon government was cornered by the insurgents. Insurgents ask for talks in order to get relief from attack, or to gain political advantage. If they have no such intentions "we will possibly consider the matters for holding talks on ceasefire and peace," but could not accept suggestions like withdrawing 10 miles back from their regions. Ceasefire and peace were not discussed with the visiting Thai General; only current affairs. Any negotiations with insurgents would be an internal affair, and insurgents could contact the government directly; if so, "the matter of negotiation might be taken into consideration depending on the time and situation...." -- The rumor that Karens in Insein [Twp., Rangoon] will be dispersed to satellite towns is false; we are fighting insurgents, not racial groups. (WPD 5/27) -- The rumor that the school entry age will be increased from 5 to 6 years is false; that would be a reform, and there will be no educational reform [under the LORC government]. May 29: At the 41st State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesman said: -- Some unscrupulous persons have spread rumors that currency inscribed "Union of Burma" is to be demonetized following the planned change of "Union of Burma" into "Myanma Naing-Ngan." As a result, the price of gold, silver, and motorcars "skyrocketed" on May 27-28. These rumors are false. "We hereby guarantee that all the currency notes in circulation will not be demonetized." On Mar. 3 assurance was given that there would be no devaluation and demonetization of currency. "We here reiterate this and declare our assurances .... We say unequivocally, `use the currency notes with confidence.' We will not talk about this matter any more and if the people believe rumours and get themselves duped, we can't help it." "We have no plans to use `Myanmanese' for Myanma people. We only have plans to use Myanma Naing-Ngan-thar Rakhines, Myanma Naing-Ngan-thar Shans, Myanma Naing-Ngan-thar Chins, Myanma Naing-Ngan-thar Karens, Myanma Naing-Ngan-thar Burmans and so on. We have no plans to change the word `Burma' printed on the currency notes. The rumour ...that a vessel belonging to the Myanma Five Star Line is on its way to...Germany to fetch new currency notes to be issued is totally false .... A group made up of experts will be formed for the terms in connection with national racial groups and places to be correct and accurate." (WPD 5/30) Saw Maung Orders New History May 5: Defence Services Commander-in-Chief [Gen. Saw Maung] Order No. 163 25/Oo 1 of May 5, 1989, requested the Burma Government to support new research on recent Burmese history. At a followup meeting, the task was assigned to the Ministry of Education, "by forming a Committee for compiling true facts on Burmese History with persons from Historical Research Department of the Rangoon University, those from outside who know history well and those who are interested in history. Hence those who are still alive and had taken part in the struggle for Burma's independence, in the period after attainment of Burma's independence, in the period of the Revolutionary Government, in the period of the Government of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma, and in the present period, have been requested...for giving assistance when they are interviewed by the Committee...." The text of Gen. Saw Maung's Order is as follows: To: The Government of the Union of Burma through the Ministry of Defence Subject: The matter of compiling facts for writing Burmese History: 1. In compiling Burmese History, it is found that compiling work proceeds according to the following programme: (a) compiling of successive ancient dynasties (Tagaung, Srikestra, etc.) (b) Burma's becoming a colony and the struggle for independence (c) attainment of independence and the coming into being of the Revolutionary Council necessitated by the near disintegration of the Union 2. In compiling a history, it is natural to follow the process of compiling one era after another. Only then will there be sequence of continuity. 3. If we take a look at the situation in connection with compilation of history, we will find the following books: (a) The Fundamental History of Burma (Volume 1) and Part I and Part II of Volume 2 (roughly up to the annexation of Burma by the British.) (b) According to the Ministry of Education, the history of the struggles for independence has been compiled, it is learnt. (c) A brief history of the undertakings and activities of the Revolutionary Council. 4. Political parties, organizations, associations, students incidents' [sic] and the Doh Bama Asiayone as well as the role of the Thirty Comrades were involved in the struggle for independence. 5. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied tyhat Burma regained its independence on 4 January 1948. Various kinds of insurrections broke out together with the attainment of independence. The insurrections originated in ideology, in racialism, in colonial legacy, etc. 6. After the attainment of independence, the Tatmadaw had to take part in the affairs of the State. In 1958-59 the Tatmadaw formed the caretaker government and held fair elections; in 1962 the Tatmadaw took custody of State power as the Union was on the verge of disintegration and the Revolutionary Council came into being; the Tatmadaw launched the Socialist Revolution and led the State by the Burmese Way to Socialism and in 1988 the Tatmadaw had unavoidably to take over control of the State as anarchist tendencies emerged following the demands for democracy. 7. The political situations today are very complicated and the changes taking place are also very swift. There are political parties' allegations to the effect that the origin of today's incidents was the waning of democracy owing to the system of one-party dictatorship since the coming into being of the Revolutionary Council in 1962 and that democracy has been eclipsed since 1962. Those who thus allege include some former members of the Revolutionary Council and some former army commanders who signed the agreement for establishment of this system. 8. I have said above that I believe there will be links between cause and effect only if history is compiled in the process of sequence of continuity. I think there should be a part which should be briefly compiled on the basis of facts so as to enable the people to know the part that ought to be compiled on long-term basis and the events that have taken place at present. I say this because in compiling the history from the time independence was regained up to the present they have to compile on the basis of papers, documents and materials, so also there are facts which were not written down but which can be told only by those involved. I think that while the personalities who were engaged in politics during the British rule and the Thirty Comrades with whom the Tatmadaw was formed are still alive, it is necessary to request them to tell whatever they remember (what has not yet been written) and compile them as historical evidence as quickly as possible. 9. There are some among the people who, due to the situations that took place during 1988, have no clear-cut outlooks towards the Tatmadaw. We accept the fact that the cause of the incidents that took place during 1988 was the consequences of the coming into being of the Revolutionary Council and the activities it carried out. We also consider that the coming into being of the Revolutionary Council in 1962 was the consequence of the weakness of the 1947 Constitution. We believe that it was not because of the weakness of the entire Constitution but because of the right to secede contained in Chapter 10 of the Constitution that the Revolutionary Council came into being. When the right to secede contained in that Constitution is roughly studied, it is found the right to secede is not contained in (a) the Panglong Agreement of 1947 (b) Bogyoke Aung San's guidance at the Constituent Assembly held in 1947 in connection with the drawing up of the Constitution and (c) the records of the AFPFL preparatory conference. 10. However, it was found in the minutes, records and report of Burma's Constituent Assembly meeting that that matter was discussed in Chapter II and was approved with some amendments at the meeting held on 28 July 1947. 11. The Revolutionary Council took over the powers of the State in 1962 owing to the weakness of the 1947 Constitution and a Constitution came into being in 1974 in order to hand over the powers of the State to the people. When those constitutions are studied, it is found that the Constitution of 1947 was promulgated by the Hluttaw with the approval of the Hluttaw members of the Constituent Assembly in order to take back the independence from the British and that the 1974 Constitution was approved by a national referendum and promulgated by the first Pyithu Hluttaw. When the Burmese Way to Socialism was adopted and being implemented after the coming into being of the Revolutionary Council, it was found that it had carried out [sic] according to the objectives laid down during the struggle for independence, the speeches made by Bogyoke Aung San and the announcement made by temporary President Sao Shwe Thaike at the Constituent Assembly on 4 January 1948. 12. There are many peculiar characteristics in Burma. One is the existence of many national racial groups and small races. It is expected that the multi-party election will be held in the near future and that the people's representatives will draw up a constitution of the State or a constitution of the Union of Burma. Appropriate lessons must be drawn from the mistakes of the past and efforts must be made not to make mistakes again. 13. We are not dogmatists who believe that a system must continue to exist perpetually and that there must be no changes. Things which should be revised must be revised. For that, it is necessary to draw lessons from the past mistakes. I would like to ask history researchers to do that as well as to meet those who took part in the struggle for independence and persons who took part in the drawing up of the 1947 Constitution and ask questions from them and compile facts. 14. If contact is made with the Ministry of Defence to ask for help to obtain facts in connection with compiling the history of Burma, we shall give help as far as possible, and I would also like to request the Government to give all necessary help. Sd. Saw Maung, General, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. (WPD 5/6) May 25: The first co-ordinating meeting between the State LORC and the Committee for Compiling True Facts on Burmese History was held at the Military Operations Hall of the Officer of the Commander-in-Chief (Army). It was attended by LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung and LORC members Lt-Gen. Than Shwe, Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Secretary (2) Brig-Gen. Tin Oo, Minister for Education Dr. Pe Thein, Committee members U Tin Ohn, U Htin Gyi, U Htin Fatt, U Tun Aung Chain, and scholars U Than Htut, Dr. Ohn Khaing, U Maung Maung Tin, and Daw Khin Su. Gen. Saw Maung said that if history were compiled only on the basis of documentary evidence, important facts would be left out, and it was necessary to compile the history of the 1947 Constitution and "why the Revolutionary Council had to step in" [in 1962] while those involved were still alive. It is necessary to draw up a new Constitution which is suitable to the present time and to compile the true facts." "In writing the history main emphasis should be given not to the human being but to the actual event. Man cannot be wholly good. Neither can he be wholly bad. In writing the history, there should be no bias towards the Tatmadaw. Only the root-cause and the actual event should be found out and written down. Only if the correct facts are found the reviews and appraisals will be correct," Gen. Saw Maung said. Committee Secretary U Tun Aung Chain said "acquiring of evidence and proof is of significance in writing the history. However, the Burmese people have weaknesses in keeping their diaries and documents. As for us, we are already in the process of finding out the histories of a period which began in 1948 and ends at the present. Questions have been put up to the persons concerned and documents and records have been acquired. We are working this in short-term and long-term sections." (WPD 5/25) June School Opening Set May 7: In a speech to the Kyaiklat Twp. [Irrawaddy] Health and Education Departments, Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein said "schools will be reopened beginning mid-June and when they are opened, primary schools are to be opened first." He also said schools should "see to it that no political organizations are set up or no agitative posters are stuck," and that while the syllabus has not been changed, for lack of time, "directives have been sent to alter the use of Burma Socialist Programme Party and other terms related to it." (WPD 5/8) May 8: Rangoon Division LORC Chairman Brig-Gen Myo Nyunt said "The Ministry of Education is making efforts for reopening the schools...it is aimed at reopening the schools in the middle of June." But he warned that "There may be obstructions when the schools reopen.... It is learnt that some organizations in some townships of Magwe and Irrawaddy Divisions are carrying out organizational activities so that the schools cannot be reopened. There is a need to take care of such hinderance." (WPD 5/9) May 30: Minister for Education Dr. Pe Thein said schools will reopen "in the regions where it is possible with effect from 19 June, l989." He told education officials that usage, vocabulary, terms and paragraphs which "are not in conformity with the existing situation" will have to be deleted, and said that political science will not be taught when the universities, institutes and colleges reopen. (WPD 5/31) Detainee Released May 26: Yay Chan (a) Ye Yint, 20, arrested Oct. 15, 1988 for "having and distributing agitative pamphlets," who has "repented for having made a mistake," was released to his parents May 23. (WPD 5/27) ELECTIONS Party Registration Changes Party registration changes continue the format followed in October - April. Changes in Party officials or addresses, alliances, deregistrations, etc., are included in a single numerical list. (New party registrations closed Feb. 28, 1989, but one new alliance was registered, bringing the number of parties to 235.) (7) Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League. CEC member Phone Myint has resigned and been replaced by San Thein. (WPD 5/7) (19) People's Volunteer Organization (Burma). The Central Executive Committee was dissolved on Dec. 15, 1988, and replaced as follows: Patrons Bo Ohn Tin (Kyee), Bo Nyunt Maung, Sayagyi Ba Hla Aung, Sayagyi Ba Tun, Bo Thaung Nyunt, Bo Thein Aung; Ch Bo Aung Naing; VCh Bo Ohn Tin, Tin Hla Oo, Bo Sein Aung Lin, Bo Than Nyunt; GS Soe Win; JGS Tun Sein, Soe Min; CEC [10 members not named]. (WPD 5/7) (27) All Burma Democratic People's Power Organization. CEC members Kyaw Thein, Aye Myint, Kyaw Thinn, and Daw Khin Khin Sein (writer Yuwaddy Shwe Wah Sein) have resigned and been replaced by Waythali U Phone, Aung Swe Oo, Aung Kyi, Khin Maung Myint, Tha Hla, Kyi Aye, Khin Maung Swe, Daw Ni Ni Moe, Daw Khin Khin Htay, Sai Mya Ohn (Taunggyi), Myint Lwin (Taunggyi), Daw Cho Cho Lwin. (WPD 5/7) (31) Chin National League for Democracy. Patrons Ba Thaung Tin and Maung Taung have resigned and been replaced by a 10-member Committee of Patrons including Wunna Kyaw Htin U Lal Bik, and a 39-member CEC including Ch Shing Pe Ling (Mindat) and GS Salai Ram Ling Hmung [other names not given]. (WPD 5/8) (33) Democratic Labour Party (Burma). VCh Than Htut, GS Sein Win, JGS Tin Maung and CEC members Nyunt Maung, Khin Maung Hla, Hla Win and Ba Ngwe Maung have resigned. Appointed were Patrons Hla Kyaw and Aye and CEC members Daw Moe Moe Aung, Myo Chit (a) Mya Oo Swe, Maung Maung Oo, Nyunt Swe, Kyaw Han (Myoma), and Aung Myaing. Assigned duties were Patron Paw Oo as VCh; CEC member Aung Kyaw as VCh; VCh Myo Swe as GS; CEC member Mying Soe as JGS. (WPD 5/18) (38) Democratic Human Rights Party. Patron Wunna Kyaw Tin U I S Varnia and JGS Win Kyaw Oo have resigned. (WPD 5/8) (42) Patriotic Old Comrades League. VCh Tin Oo and Thaung Dan were elected. CEC members Hla Maw and Aye Maung have resigned and were replaced by Tun Aung Kyaw and Ba Aung. (WPD 5/11) (43) Federal Development Organization (Burma). CEC members Thein Htut (A1) and Khin Shein have resigned. (WPD 5/8) (44) People's Student Democratic Party has moved to 145 (2nd fl.) Seikkantha St., Kyauktada T., Rgn. (WPD 5/4) (48) Patriotic Democratic Youth Front (Burma) has moved to 178 32nd St., Pabedan T., Rgn. (WPD 5/4) (53) Democratic Republic Front (Burma). CEC member Kyaw Hsan (Oway Kyaw Hsan) has resigned. (WPD 5/8) (58) Rakhine Unity and Democracy Association. Tr. Ah Tun has resigned. (WPD 5/18) (61) Youths Solidarity Front (Union of Burma) has moved to 222/4 Sule Pagoda Rd., Kyauktada T., Rgn. (WPD 5/4) // VCh (1) Myint Zaw; Sec. Myat San, Maung Maung Aung, Daw Nay Thway Ni; Tr. Daw Myat Khine Than; CEC members Myo Min Nyat, Nyi Nyi Tun, Daw Thit Thit Lwin have resigned, and were replaced by VCh Thurein Win [already a VCh], Wayla Win; Sec. Than Naing, Nay Myo Nyunt; Tr. DAw Yin Tha Lin; CEC Hla Myo Tun. (WPD 5/7) (64) Arakan People's United Organization has moved to 1/52, corner of 6th St. and Lanmagyi, Tayatheesu Ward, Sittwe, Rakhine. (WPD 5/4) (67) Party for Unity and Peace. CEC members Dr. Win Maung, Dr. Aung Kyaw Oo, and Dr. Thein Kyaw have resigned. (WPD 5/8) (69) Union Youth Party. VC Win Aung and CEC member Myint Thein have resigned and VCh Ye Myint, Sec. Aung Than, and CEC member Tin Thein were expelled. (WPD 5/8) (74) Kachin State National Congress for Democracy has moved to 45 Thida Ward, Myitkyina, Kachin. (WPD 5/4) (77) Union Stability Party has moved to 221 Upper Kemmendine St., Kemmendine T., Rgn. (WPD 5/4) (80) Shan State Democratic Party has moved to 4, corner of Nguwa and Maggin Sts., Ahyondaw Ward, Lashio, Shan. (WPD 5/4) (81) National Promotion Forum has moved to 58(C) Lanthit St., Nanthagon Ward, Insein T, Rgn. (WPD 5/11) (84) Karen State National Organization. Saw Po Aung was elected Patron and Mahn Saw Lone, Dr. Aung Tin Oo, Daw Naw Dephnie Kyaw and Daw Lin Sein were elected CEC members. (WPD 5/11) (85) United Paoh National Organization. JSec. Khin Hla Pe was replaced by Khun Kyaw Swa, and CEC members Khun Maung Maung and Khun Maung Soe were replaced by Soe Tint and Than Pe. (WPD 5/11) (88) National Democratic Party for Human Rights. Tr. Nurul Hauk (Maung Daw) and CEC member Saw have resigned. (WPD 5/18) (89) Free People League of Burma has moved to 144 (gr. fl.) 31st St., Pabedan T., Rgn. (WPD 5/4) (91) Arakanese Peace & Human Rights Party has moved to 1/21 Chinpyan St., Bawlongwin Ward, Sittwe, Rakhine. (WPD 5/4) (93) Federal Republic Development Party has moved to 31 (gr. fl.) Yegyaw Rd., Ward 9, Pazundaung T., Rgn. (WPD 5/11) (95) Party for National Development. SecGen Khin Maung Maung, Sec Win Aung, and CEC members Daw Thi Thi Win, Tun Hla Aung, and Zaw Maw were dismissed. JS Zaw Htwe, and CEC members Daw Yin Yin Min, Daw San San Win, Tin Myo Zaw, Win Naing, and Ko Ko Zaw have resigned. Ch Soe Min; Sec Kyaw Zeya; JSec Aung Thaw; and CEC members Daw Su Su Khine, Daw Soe Moe Khine, Daw Aye Aye Thaw, Daw Moe Moe Theingi, Daw Than Than Myint, and Daw Aye Aye Thwe were appointed. (WPD 5/18) (97) Organization of Students and Youth for National Politics has moved to 154 78th St. (bet. 39 & 40 Sts.), South Hayma Marlar Ward, Padeedan, Mandalay South-East T., Mdy. (WPD 5/11) (99) Burma Reporters' Association has moved to 86(A) 91st St., Mingala Taungnyunt T., Rgn. (WPD 5/4) GS Aung Than Lay has resigned and was replaced by Chit Swe (Tetkatho Chit Swe). Sec.(1) Mya Shein has resigned and was replaced by Sec. (4) San Maung (Zarni San Maung), who in turn was replaced by CEC member Maung Maung Lay. CEC member Peter has resigned. (WPD 5/11) (102) United Democratic Youth League has moved to 222 (2nd fl.) Sule Pagoda Rd., Kyauktada T., Rgn. (WPD 5/5) (106) People's Progressive Party. Central Org. Comm. member Tin Win has resigned. (WPD 5/11) (108) Rule of People's Democracy League. Patron Hal Maung, CEC members Myint Thein (Kyaw), Kyaw Hsan Tun (Latha), Dr. Tin Tun, Daw Myintzutha, and Tin Aung Nyein have resigned. Kyi Sein was assigned as CEC member. (WPD 5/11) (110) Union Democratic Congress has moved to 102 (1st fl.) 42nd St., Botataung T., Rgn. (WPD 5/5) (111) League for Mother Democracy has moved to 59 Laydauntkan St., U San Pe Ward, Thingangyun T., Rgn. (WPD 5/5) (116) National Solidarity League, Union of Burma. Dissolved and deregistered May 24, 1989. (WPD 5/29) (117) Students and Youth League for Mayyu Development (Arakan). VCh Maung Maung Lay and CEC members DAw Khin Mar Nyo, Daw Hla Hla Myint, Daw Sein Nu, and Khin Maung Lwin have resigned. (WPD 5/11) (118) Rakhine Races United Democratic Party. VCh San Shwe has resigned and was replaced by Tun Shwe Maung. JGS Daw Hla Thein Shwe has resigned and was replaced by San Myint. CEC members Dawe May Sein Hla and Daw Tin Tin Mya have resigned and was replaced by Kyaw Gyi, Kyaw Mya, Ba Maung (Maungdaw), Aung Kyaw Sunn and Tha Myint. (WPD 5/11) (129) New Life Party. Patrons Myint Tin and Bo Aung, and CEC members Hla Tin (a) Thet Pan and Win Soe were added. (WPD 5/14) (130) National Politics Front has moved to 397 (bet. 38 & 39 Sts.) 84th St., Plot No. 526, West of Maha Aungmye, Mandalay South-East T., Mdy. (WPD 5/5) (134) Shan State Kokang Democratic Party has moved to 821 Theinni Main St., Ward 12, Lashio, Shan. (WPD 5/5) (135) Guidance Democracy Party. VCh Tun Shein and CEC member Daw Mya Kyi (Pantra Swe Swe Myint) have resigned. (WPF 5/11) (138) Democratic Action Party of Burma. JGS Win Naung has resigned and JGS Aung Tun Oo was terminated. CEC members Maung Ko and Mya Min have retired. Patron Daw Khin Nwe; JGS Daw Pale Ko Lay and Khin Maung Than; and CEC members Chit Nyi Nyi and Tin Maung Myint were elected. (WPD 5/14) (143) National Democratic Peace and Solidarity Party has moved to 191 (bet. 81 & 82 Sts.) 27th St., Chan E Thazan East, Mandalay North-East T., Mdy. (WPD 5/5) (145) People's Justice Party. JGS Daw Le Le Win and CEC member Daw Thida Han have resigned. (WPD 5/7) (152) Shan State Kachin Democratic Party has moved to D/207 Min St., Kutkai, Shan. (WPD 5/5) CEC member U Breng Tun has resigned. (WPD 5/14) (153) Kachin National Congress has moved to 161 Myemyint Ward, Myitkyina, Kachin. (WPD 5/5) (155) Progressive New Burma Party has moved to 535 Prome Rd., Kamayut T., Rgn. (WPD 5/5) (156) Union's Genuine Democracy Party (Burma) has moved to 64 (gr. fl.) 10th St., Lanmadaw T., Rgn. (WPD 5/5) (159) Pa-O National Development Association. CEC members Lun Chin (a) Khing Maung Oo and Than Pe have resigned. (WPD 5/11) (165) Democratic Organization for Kayan National Unity has moved to 3 Lanmadaw, Nyaunggon Ward, Phekon (Shan). (WPD 5/11) // Patron Thaing Than Tin has resigned; Patron R P Thaung was assigned; CEC member La Ree was elected. (WPD 5/18) (168) Democratic People and Retired Personnel Organization. Patron U Han Tin (Sagaing Han Tin) has retired. (WPD 5/11) (175) Southern Chin Democratic Party. CEC members Salai Kyaw Zin and Sein have resigned and were replaced by Aung Dwe, Daw Saw Hla, Thet Tin, San Wa, Samo Aung Than, Salai Tin Oo, Maing Yin Yin Saing, and Dr. Salaing Par Kyin. (WPD 5/11) (182) Asho-Chin National Development League has moved to 1415 Hyde Park Rd., Taungthugon Ward, Insein T., Rgn. (WPD 5/11) Patron Sein (Prome) has resigned. (WPD 5/14) (184) Non-Aligned People's Democracy Party has moved to 12 Natsin St., Kyaukmyaing Ward, Tamwe T., Rgn. (WPD 5/11) (187) Lisu National Solidarity has moved to 408, corn. of 80th & 25th Sts., Mandalay North-East T., Mdy. (WPD 5/11) (190) National Progressive Socialist League. CEC member Thaung Kyaw Htin has resigned. (WPD 5/14) (214) United Nationalities League for Democracy has moved to 393 (1st fl.) Bo Aung Gyaw St., Rgn. (WPD 5/11) (219) People's Peasants' Union (Union of Burma). Thakin Saw Yin and Bo Aung Naing were elected Patrons. Boh Than Nyunt, Boh Sein Oo, Thein Kyaw (Pegu), Mahn Tun Shwe, Kyaw Sein (Sitkwin), Zaw Win (Pa-an), Myint Aye (Myaungmya), Kyaw Hlaing (Bassein), Aung Htein (Bassein), and Chit Swe (Ngathaingchaung) were elected CEC members. (WPD 5/11) (235) May 17: National Democratic Foundation. 125 (1st fl.) 34th St., Kyauktada T., Rgn. Alliance of following 4 parties: United National Congress (37)*; National Democratic Party for Human Rights (88)*; Free People League of Burma (89); National Ethnic Reformation Party (161)*. [* also a member of Union of Burma Democratic Front (215)] Patrons: Tin Win (rtd. Maj.) (Chairman (alt)) (Mawgun gr. III) (37), Daw Khin Khin Sein (dau. of Arzani National League leader U Razak) (89); Chit Lwin (B.Com. AA, DEP, RL, adv.) (88); Shwe Phone Win (writer, edit.) (161); Secretariat Aye Lwin (BSc) (f. Burma volleyball selected) (89), Maung Maung Tin (adv.) (88), Nyunt Maung Shein (BSc-agri, priv. teach.) (89), Hla Win (Min Nyo Ngai-Sandoway) (BA, HGP, RL II) (37), Nay Win (a) San Lin (BSc-chem, Hons, HGP, RL II) (161), Yunus (Buthidaung) (BSc-Hons, MSc-thesis, DA) (89), Hla Aung (161). (WPD 5/20) Preliminary Election Meeting May 16: A preliminary co-ordination meeting between the Multi-Party Democracy General Election Commission and 14 State/Division and 47 Township Sector General Administration Departments was held, presided over by Commission Chairman U Ba Htay. He said that the purpose was to co-ordinate the formation of and assignment of duties to sub-commissions at various levels, and that "they were making great efforts, despite their age," to hold the elections according to the schedule set by the Commission. In response to the Commission's request, 88 parties and over 70,000 individuals had made suggestions about the draft Election Law, and these were being grouped and studied. Draft election rules were almost ready and would be announced. Commission Secretary U Aye Maung said "the Ward/Village-tract Sub-Commissions must compile the lists of voters under the supervision of the Township Sub-commission [taking care that] those who have the right may not be left out." He said "The Commission has decided to use ballot cards in the forthcoming election according to suggestions made by people and political parties. Marks, name of Hluttaw candidate, name of respective party organization or independent individuals will be mentioned on the ballot cards. The space for voting is being indicated with white circle. Because of such measures the number of ballots which are to be rejected for uncertainty can be reduced in casting votes." Marks for Hluttaw candidates will be chosen in consultation with the parties, which may choose from the marks compiled by the Commission. The Commission will print 489 kinds of ballot cards for the 489 constituencies. The number of polling booths will be reduced to improve voting secrecy. Ballots will be folded and then placed in a ballot box visible to the people, so as to prevent ballot box fraud. Ballot boxes will be made locally, and polling booths will be erected locally in schools and other convenient places. (WPD 5/17) Second Draft Discussed May 25: The State LORC met with the Elections Commission and discussed the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law (Second Draft) at the Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence. (WPD 5/26) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls, not otherwise reported, were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Ambassadors or UN officials accredited to Burma. May 4: Sri Lanka Ambassador Weerakonda Aratichige Kalidasa Mahipala de Silva on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 5/5) May 9: Chinese Ambassador Rui Sheng on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. Korean Ambassador Byong Hyon Kwon on Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein. UNDP Resident Representative K. Kitatani on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Maj-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 5/10) May 12: Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohtaka on Minister for Industry 1 and 2 Maj-Gen. Sein Aung. Yugoslav Ambassador Branko Vuletic on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Maj-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 5/13) May 16: Yugoslav Ambassador Branko Vuletic on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 5/17) May 17: Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. B. P. Makadada, and Czechoslovak Ambassador Jaroslav Richter, on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. The Indonesian Ambassador also called on Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein. (WPD 5/18) May 18: Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng on State LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. B. P. Makadada on Minister for Energy and for Mines Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. Australian Ambassador Christopher L. Lamb (with a 3-man crew from Australian TV Channel 9), and Korean Ambassador Byong Hyon Kwon on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 5/19) May 22: Bangladesh Ambassador A Z M Enayatullah Khan on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Labour and for Social Welfare Maj-Gen. Tin Tun, to discuss economic cooperation and shipping. Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohtaka on Minister for Industry 1 and 2 Maj-Gen. Sein Aung. (WPD 5/23) May 23: Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. B P Makadada on Minister for Home & Relgious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Maj-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 5/24) May 24: Korean Ambassador Byong Hyon Kwon on Minister for Industries 1 and 2 Maj-Gen. Sein Aung. Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. B P Makadada, and (later) UNDP Resident Representative K Kitatani on Minister for Livestock & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe. Bangladesh Ambassador A Z M Enayetullah Khan on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 5/25) May 25: Korean Ambassador Byong Hyon Kwon, accompanied by Vice Chairman K S Lee and Director W K Chung of San Chung Ltd., on Minister for Livestock & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe, to discuss timber extraction and the breeding and processing of fish and prawns, and later on Minister for Energy and for Mines Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, to discuss bilateral energy and mining co-operation. (WPD 5/26) May 26: Bangladesh Ambassador A Z M Enayetullah Khan on Miniter for Industry 1 and 2 Maj-Gen. Sein Aung. (WPD 5/27) May 29: Canadian Ambassador Emile Gauvreau on the Elections Commission. He was told that the forthcoming elections would be the first in which Myanma Naing-Ngan voted by ballot paper, and in which the votes would be counted at the polling place in the presence of the candidates to prevent unlawful practises. Comments on the draft election law were received from 88 parties and 70,000 individuals, and included suggestions that where a candidate is unopposed he be declared elected without an election, and that ballot papers be used for elections. The Ambassador also called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel, and on Minister for Energy and for Mines Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 5/30) Ambassador to New Zealand May 3: The State LORC Chairman has appointed U Thein Myint, Ambassador to Australia, to be concurrently Burmese Ambassador to New Zealand. (WPD 5/3) Indonesian Ambassador Arrives May 9: Maj-Gen. B P Makadada presented credentials to Gen. Saw Maung as Indonesian Ambassador to Burma. (WPD 5/10) Ambassador to GDR May 22: Burmese Ambassador to the German Democratic Republic U Tin Tun, presented his credentials on May 12. (WPD 5/22) Ambassador to Hungary May 25: Burmese Ambassador to Hungary U Than Tun presented his credentials on May 17. (WPD 5/25) Ambassador to Denmark May 26: State LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung named U Tin Hlaing, Ambassador to Great Britain, to be concurrently Burmese Ambassador to Denmark. (WPD 5/26) Sri Lanka Ambassador Approved May 26: The Burmese government has approved the nomination of Mr. S W Alawathulwala as Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Burma. Ambassador Alawathuwala was born Sept. 17, 1924, and participated in social services and welfare activities since 1958. He entered national politics in 1965, and was elected member of parliament for Dodangaslanda in 1977. He served as Deputy Minister for Rural Development in 1981, Deputy Minister of Highway in 1983, and Deputy Minister of Local Government in 1984. He is married, with seven children. (WPD 5/26) Ambassador to Poland May 30: U Than Tun presented credentials May 24 as Myanma Naing-Ngan Ambassador to Poland. (WPD 5/30) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Rice to Bangladesh May 31: Feature article, An expression of Myanma-Bangladesh friendship, by Min Ni Thein & Bo Myat Lin, on Feb. 15 delivery in Sittwe [Rakhine] of a gift of 300 tons of rice to Bangladesh. Mr. M A Hakim Kaludar, Bangladesh Consul in Sittwe, officially received the gift. (WPD 5/31) FOREIGN VISITORS Thai Minister Leaves Apr. 13: The delegation of the Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Prapas Limpabandhu departed. (WPD 4/14) Red Cross Delegate May 2: Mr. Jean Michel Monod, Regional Delegate of the International Red Cross, was received by Minister for Home & Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 5/3) World Bank Experts May 9: Visiting World Bank experts Oktay Yenal and Khalid Ikram called on Minister for Transport & Communications Maj-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss implementation of World Bank-financed projects. (WPD 5/10) // May 10: They called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel to discuss economic policies, and World Bank projects and future programs. (WPD 5/11) // May 11: They were received by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe, and by Minister for Industry 1 & 2 Maj-Gen. Sein Aung to discuss World Bank projects. (WPD 5/12) Asian Development Bank May 12: An Asian Development Bank mission headed by Mr. Peter N. Carroll called on Minister for Livestock & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe, after touring Tenasserim and Mandalay Divisions and Shan State to compile a report on the sea and fresh-water fisheries projects being implemented by the Myanma Fisheries Enterprise. (WPD 5/13) Thai Commerce Minister May 20: Thai Minister for Commerce Dr. Subin Pinkayan and a delegation of 21 Government officials and 17 private entrepreneurs arrived. The Minister called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel, who then hosted a dinner at the Inya Lake Hotel. (WPD 5/21) // May 22: The delegation discussed bilateral economic relations, including banking, insurance, customs, tourism, and border trade, at the Ministry of Trade. It visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, donating K 2,000, and called successively on Prime Minister Gen. Saw Maung, Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel, Director-General of the Political Department, Foreign Ministry, U Ohn Gyaw (who hosted a lunch at the Kandawgyi Hotel), Minister for Agriculture & Forests and for Livestock & Fisheries Maj-Gen Chit Swe, and Minister for Industry 1 and 2 Maj-Gen. Sein Aung. (WPD 5/23) May 23: The delegation returned home, after calling on Minister for Mines and for Energy Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and visiting the Myanma Gems Enterprise. (WPD 5/24) Thai Deputy Commander May 23: Deputy Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Gen. Pat Akkanibut, and an 8-member delegation, arrived in Rangoon for talks on border affairs. They met with Commander-in-Chief Gen. Saw Maung, Commander-in-Chief (Army) Lt-Gen. Than Shwe, Director of Defence Services Intelligence Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and other officials, and discussed the recent New Wahka camp battle. The Burmese told the Thais "not to permit insurgent groups to enter into Thailand," and if they did to confiscate their weapons. Burma would not object if action were taken against them under Thai law. "Insurgents and their relatives who cross into Thailand cannot be regarded by the Burmese side as refugees." The Burmese admitted that on May 20 "Burmese troops had unavoidably crossed the border into Thailand" to escape KNU gun fire, expressed regrets, and offered to consider compensation if there had been damage. A joint regional border committee, composed of Burmese and Thai area commanders, would be established, and would send a joint investigation group to the areas affected by the New Wahka battle. The Thai delegation returned to Bangkok after lunch. (WPD 5/24) Thai Police Official May 25: Thai Deputy Director-General of Police Lt-Gen. Santiprabob Pratin, and Mr. Bruce Rappaport, Chairman of the Inter Maritime Group of Companies of Switzerland, arrived and called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. They also called on Minister for Livestock & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe, and on Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein. Mr. Rappaport also called on Minister for Energy and for Mines Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Transport & Communications, for Labour and for Social Welfare Maj-Gen. Tin Tun. Lt-Gen. Santiprabob Pratin also called on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Culture Maj-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 5/26) May 26: The two visitors called on State LORC member Lt-Gen. Than Shwe, along with State LORC Secretary (2) Brig-Gen. Tin Oo. They also met with various sections from the Ministry of Planning & Finance and the Ministry of Trade. (WPD 5/27) Bangladesh Commerce Official May 28: Visiting Secretary of the Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Khorshed Alam, who arrived May 28, called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel to discuss bilateral trade. (WPD 5/29) // May 29: He called on Minister for Industry 1 & 2 Maj-Gen. Sein Aung, and visited factories in Syriam. (WPD 5/30) // May 30: He called on Minister for Mines and for Energy Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Transport & Communications, for Labour and for Social Welfare Maj-Gen. Tin Tun. to discuss maritime communications. (WPD 5/31) Australian Trade Official May 30: Australian Senior Trade Commissioner Mr. Peter Bergman, resident in Thailand, called on Minister for Mines and for Energy Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, on Minster for Livestock & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe, and on Minster for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 5/31) BURMESE DELEGATIONS Col. Abel in China Apr. 13: A delegation lead by Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel left to attend the 65th Spring Fair in Guangzhou, China. (WPD 4/14) // May 4: The Deputy Leader of the delegation, Col. Thant Zin, and 5 other members, returned to Rangoon. (WPD 5/5) Military Visits Thailand May 3: A 32-member Burmese Goodwill Delegation headed by Commander-in-Chief (Army) Lt-Gen. Than Shwe visited Thailand from Apr. 28-May 3. They met with Thai Acting Supreme Commander Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and other top military personnel and on Prime Minister Gen. Chatchai Choonhavan and other senior military personnel, and discussed bilateral friendship and cooperation. The Burmese delegation included Commander of the Bureau of the No. 2 Special Operations Maj-Gen. Chit Swe, Director of Defence Services Intelligence Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Eastern Commander Brig-Gen. Maung Aye, Defense Service Procurement Director Col. Abel, No. 88 Light Infantry Division Commander Col. Thein Han, Chief of Staff (Navy) Capt. Than Nyunt, and Chief of Staff (Air) Col. Thein Win. (WPD 5/4) WHO Delegation May 6: A delegation to the 42nd Session of the World Health Organization Conference in Geneva left Rangoon, comprised of Director-General of the Health Department Dr. Tin Oo, Deputy Director-General Dr. U Kyaw, Directors Dr. Kyaw Lwin (Admin) and Dr. May Ma Yi (School Health), and Deputy Director U Kyi Soe (Planning). They will be joined by Geneva UN Permanent Representative U Aung Thant and Deputy U Mya Than. (WPD 5/7) Educators to Thailand May 9: A 25-member educational study group left on a 5-day trip to Thailand, headed by Director- General of the Burmese Language Commission U San Lwin. (WPD 5/10) // May 13: It returned. (WPD 5/14) Fishery Officials to Thailand May 13: A fishery delegation headed by Director-General of Planning and Statistics U Tin Maung Myint of the Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries left to study Thai fisheries and meet with companies doing border business through Kawthaung and fishing licensees. The delegation includes Managing Director U Han Tun, General Manager (Planning, Finance and Administration) U Khin Maung Tun, Assistant General Manager (Administration) U Hla Myint and Tenasserim Division Manager U Aung Chein of the Myanma Fisheries Enterprise, Chairman of the Tenasserim LORC Col. Tha Win, Commander of Naval Training Headquarters Cmdr. Khin Soe (BN), and Director of the Fisheries Department U Sein Lwin. (WPD 5/14) BURMA GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The State LORC appointed on probation: May 19: Dr. Daw May May Ee, Director of Medical Education Department, Ministry of Health, to be Director-General of the Medical Research Department, same Ministry. (WPD 5/19) May 25: U Aung Myin, Director, Administration Department, Supreme Court, to be Director-General, Supreme Court. U Thaung Nyunt, Director, Attorney-General's Office, to be Director-General, same office. U Tin Oo, General-Manager, Myanma Agricultural Bank, Ministry of Planning & Finance, to be Managing Director, same bank. (WPD 5/25) GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message May 1: Message from State LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung [text]: To all the esteemed masses of the workers, I send this message with love and respect to the Workers Day ceremony held on 1 May 1989 in honour of all the physical and mental workers of the Union of Burma. Since the food, clothing, shelter and social needs of the people of all the national racial groups residing in the Union are being fulfilled by the physical and mental strength of the physical and mental workers of the nation, it goes without saying that the role of the workers in the building up of the State is very important. Now is the period during which the State Law and Order Restoration Council and State/Division, Township Sector and Township Law and Order Restoration Councils are striving to achieve success in the implementation of the four main tasks which have been declared. It is necessary for the entire masses of workers to conscientiously and in disciplined manner strive to raise productivity. Success will be achieved in striving to ensure smooth transportation as well as improvement in the food, clothing and shelter conditions of the people only if the workers give the best of their labour to the full. Whatever system the State may practise and whatever policy it may follow, the development and progress of the State cannot be brought about unless the workers perform their duties conscientiously and in disciplined manner. Therefore, I would like all of you to become workers who are well-disciplined, who love and value the dignity of labour and who give the best of their services to the full. The entire masses of workers will have known that the Government has unprecedentedly raised the salaries and wages to such an extent as has never been done before with a view to contributing towards solving the food, clothing and shelter problems of the workers. The way for the entire masses of workers to be loyal to the State and to reciprocate for what they owe to the State for its honouring them is to give the best of their services to the full and to precisely and consciously observe the worksite disciplinary rules. I would like to urge them to reciprocate what they owe to the State by following this method. I wish all the physical and mental workers of the Union good health and peace of mind and would also like to emphatically call on them to be united at their respective mills, factories and worksites and to give with cetana, zeal and diligence, the best of their serviceds to the full for the economic and social development of all the people of the Union. (WPD 5/1) Military Titles Changed May 10: State LORC Law No. 13/89 of May 10, 1989, the Law Amending the Defence Services Act, 1959, provides that the expression "Chief of Staff, Defence Services," in that Act shall be replaced by "Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services." State LORC Rules No. 3/89 of May 10, 1989, the Rules Amending the Defence Services Rules, provide that: "Chief of Staff, Defence Services" shall be replaced by "Commander-in-Chief, Defence Services." "Vice Chief of Staff concerned" by "Commander-in-Chief concerned." "Vice Chief of Staff (Army)" by "Commander-in-Chief (Army)." "Vice Chief of Staff (Navy)" by "Commander-in-Chief (Navy)." "Vice Chief of Staff (Air)" by "Commander-in-Chief (Air)." (WPD 5/11) Border Committee Formed May 30: "The development in various economic, education, health and social fields of the national races who lived in border areas for a long time under the rule of the insurgents, have been much delayed. Since the insurgent movements in border areas have ceased and there has been prevalence of peace and tranquillity in those areas," the State LORC on May 25 formed the Central Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races "with the aim of accelerating the development of border areas and national races there." Membership is: Chairman: Lt-Gen. Than Shwe, Commander-in-Chief (Army) Members: Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and Maj-Gen. Tin Tun, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Secretaries: (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Secretary (1) State LORC; (2) Brig-Gen. Tin Oo, Secretary (2) State LORC. (WPD 5/31) MILITARY Donations to Tatmadaw Periodic lists continued of persons making donations of cash to the "Tatmadawmen who are serving in various front areas." Insurgent Attacks May 2: 40 KNU insurgents attacked the Tamainggon camp west of Kawkareik [Karen], and also fired 14 rounds of 82 mm mortars at Kawkareik. 6 KNU insurgents entered Kawkareik and set fire to the market, destroying 8 offices, 40 shops, and a vehicle, with damage of K 4 million; noone was hurt. The insurgents retreated. (WPD 5/3) May 16: On May 11, BCP insurgents from No. 802 battalion entered Namkyet village, Namhsam Twp. [Shan], and murdered 2 villagers; on May 12, BCP insurgents from No. 4041 battalion entered Tanaung village, Hopong Twp. [Shan], and shot 3 elders. 30 KNU insurgents fired rockets and mortars at Thandaung Myothit, Thandaung Twp. [Karen] on May 13, killing one person and wounding 3. On May 14, KNU insurgents of the Donyin Karkweyay unit entered Hlaingka alias Phyalon village, five miles from Pa-an [Karen], shot 2 civilians and stole jewellery and K 3,700. (WPD 5/18) May 20: KNU insurgents on May 19 planned to put a time-bomb concealed in a pot of fish paste on a motor vessel in Pa-an Twp. [Karen], but it went off early at a freight handler's house, killing his three young children and wounding three other people. (WPD 5/21) May 27: Two men were wounded by KNU mines on May 24-25, in Okshitkhin Village, Kyaukkyi Twp. [Pegu]. (WPD 5/28) May 28: A youth was killed by a KNU mine near Dahkalar Village, Kyaukkyi Twp. [Pegu]. (WPD 5/29) Insurgents Surrender May 14: Between Apr. 1-9, 27 insurgents surrendered with their weapons. (WPD 5/15) // May 16: Between Apr. 17-30, 29 insurgents surrendered with their weapons. (WPD 5/17) [names and details given--no explanation for Apr. 10-16 gap.] ECONOMIC Economic Articles Series of feature articles on various aspects of the economy: Apr. 14: Burma-Thai Border Trade, by Ko Ye and Kyaw Win. [Cont. (2) Lamphawyei Plan & Nam Tun Timber Extraction Camp (2).] May 1,2,3,4: Pugyi Water Supply Project for sufficient water supply in Rangoon, by Tun Myat. [Cont. (2) Details on water supply system; Rangoon will have 3,000,000 people by 1990, 3,500,000 by 2000, and 4,500,000 by 2010; (3) More details; (4) Pipelines; (5) the Prestressed Concrete Pipe Plant.] May 1: Gratitude expressed by workers for increasing pay scales, by Win Htay. [Cont. (5) Expressions of gratitude by happy civil servants.] May 2,3,4,5: An appraisal of increases in salaries of government servants, by Kyaw Htet Tha. [(1) Prices have risen world-wide, including Burma. Burmese average prices for food items have risen as follows {Table 1} (prices in kyat per viss): 1971 1987 gram 1.71-2.85 11.82-14.00 Sadawpe 1.57-2.52 15.07-19.22 chili (long) 5.72-9.26 50.47-75.86 onion 1.41-3.42 8.50-12.04 garlic 4.83-7.29 41.34-56.02 potato 1.57-2.60 6.76- 9.71 gr'dnut oil 5.64-7.73 45.68-66.79 sesamum oil 5.68-7.09 43.60-61.36 fish 7.77-10.15 29.57-40.11 prawns 8.00-10.54 64.11-78.26 fish sauce (ngapi yegyo) 4.25-5.59 18.63-22.30 dried fish 14.86-18.45 96.80-125.36 d. shrimp 27.37-36.68 132.76-180.96 chicken 8.83-10.05 44.65-57.55 pork 5.18-6.24 32.05-40.44 beef 8.00-8.74 31.38-40.32 duck egg (1) 0.16-0.22 1.24- 1.56 jaggery 3.08-3.95 14.04-18.77 {Table 2} shows increase in Rangoon consumer price index: 1962 1971 1987 Price index 100 138.47 624.78 food 100 148.53 677.27 cheroot 100 115.15 852.58 fuel & power 100 108.22 696.93 clothing 100 151.91 499.64 rents & repairs 100 108.83 243.52 general 100 115.06 465.09 (2)-(3) Wages for service personnel (government personnel) have been increased four times {Table 3}, but real wages based on the GDP deflator {Table 4} or the Consumer Price Index {Table 5} have decreased (averages in kyat/month, rounded to nearest kyat): 1947 1972 1976 1981 1988 Minimum 90 105 145 175 220 Real 90 81 55 58 51 CPI 90 70 39 47 35 Max. 1600 1500 1500 1650 1650 Real 1600 ll50 573 549 481 Non-gov.233 258 285 337 338 Real 233 198 109 112 98 (4) Bad social effects of low government salaries, including poor output, rapid turnover, theft, and corruption. Government raises cannot exceed growth in productivity without being inflationary. Burmese productivity rose 2.1% per year from 1967-68 to 1987-88, and State-owned sector productivity rose 43.4% (normal prices) from 1973-74 to 1987-88. May 5,12: Tenasserim Division fishery work, by Tun Aung. [Cont. (3) Fishing in Kawthaung. (4) Mawtongyi station, Mergui-West Twp.] May 8,9: Bassein-Monywa Highway Project, by Soe Myint. [Visit to the 32-mile Petye-Okshitpin sector.] May 8: From villages to towns, by Aung Naing Htwe. [Transport in Irrawaddy Division.] May 10: Hlaing River Bridge, by Ohn Kyaing and Soe Myint. [Cont. (3) Projected improvements in transport resulting from bridge.] May 11,16,20,22: [Forest] Soil Conservation Work, by Ye Myint Pe. [Cont. (6) "Forest areas and timely conservatiion." (7) "Pine: another valuable wood." (8) "Preventing landslide." (9) "Popa region and its reserved forests."] May 13,14: Measures for bringing down price of rice, by Maung Ye Mon. [(1) Rice price increases are due to manipulation, now that "the State is no longer in a position to take responsibilities for the food, clothing and shelter needs of the people as in the past." The rice available to the public, after government purchases, should be more than ample (500 million baskets; 40 million Burmese, at 12 baskets per capita, could only consume 480 million.) This year the government is not exporting any rice; only filling a few prior-year contracts. (2) Rice prices are high because traders are competing to buy the farmers' rice. If the government fixed prices, rice would disappear and prices would rise even more. Rice traders should ask only reasonable prices.] May 17,26: Insein Loco-Shed, by Myint Lwin and Tha Tun Wai. [Visit to and history of locomotive repair shed in Insein (Rangoon), built in 1876. (1) "Diesel locomotives used in place of steam ones." (2) FE saved with production of hundreds of spare parts."] May 21: Sedawgyi Dam and the catchment areas, by Aung Soe Thein. [Work of the Irrigation Department at the Sedawgyi Dam, Madaya Twp., Mandalay.] May 29,30: Myanma Naing-Ngan and Economic Changes, by Maung Pe Mon. [State now giving equal encouragement to State, co-op, and private sectors; fostering legal border trade; encouraging foreign investment; restricting State monopolies to 12 areas; establishing a State joint venture company; combatting internal efforts to disrupt the economy; and establishing an open-door policy.] May 31: Keeping pady fields green with ground water, by Aung Soe Thein. [Visit to Monywa irrigation project.] Company Registrations May 2: During April, the Companies Registration Office registered the following [addresses available on request--HCMacD]: Limited Companies: Maymyo Import Export (Burma) Ltd., Rangoon; Shwe Nan Taw Trading Ltd., Rgn; Cho Cho Trading Co., Ltd., Rgn. Firms: YEE SHIN Co., Mandalay; U Tin Htut and Bros. Hide and Leather Trading, Pegu; Moe Mya Oo Hide and Leather Trading, Meiktila [Mdy]; Than Lwin Oo Trading, Mdy; Dawna Import Export Trade Enterprises, Rgn; Latt & Associates Export Enterprise, Rgn; Popa Mineral Prospecting Group, Rgn; Hnin Sanders Exporters, Rgn. (WPD 5/3) Economic Improvement May 8: Noting that "the security situation in the State now becomes cent per cent better," Minister for Planning and Finance and for Trade Col. Abel said that "The economic situation is far better than that of 1988 and the foreign exchange has been earned to some extent. The external organizations with which we had contacts once are now resuming relations with us as well as providing monetary aid.... The World Bank will [also] visit here and hold discussions on economic matters. I would like to make known that the economic situation of our country become stable." (WPD 5/9) Rice Prices There have been frequent articles on discussions with merchants aimed at reducing the price of rice, together with reminders that rice prices are not government controlled, but most give no statistics. May 11: State LORC Secretary (2) Brig-Gen. Tin Oo, Rangoon Division LORC Chairman Brig-Gen. Myo Nyunt, met with other officials "to discuss measures for bringing down commodity prices and distribution of rice." Brig-Gen. Myo Nyunt called for the collection of population figures, and "the need to promote the welfare of the poor people by placing them at the basic level, by placing the service personnel at the middle and by reserving those who are well-to-do." Brig-Gen. Tin Oo said "the State is distributing rice to cushion the effect of temporary rise in the price of rice for those who are living from hand to mouth and those who are poor...and the township [co-operative] societies are to make arrangements for distributing rice with the rice available in their respective townships." He added that "rice will be sold at the same price in every township beginning 15 May 1989. It will be sold at every shop in every township. No sale should be effected outside of the township. The purchase book supplied by the co-op societies should only be used. Other purchase book issued should be destroyed. Vehicles and fuel oil needed for transportation should be requested at the Rangoon Division [LORC] through township [LORC]. The rice will be arranged by the Rangoon Division [LORC] according to the number of people in a family...." (WPD 5/12) May 15: 54 tons of rice from the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and 22 tons from the Rice Mill Owners Association are being distributed through 103 co-operative shops to "poor and not-well-to-do" persons from 87,428 households in the 6 Rangoon townships of Ahlone, Kemmendine, Sanchaung, Kamayut, Bahan, and Dagon, at K 9.50 per pyi. State Restaurant Sales May 11: At its annual meeting, the Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise reported 1988-89 sales of K 199 million of liquor and K 96 million of food, for a total of K 295 million. This was 121.23% of the target. The target for 1989-90 is K 320 million of liquor and K 130 million of food, for a total of K 450 million. 40 more food shops were opened Apr. 1, 1989. Altogether there are 2 patisseries, 19 restaurants, 120 food shops, and over 800 liquor shops [run by the Enterprise]. (WPD 5/12) Traders Registered May 12: Import-Export Work Registration Press Release No. 7 of May 12, 1989, lists 51 individuals registered as exporters, and 6 as importers. (WPD 5/14,15) [details on request--HCMacD.] Rice Millers Association May 15: The Ministry of Trade has licensed the Burma Rice Millers Association, located at 85/87 Sitke Maung Taulay St., Pabedan Twp., Rangoon, under the Burma Companies Act. The Association will encourage modernization of rice mills, increased productivity of rice growers, develop the rice and agricultural implement trade, and seek business within and without the country. Officers are: Chairman U Myat Thein (rice mill owner-RMO); Vice-Chairman U Chon Sein (RMO); General Secretary U Nay Win (RMO); Secretaries: U Hla Kyaing (RMO) and U Thein Shwe (RMO); Treasurer U Tin Maung; Auditor U Win Myint; and CEC members U Khin Maung Toe and U Tun Hlaing. (WPD 5/16) Economic Organizations Formed May 17: Ministry of Trade News Release No. 3/89 of May 17, 1989, authorized creation of the Aquatic Trade Technicians Association, at 144 (1st fl.) Seikkantha St., Kyauktada Twp., Rangoon, to encourage fishing. [Chairman U Aung San and other officers listed]. (WPD 5/19) May 26: The Myanma Naing-ngan Motion Picture Asiayone has been formed. [Chairman U Khin Zaw and other officers listed.] (WPD 5/27) Teak and Tusk Auction May 18: In the first teak auction since Apr. 1, 111 lots of teak, totalling 4,223 tons, were sold for US$ 3.89 million. 198 kilos of elephant tusks were sold for US$ 25,397. 85 people representing 61 foreign companies participated, from Europe (15), Thailand (10), Japan (12), Hong Kong (11), Singapore (8), Korea (2), and India (3). (WPD 5/19) Fingerlings Available May 21: Shwewa Ngagyin fingerlings and other species are available at K 10 per 100, at various locations [listed] beginning May 1. Multi-colored nga-gyin species, imported from abroad, are available at K 2-5 each, depending on size. These species have bright colors, and grow to more than 2 feet long. (WPD 5/22) Economic Review on Sale May 22: The Review of the Financial, Economic and Social Conditions for 1989/90 (English Version) is now on sale for K 60 at the Sarpei Beikman Bookshop, No. 529 Merchant St., Rangoon, etc. (WPD 5/23) Duty-free Shop May 29: Effective May 25, the Rangoon Airport Duty-free Shop will sell duty free liquor and cigarettes to incoming passengers, including citizens arriving from abroad. Each passenger may buy 2 bottles of liquor and 2 cartons of cigarettes. Prices will be competitive with other duty-free shops: e.g., Johnny Walker Black Label at US$17 per 1 litre bottle; Red Label at US$9. (WPD 5/31) Foreign Investment Areas May 30: Union of Burma Foreign Investment Commission Notification No. 1/89 of May 30, 1989, on Types of economic activities allowed for foreign investment, lists areas of economic activity in which foreign investment may be made, generally including production, breeding, processing, marketing, etc. [full text on request]: I-Agriculture: 1) Seasonal crops, incl. tapioca and tobacco; 2) Plantations, incl. medicinal plants, coffee, tea, palm oil, horticulture. II-Livestock & Fishery: 1) Livestock incl. pig and pork; 2) Animal feeds & veterinary medicine; 3) Fresh water and marine fish, prawns; 4) Fish feeds. III-Forestry: 1) Construction materials, furniture, parquet, using teak produced by State organizations; 2) Teak carving and handcrafts; 3) Hardwoods (other than teak), bamboo, cane/rattan; 4) Construction materials, furniture (other than teak). IV-Mining: 1) Non-metallic minerals, incl. coal, limestone, gypsum; 2) Marble; 3) Other quarrying. V-Industry: Foodstuff: 1) Bakery products, incl. biscuits, wafers, noodles, macaroni, spaghetti; 2) Confectionary, incl. sweets, cocoa, chocolate; 3) Other food products; 4) Vegetable and animal oils and fats; 5) Soft beverages, aerated and non-aerated; 6) Malt and malt liquors; 7) Spirits. Textile: 1) Fibres of all kinds, incl. cotton, jute, silk, wool, synthetics; 2) Apparel, incl. knitwear; 3) Made up apparel materials, incl. towels, linens, rugs and carpets; (4) Cordage, rope, and twine. Personal Goods: 1) Soap, dentifrice, cosmetics, perfumes; 2) Personal goods, incl. umbrellas, matches. Household Goods: 1) Textiles, glass, plastic, melamine, metal, ceramics, earthenware; 2) Non-electric household goods, incl. enamelware, cutlery, crockery; 3) Electrical household goods and appliances, incl. refrigerators, air conditioners, hot plates, iron, cookers, fans; 4) Radios, transistors, television receivers, videos; 5) Electrical fittings, incl. lamps, bulbs, tubes. Leather Products: 1) Hides, skins, leathers, incl. footwear, handbags; 2) Synthetic leather, incl. footwear, handbags; 3) Furs and skins. Transport Equipment: 1) Bicycles, tricycles; 2) Scooters, motor cycles, mopeds; 3) Motor cars, buses, trucks, vans, wagons; 4) Tractors, ambulances, fire engines, dump trucks, bowsers; 5) Tyres, tubes, flaps. Building Materials: 1) Bricks, tiles, floor and wall tiles, refractory bricks; 2) Asbestos; 3) Cement, lime, plaster; 4) Pre-stressed concrete pipe, etc.; 5) Glass. Pulp and Paper: 1) Pulp, paper, paper board, newsprint; 2) Paper, paper board, carbon paper, waxed paper, toilet paper. Chemicals, Chemical Products and Pharmaceuticals: 1) Basic chemicals, organic and inorganic, incl. soda, chlorine, stearic acid; 2) Light chemicals; 3) Plastic wares; 4) Chemical products, incl. paint, varnishes, dyes, thinner, lacquers; 5) Industrial chemical gases, compressed, liquified, solid; 6) Ice; 7) Medicine, pharmaceuticals, drugs; 8) Insecticides, pesticides, etc.; 9) Rubber products; 10) Recycling of chemicals, plastic wastes, etc. Iron and Steel: 1) Iron and steel products using iron and steel from State enterprises or abroad; 2) basic iron and steel products using iron and steel from State enterprises or abroad; 3) Non-ferrous metal products using metals from State enterprises or abroad; 4) Pre-fabricated and structural products, incl. construction and building parts. Machinery and Plant: 1) Agricultural machinery and equipment; 2) Timber extraction machinery and equipment; 3) Mining machinery and equipment; 4) Industrial machinery and equipment, incl. wood-based industries; 5) Scientific, medical, surgical, optical and professional machinery and equipment; 6) Electrical machinery and equipment, incl. cable, switches, transformer, generator, battery; 7) Telecommunications machinery and equipment, incl. wireless sets, telephones, plus marketing with Government permission; 8) Pumps; 9) Other machinery and equipment, incl. piston, piston rings, injection pump and nozzles, casting parts, forging parts, pressure vessel; 10) Small plants; 11) Machine tools; 12) Cables, ropes, twine, chain; 13) Cinematographic and photographic films, cassette and video tapes, related electronic and electrical products; 14) Clocks and watches; 15) Fountain pens, ball pens, pencils; 16) Toys, mechanical and non-mechanical; 17) Other machinery and equipment. Construction: 1) Construction enterprises undertaking domestic and overseas construction works; 2) Installation of machinery and trial and test run service; Transport and Communications: 1) Road transport and vehicle repair; 2) Inland water transport; 3) Dockyard services; 4) Shipping agency. Trade: 1) Hotels and Tourist Industries. Economic activities to which the State-owned Economic Enterprises Law applies: Activities mentioned in Section 3 of this Law, provided provision is obtained under Section 4. Other proposals not mentioned above will be considered individually by the Commission. (WPD 5/31) 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 May 1 0.51 0.08 0.35 May 15 3.35 5.83 4.45 May 30 12.32 16.73 17.24 SPORTS Delegation Returns from China May 12: The sports delegation headed by North-West Commander Brig-Gen. Tun Kyi returned after a study tour of Chinese sports. (WPD 5/13) New Swimming Records May 15: In a competition held by the Burma Swimming Federation, Maung Maung Sein broke the Burma record in the 200-metre, 400-metre, and 1500-metre events, while Maung Maung Win broke the Burma record in the 200-metre butterfly and 400-metre individual events. (WPD photo captions 5/16) Judo Trainees to Japan May 20: Two Burmese judo trainees left for one month of training in Japan at the invitation of the Kodokan Judo Institute. (WPD 5/21) Athletes to China May 22: Minister for Health Dr. Pe Thein gave advice to the 64-member Burmese sports delegation going to China. It includes volleyball (men), basketball (women), swimming, track & field, and gymnastic teams. (WPD 5/23) Badminton in Indonesia May 26: A badminton team consisting of U Maung Maung, Win Tun Thein, and Mar Lar Myint, left for Djakarta to participate in the Sudaman World Individual Champion Cup and World Badminton Team Championships to be held May 29-June 4. (WPD 5/27) CULTURAL On Sunday, May 28, the Working People's Daily began a special weekly "Art and culture section," grouping articles on cultural matters. Burmese Literature Miscellaneous articles and series on Burmese literature [copies on request]: May 7,14,21,28: Philosophical Burmese Poems, by Htila Sitthu. [Cont. Poems and commentary: (6) Min Yu Wai (b. 1929) and Zawgyi; (7) Two poems by Poetesses Nu Thazin and Ne Thwe Ni (b. 1930). (8) Two poems by Htila Sitthu (b. 1932) and Min Yu Wai (b. 1928). (9) Two poems by Zawgyi (b. 1907) and Seinta Kyawthu U Awe (b. 1736).] May 7,14: Shin Maha Thila-wuntha's elegant "pyo", by Sann Thamein. [The Buddhopatti Pyo by "the pinnacle of Burmese literature." {in English & Burmese}] May 7: Palm-leaf missives found in Inle, by Daw Khin Nyun (Inle). [Royal edicts from 1870's found in Inle monasteries.] May 14: King Mindon and Inle Sayadaws, by Daw Khin Nyun (Inle). [Another sample of Intha literature.] May 21: Lawk-Sawk Sayadaw Manidaza, by Thein Than Tun. [Four old poets of Lawk-sawk Twp., Shan State: Manidaza, Myinmu Khingyi, and Kape Phongyi, and Sale U Ponnya.] Burmese Arts Articles on Burmese arts and crafts [copies on request]: May 3,4: Waziya series of plays takes second step, by Ko Ye. [(1) Success of Yaukkhama Yothay Athetshay, the second Waziya play presented by Bogale U Tint Aung, Gita Lulia Maung Ko Ko, and Actor U Kyaw Pe; (2) cameo biographies of actors.] May 7,21: Anyein Thabin, by Saw Mon Nyin. [Cont. (7) "The Myanma Nyun Anyein {Theatre}: U Chit Maung & Daw Aung Kyi"--theatre opened in the 1920's. (8) "Aka Weizza Bala Pyan"--dancer Bala Pyan (1914-87).] May 7: The airport painting, by Win Pa. [The Mingaldon airport murals, done in 1957 by U Ba Kyi.] May 14: Paintings and patriotism, by Min Naing. [Portraits and statues of Maha Bandoola.] May 21: A marvellous Wood-Carving of Burma, by Soe Tint, MA. [The intricately carved Buddha image (ca. 1905) of the Shwegu Pagoda in Pakokku {Magwe}.] May 28: Anyein Zat Thabin, by Saw Mon Nyin. [(1) "Dancer `College' Sein"--Dancer Ma Ma Sein (1268-1320, BE).] May 28: The first art school of Burma, by Win Pa. [Art school established in June 1939.] May 28: Nyaung-ye festival in Pagan period, by Thein Than Tun. [Banyan tree festivals, 1200-1300 AD.] Memoirs of Htin Lin May 7,14,21,28: The detailed and evocative Reminiscences of Htin Lin. [Cont. (5) Burmese Family: grandfather's country home and family. (6) Inheritance: Burmese family law. (7) Mangala Sutta: Values taught Burmese children. (8) Loka-niti: Traditional guide to good conduct.] Video Business Warned May 8: A Rangoon Division Video Work Scrutinization and Supervisory Committee warned video businessmen to abide by the law, noting that some are "filming and producing video films which go against the policy of State and the Government;...smuggle in video tapes and without the approval of the Video Censor Board...are re-producing video tapes and X-rated video tapes and...hiring video tapes without the approval of the Video Censor Board...[and] showing ...tapes which are not permitted ...and also video tapes which are contrary to the policy of the State and Government...." He also accused them of charging for video tapes copied without authority from Burma Television and for illegal advertising. (WPD 5/9) MISCELLANEOUS Crime News Names, addresses, and photos of culprits generally included. Apr. 30: Kengtung [Shan] police on Mar. 20 seized 20 ancient Buddha images and 2 wooden sculptures at a monastery that were going to be smuggled out of the country, and arrested Sai Wun Naw. (WPD 5/1) May 3: 5 men have been arrested for murdering a grandfather and two grandsons (aged 10 and 8) after stealing their bullock cart near Ayoh Pagoda north of Hnangan village, Thazi Twp. [Rgn] on Apr. 16. The culprits have stolen many draught cattle in the vicinity. (WPD 5/5) May 7: 3 men were arrested Apr. 28 for stealing 2 motors and 2 fans worth K 15,000 from the Myomakaung Road theater construction project godown on Apr. 18. 3 men were arrested for burglarizing a garage on Jan. 23 of car cassettes and other car parts worth K 78,750. (WPD 5/8) May 14: 5 men were arrested May 7 in Shauk-pin-yo village, Singu Twp. [Mandalay] for stealing telephone poles. (WPD 5/15) May 14: Video businesses in Rangoon were raided May 13, and 3 were caught with X-rated tapes, uncensored tapes, and censor cards without tapes. (WPD 5/16) May 28: Mandalay police on May 11 seized 1 kilo of heroin worth K 120,000, and arrested 4 people. Rangoon police on May 16 seized 5 che-hti gamblers with stakes totalling K 68,416. (WPD 5/29) Crime from Disturbance Era May 20: The Rangoon Division Court on Mar. 31 sentenced two men [named] to 10 years imprisonment for the murder of a policeman, and wounding of another, of the Kemmendine Police Station "during the disturbances." Two others [named] are being sought. (WPD 5/21) Obituaries Mar. 24: U Sing Khup, Burma Star Medalist-Pensioner, father of U Goih Za Kam; Thuam Do Lian DSA (Maymyo), died in Vongmual, Tiddim, aged 71. (WPD 5/11) Apr. 30: Laxmi Devi, Zeyawadi, wife of Ganga Prasad, died at the age of 70. [Hindu] (WPD 5/1) May 1: Mrs. Kalusu Thetgyi, widow of Rev. John Thetgyi, died in Rangoon, aged 78. [Christian] (WPD 5/2) May 3: Rev. FR. S. Joachim, Ass't Parish Priest, St. John's Church, Maung Tawlay St., died in Rangoon, aged 42. [Christian] (WPD 5/5) May 3: K. Mangamma (Mrs. KSN Murthi), mother of K. Ravi Shankar, etc., died at the age of 77. (WPD 5/5) May 6: Hoe Beng Hock (a) U Aung Than, widower of Daw Nu Nu (a) Kee Liu Zoo, died in Rangoon, aged 87. (WPD 5/8) May 7: Srimati R. Lakshmamma, wife of Mr. R. Elliah (ret'd Superintendent of Burma Customs), died at the age of 70. [Hindu] (WPD 5/8) May 20: Daw Tin Twe, widow of Dr. U Myint Swe, died in Los Angeles, Cal., U.S.A., aged 74. [Christian] (WPD 5/23) May 22: Mr. H. P. Sarup, (May Myo), father of Kirti, Raja and Anil, died in May Myo [sic], aged 79. Kirya Karam on June 3. (WPD 5/31) May 25: Tek Chand Dassau, husband of Daw Celia (Forest Department), died in Rangoon, aged 52. [Hindu] (WPD 5/26) May 26: U Harry Tha Oo, Akyab, retired Chief Accountant, Telecommunications Department, husband of Daw Shwe Win (Winnie), died in Akyab, aged 76. [Catholic] (WPD 5/28) May 27: Mr. O.B. Abreu, retired Chief Engineer, Thayetmyo Cement Mills, widow of Rita Abreu, died in Rangoon, aged 77. [Catholic] (WPD 5/28) Parks & Gardens Continued publicity to the re-opening and improvement, with military and volunteer labour, of parks and public gardens throughout Burma, including both feature articles and news stores: Apr. 30: Parachute jumping grounds (cable) opened at Pan-hay-wun Park in Mingaladon Station, Rangoon. (WPD 5/1) May 1: Kandawgyi Park in Toungoo was opened. (WPD 5/2) May 3: Datukalya Park in Toungoo was opened, at a cost of K 591,922. (WPD 5/4) +-+-+-+-+ 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). +-+-+-+-+ Materials Available by Special Order As indicated above, your compiler will be glad to provide subscribers with copies of the following special supplementary materials, postpaid, on receipt of $5.00 each (US$ 7.50 foreign), each. Space and postage cost do not permit including them with the regular issue: 1. Draft Election Law, and accompanying documents. 16 pp. 2. Lists, Numerical and Alphabetical, of the 234 registered Burmese Political Parties. ca. 15 pp. To order, write me at 32 Elm St., Cooperstown, NY 13326, enclosing a check made out, as usual, to: Hugh C. MacDougall. Burma Press Summary No. 27, May 1989 Hugh C. MacDougall 06/09/9601/14/