89-09 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol. III, No. 9, September 1989 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Political Slogans 1 WPD Slogans 2 Political Articles (Excerpts) 2 Press Conferences 5 Political Criminals Sentenced 7 Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt's Book 7 Special Press Conference 8 VOA, BBC, AIR Staff Listed 8 Historic Records Exhibition 9 ELECTIONS Election Meeting 10 Party Registration Changes 10 New Township Constituencies 11 Ballot Boxes Wanted 11 Registrations Cancelled 11 Election Progress Report 11 Party Information Published 11 DIPLOMATIC Criticism of West 11 Diplomatic Calls 12 Ambassador to Italy 12 Ambassador to India 12 Ambassador to New Zealand 12 Swiss Ambassador Approved 12 Iranian Ambassador Approved 12 Ambassador to Japan 13 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Aid to Mandalay Fire Victims 13 FOREIGN VISITORS UNDP Assessment Team 13 Thai Military Delegation 13 World Bank Experts 13 Thai Industry Minister 13 UNDP Infrastructure Mission 13 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Red Cross Youth to Europe 13 Rector to Indonesia 13 Educator to China 13 Border Delegation to Thailand 13 Computer Workshop 13 Environmental Education 13 Red Cross to China 14 UNGA Delegation 14 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 14 Appointments Confirmed 14 GOVERNMENT Bar Council Amended 14 Exams Set 14 Examination Law Amended 14 Aquaculture Law Passed 15 Language Law Amendment 15 School Reopenings 15 Military Title Law 15 MILITARY Tatmadaw & the Public 15 Insurgent Attacks 15 Medals Given 16 Insurgents Surrender 16 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 16 High Prices 16 Entrepreneurs' Workshop 17 Joint Ventures Formed 17 Investment Bank Opens 17 Companies Act Regulations 17 Trade Directory Planned 17 Rice Mills To Register 17 Press Conference on Rice 17 Gas Ration Increased 18 Myanmar-Singapore Showroom 18 Rainfall in Yangon 18 HEALTH AIDS Warnings Planned 18 Warnings on Injections 19 SPORTS South-East Asian Games 19 Asian Disabled Games 19 Badminton Awards 19 CULTURAL Myanmar Literature 19 Myanmar Arts & Crafts 20 Myanmar Culture 20 Articles on Morals & Religion 20 Reward for Antiquities 20 MISCELLANEOUS Crime News 20 Obituaries 21 Fishermen Rescued 21 Narcotics Seizures 21 Earthquake Reports 21 +-+-+-+-+ Issue for Sept. 23 not received. +-+-+-+-+ POLITICAL CRISIS Political Slogans The political slogans quoted in the November 1988 issue appeared in each issue of The Working People's Daily throughout September. WPD Slogans Since Apr. 7 the The Working People's Daily has run a political slogan across the bottom of each front page. In September these slogans were generally new ones. Sept. 1,21: The Myanmar firmly believe in the independent and active foreign policy. Sept. 2,25: No fear have we Myanmars of any threat or intimidation. Sept. 3,26: Never shall we Myanmars have our heads turned by flattery, blarney or blandishment. Sept. 4,27: We Myanmars are ones not softened by every placating gesture. Sept. 5,20: The Myanmar people are intense in their patriotism and will not tolerate bullying and domination of any kind. Sept. 6,19: Myanmar Naing-Ngan will always respect the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of other nations. Sept. 7: Myanmar Naing-Ngan will never commit any kind of aggression against any nation. Sept. 8,18: Myanmar Naing-Ngan will not interfere in the internal affairs of any nation. Sept. 9: Myanmar Naing-Ngan will always be striving for equality and mutual benefits with every nation. Sept. 10,22: Myanmar Naing-Ngan solves problems with other nations only by peaceful means. Sept. 11: The strength of Myanmar Naing-Ngan lies within. Sept. 12: We Myanmar brothers will march forward together with greater unity, strength and power. Sept. 13: Strive unitedly to ensure the perpetuity of the independence of Myanmar Naing-Ngan. Sept. 14: We shall all strive in unison, with might and main; for Myanmar economic progress, world respect to gain. Sept. 15: Internal affairs of Myanmar can only be created by the Myanmar people themselves. Sept. 16: Gather round ye all to strive for success in elections free and fair. Sept. 17: There is freedom to vote for establishment of genuine democracy. Sept. 24: Every Myanmar cherishes his own country and his own race. Sept. 28: Democracy cannot be constructed by committing criminal offences. Sept. 29: Only the democracy suitable for the Myanmars is the desire of the people and free and fair election is the real desire of the people. Sept. 30: Prevalence of law and order is the essential key to free and fair election. Political Articles (Excerpts) Following the pattern begun in October, each issue contains lengthy feature articles, translated from Myanmar, designed to bolster government views and policies. We note them briefly, with excerpts of particularly significant portions, but can provide copies if needed: Sept. 1: A piece of advice to students, government employees, by Phyu Sein Win. [Study hard and work for the country. "Since all the service personnel are not allowed to join any party organization, it is necessary for them to be free from any political colour."] Sept. 1: Diplomatic envoys, by A Citizen. [Brief outline of diplomatic functions and immunity; "Diplomatic envoys must not interfere in the internal affairs of the receiving State. Though they have the duty of reporting news about political parties..., they must not get themselves involved in political affairs, and exacerbate and threaten a political party."] Sept. 2: Thitsa and Myitta Discussion: Of this and that, by Byamahso. [Thieves were responsible for the Aug. 31 power outage. Many countries have changed their names such as Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Siam (Thailand), as Burma did in changing to Myanmar. But Buddha was not changed to Muddha. It is wrong to call Lord Buddha an ordinary man. US has accused Myanmar of being among poorest nations, getting poorer, and of not paying debts. But India and the US owe far more than Myanmar's 4,900 million dollars.] Sept. 3: True nature of the KNU, by Yebaw Thit Maung. [KNU leaders have become rich; have joined with criminals; in Nov. 1988 substituted the Burma Democratic Allies (BDA) for the National Democratic Front (NDF); shout "Communism" or "Democracy" depending on circumstances.] Sept. 3: Oh! how they blow hot and cold according to their whims!, by Maung Yin Pyi. [BBC and Amnesty International denounced. BBC correspondent Christopher Gunnet is "a lackey of the insurgents."] Sept. 5: What is Nga Mya? Whither Nga Mya, by Saw Mu Thar. [Letter to KNU insurgent Khwar Saw (Kayin for "friend") about KNU leaders' corruption, high living, and plans to burn down Yangon. You will be punished and "meet with unsightly end in not too distant a future."] Sept. 5-6: The farmers know about them, by Nyunt Shwe (Peasant). [Farmers are patriotic and opposed imperialism. They were grateful for the mass assistance of {urban} volunteers, but "not satisfied...because we were afraid the volunteers who did not know anything about farming would step on young plants and that they would plant the seedlings in the wrong places." Also not satisfied when the paddy was bought: "We had to please the agricultural supervision committee members and watch the mood of the chairman of the council and please the departmental officials." But farmers tend to forget the services provided by the Government. There are lots of people preaching false democracy who know nothing about farming. Some call for land to be given back to landholders and for compulsory deliveries to the Government. Despite high paddy prices, farmers must pay high prices for other commodities, like edible oil and textiles. "Even the cost of a hair-cut has risen from K2 to K3." Is it human rights to have schools closed and village paddy stores dispersed? "Our village which was once united is no longer a happy place. People are divided. They have their own groups. Then the people from the town come to make political speeches, they stay at the houses of their own people. They hold meetings with people of their group... [and say] that we do not understand democracy."] Sept. 6: As notorious as the name goes, by Maha Thamun. [Villainy of Nga Mya, murderer and minion of colonialists. "The KNU's once joined up with the expatriates and formed the United National Liberation Front. But Nga Mya...plotted against them and attacked them. They next formed the Pyinai Baungson Pyidaungsu Amyotha Democracy Tatpaungsu in 1975 and later the National Democratic Front (NDF). When he learnt that he could not become the leader of the NDF, Nga Mya hatched another plot. The expatriates of Tin Maung Win's group got to where Nga Mya was, giving the disturbances as the excuse and they were mobilized and the (DAB) was formed. If Nga Mya did not become the leader of the DAB, then Tin Maung Win's group had cause to fear. Even Bo Letya, who had forsaken his life as a member of the Thirty Comrades and became an expatriate met his doom at the hands of Nga Mya who was very fond of murdering and killing."] Sept. 8: Myanmar Pyitha (We of the land of Myanmar), by Manizawta. [Denunciation of British imperialism and divide and rule, and of All India Radio broadcasts.] Sept. 10,14-15,20,22: To ensure peaceful pursuit of education, by Myat Tha. [Report on reopened schools. In 1989-90 there were 729 high schools, 1,702 middle schools, and 31,499 primary schools, or 33,930 under the Basic Education Department. At them are 16,000 senior assistant teachers, 44,000 junior assistant teachers, and 180,000 primary assistant teachers. Students total over 6.8 million. Duties of teachers.] Sept. 13: If you point your finger at another person..., by Ba Nya Aung. [Double standard in {US and Britain}.] Sept. 15: Indignation unrestrained when our people are offended, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [How foreigners maligned Myanmar history, notably the Englishman Mr. Luce and the American Dr. David Guben, according to an article in the June 19, 1979 Loktha Pyithu Nezin. Now the BBC and VOA are doing it again, with the aid of traitors. "It is well known that the Myanma king was toppled by imperialists due to turncoats and traitors. So, every Myanmar who is a patriot ought to be always vigilant and alert against all traitors."] Sept. 15: Those whose slave mentality remain undiminished, by Maha Thamon. [Traitors associated with foreign Embassies. "My heart was rent when I saw people in front of {the American} embassy while flying the flag of that country...trampling upon...their own flag but hoisting the flag of another country in esteem...."] Sept. 16: Let's extend a warm welcome, by Veteran Kan Htun. [Summary of Law No. 17/89, the Myanmar War Veteran Organization Law of Aug. 10.] Sept. 16-17: The BCP the people hate & me the BCP hates, by A doctor. [BCP infiltration in urban areas. There is no legal party using the word communist. "As regards `socialist'....It is not that I am putting the blame on a system that has become extinct...[but] I must say that the socialist system is not suitable to the people of our nation." BCP machinations.] Sept. 17: From insurgent to robber and from robber to thief, by San Linn (Mandalay). [Comment on Sept. 4 Democratic Alliance of Burma strategy meeting attended by KNU "leader and brigand" Nga Mya, KIA's Brang Seng, the Mon Pyithit Party's Nai Shwe Kyin, expatriate and Pyithu Myochit Party member U Thwin, and Tin Maung Win of the CRDB. KNU crimes outlined. They are reversing the traditional saying of "from thief to robber, from robber to insurgent."] Sept. 18,20,22,25,27-30: Myanmar Naing-Ngan that has passed through the flames of hell, by A Tatmadawman. [(1) "The cats dance in glee when the forest is on fire." 1988 disturbances, especially those led by National League for Democracy, revisited. (2 {2 pts.}) "Being harassed by centipedes while being troubled by snakes." Table of 17 incidents in which 74 rioters were killed and 133 wounded, 30 security men killed and 11 wounded, and 197 arms stolen. BCP insurgent efforts thwarted by Tatmadaw. (3 {2 pts.}) "If the cattle are scattered, the tiger seizes them." False rumors used during disturbances, such as that jails were opened. In fact, there were 13 jail breaks, in which 2,155 male amd 169 female convicts escaped. 84 prisoners were killed and 201 wounded by security men, who lost 1 killed and 12 wounded; this shows that the jails were not deliberately opened. Efforts of a "major nation" to violate Myanmar air space, land C-130 military planes, intrude in territorial waters, etc. (4) "Only when there is unity would the country prosper." Progress since Sept. 1988. (5 {2 pts.}) "Deep river is damaged by silt by forming sediments." Instigations during demonstrations. 691 persons were killed, including only 15 demonstrators, and 643 wounded.] Sept. 18: The people have come to know the differences, by Bo Thanmani. [Actions against individuals are not directed against organizations to which they may belong.] Sept. 19: The danger of destructive elements we must expose, by Maung Khaing Aung. [Daily mottoes in the Loktha Pyithu Nezin, and the erecting of "boards and posters" is to alert the people "against destructive elements." KNU bombings and sabotage described.] Sept. 20: Thitsa-Myitta discussions: By now the people should be well aware, by Byamahso. [Those criticized include foreign diplomats, U Thant's son-in-law Tin Myint Oo, {U Nu's} son Maung Aung, `Nation' U Law Yone, U Nu, U Ye Htoon.] Sept. 21: Parental duties, by Nay Myo Naung. [Prevent children from following the wrong path and being misguided by unscrupulous persons, in an era of "various kinds of political parties with various kinds of isms and ideologies.] Sept. 21: Youths to avoid bad company, by Saw San. [Such as "leftist or rightist underground (UG) movements," "economic exploiters such as Zali Maw and Ye Htoon," and "foreign political wizards."] Sept. 21: Notoriety of big tiger is known, by Aye Than. [Fraudulent report on AIR, Sept. 2, by a so-called "University girl student," pretends to have "deep sympathy for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," but "actually they do not honour and respect her in the least." It really comes from the "big tiger" who used to commit crimes in the Bago {Pegu} Yoma {i.e., BCP}.] Sept. 23-24: In thinking about the future, by Mya Win. [Virtuous role of Tatmadaw.] Sept. 24-26: The bodyguard of deception, by Hpo La Min. [Ethnic divide and rule by radio propaganda, with British and German (Nazi) examples.] Sept. 25: The thief cries "stop thief", by U Chit Oo. [Beware of hypocritical claims to virtue.] Sept. 26: Opium, the symbol of dead, by Khin Aung Tin. [Opium was introduced to Myanmar by a foreign capitalist in 1581, and was used by British "to subjugate the people forever."] Sept. 27: To be thoughtful and not to make mistakes, by Pe Mya Win. [Distortions of foreign news broadcasts. Americans listen to VOA only when they are in their cars {sic}; otherwise they get their news on TV. Many people believe the BBC. AIR now reaches all over the world. Congressmen should not be confused with the US Government: "most of the Congressmen are proprietors of big business enterprises and therefore, sometimes what they say originates in their economic system." So ignore foreign broadcasts.] Sept. 29: Frenchman Phillipe--a wild cat that dances in glee when the forest is on fire, by Naybalu. [French journalist Lob Phillipe {sic} who videotaped demonstrators and beheaded bodies in South Okkalapa during the 1988 disturbances, and his interpreter Win Myint. Phillipe "video-taped these scenes and spread them round the world with evil, cunning and crafty design to make people think that {Myanmars} are savages...."] Press Conferences Sept. 1: At the 56th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesmen said: -- Three men responsible for the July 10 bombing of Yangon City Hall have been apprehended. [Only main facts of a very detailed account are given below; full text available aon request--HCMacD.] They are Ko Ko Naing (a) Than Oo (a) Yan Myo Naing (a) Lwin Soe (a) Than Win (a) Soe Thein (a) Kyo Soe, who was seized in Kawkareik [Kayin] on Aug. 21, and his accomplices Aung Thu and Maung Maung Thin. Ko Ko Naing, aged 32, graduated from the Government Technical Institute (GTI). He has married twice and has 5 children. He manufactured soap in Mawlamyine [Moulmein] until Feb. 1989, when he joined the KNU. KNU Brigade No. 6 Commander Shwe Saing had Ko Ko Naing attend a 3-week demolition course and a 20 day course by 3 French instructors. He was assigned to blow up buildings in Yangon. In May 1989 he was issued explosives and left for Myawady on May 28. He arrived in Yangon June 13, and stayed at the house of his cousin Maung Maung Thin. On July 2 he enlisted the support of Aung Thu, aged 21, a 2nd year student at the Institute of Medicine. [Preparation and placing of bomb at City Hall on July 10 described in detail.] Ko Ko Naing returned to the KNU where he was decorated and promoted to Major by Bo Mya. On Aug. 1, he was given what Bo Mya described as a poison gas rocket capable of killing people within 150 yards and lasting 14 days, to shoot at Cabinet officers with. He was assigned to return to Yangon with RPG (62/94) rockets to attack the War Office, the State LORC Office, the Office of the Ministers and Defence Industry, and the Tanyin Oil Refinery, in an operation led by Ma Lamuhtaw, daughter of No. 6 Brigade Commander Shwe Saing. Elaborate arrangements [described] were made to bring munitions to Yangon, but the saboteurs were caught [details]. Ko Ko Naing has confessed. This was one of four groups of saboteurs that have been arrested. [Numerous photographs of Ko Ko Naing, many accomplices, munitions, hiding places, etc.] -- It is not true that service personnel issue citizenship cards and scrutiny cards "only after they have been given food and drinks." Difficulties should be presented to the Township LORCs. -- "Regarding the electric power stoppage in Yangon, repair work is being urgently carried out to supply sufficient electric power." -- In clarification of the last Press Conference, school uniforms are compulsory; but students should not be prevented from attending classes for lack of uniforms. (WPD 9/2) -- More photos of Yangon Bomber Case. (WPD 9/3) Sept. 8: At the 57th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesmen said: -- It is totally unfounded and untrue that the Government has arrested, and/or tortured and killed, politicians. No one has been arrested because of being a politician. "The government has arrested those who committed crimes, violated the laws, disturbed the rule of law, incited unrest and caused public anxiety, and action was taken against them according to law.... However, it is likely that some politicians may be among those who commit such offences." -- It is not true, as rumored from diplomatic circles in Bangkok, that the Government sent 500 arrested students to the Kachin State as porters. -- There are 189 persons detained under the Martial Law Order of July 17, 1989, of whom 162 are detained in Yangon and 27 elsewhere. 662 persons were detained between Sept. 18, 1988 and July 16, 1989, so "the number of persons detained in the whole of the country is 811...." Of these, 170 are students, of whom 142 were arrested before Martial Law and 28 since. We have not compiled a list of how many politicians are included among those detained." Whether detainees may meet relatives depends on the nature of their offences. Detainees "include persons who spread rumours with intent to cause rise in commodity prices." People are not detained for "ordinary offences" but for breaking specific laws and orders and who have "caused disturbances; instigated civil unrest and disorder; fabricated allegations and false accusations to discredit the State and Tatmadaw; created misunderstanding between the people, the State and the Tatmadaw; accused the Tatmadaw of being fascist and caused anxieties among the people." -- Highschools will be reopened "sometime during September." -- Some persons have been released after interrogation, without action being taken against them. "Those who were given death sentences under Martial Law have the right of appeal." There have been no executions, since "the present period is one during which appeals are submitted." -- 3,192 youths and students have returned from the border areas, including those "who came back into the legal fold bringing with them arms and ammunition." (WPD 9/9) Sept. 22: 58th Press Conference. [9/23 WPD not received] Sept. 29: At the 59th State LORC Press Conference, the Information Committee spokesmen said: -- Myanmar girl students who went to "the other country" mistreated, but untrue that many engaged in prostitution. However, the Bangkok Post on Sept. 24 published a story about 67 young Myanmar girls arrested in 3 brothels in Phae Mai, Muang District, Thailand. The government has done its best to bring students home. -- A March 3, 1989 Japanese interview with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi demonstrated her "double dealing" in instigating students to engage in armed struggle. -- 33,931 schools have been reopened, including 31,499 primary, 1,702 middle, and 730 high schools. High school attendance is 92.4%. The time limit for students to enter high schools is set at one month after their reopening. Dates have been set for reopening vocational and medical schools. -- A Sept. 27 BBC story said the KIA had attacked Mogaung. As was reported in the WPD, the KIA entered Mayan village in Mogaung Township (not the town of Mogaung) and burned a middle school. -- "The BCP central has fled from Panghseng to Panwa in the Kachin State," and the only two insurgent groups left are the KIA and KNU, who are "lackeys of the imperialists." -- Monthly magazines which have been issued publisher's registration are censured [censored] only after printing. There are only a few that are censured. Magazines which have not obtained registration cards for publishing must submit all material for prior scrutiny, and then submit printed copy again before publication, to see if it is the same. The Scrutiny and Registration Division will advise on whether material will be approved. -- As of Sept. 28, there are 3,198 youths who have returned, plus 241 who "have returned to the legal fold," for a total of 3,439. -- Before schools were closed, there were 6,578,525 students from primary to high school. Since reopening, the number is 6,081,311, or 92.4%. -- There is no extradition treaty between Myanmar Naing-Ngan and Thailand. The only instance was Lo Hsit-han, who was sent back after he had fled. Action will be taken against the 67 Myanmar girls arrested under Thai Immigration Law. (WPD 9/30) Political Criminals Sentenced Aug. 31: North-West Command Military Tribunal (4), sitting in Shwebo from Aug. 24-29, heard cases against 25 persons who on Sept. 13, 1988, attacked and burned the Dazei police station, Sagaing Division, stole weapons, and kidnapped and beheaded four policemen. All were found guilty; 11 were sentenced to death; five to transportation for life; eight to 10 years rigorous imprisonment; and one to 5 years rigorous imprisonment [names given]. (WPD 9/1) // Sept. 3: Names and photos of the 25 convicted, and other photos of the crime scene. (WPD 9/4) Sept. 24: Win Myint, arrested Dec. 18 for infiltrating Myanmar with explosives, has been exposed as the interpreter for the foreign journalist who made a video tape of bodies beheaded by demonstrators, as shown at the Historical Records Exhibition [photo]. (WPD 9/25) Sept. 25: Military Court No. 1 condemned to death 5 persons (4 men, 1 woman) convicted of beheading 3 innocent people falsely accused of poisoning drinking water at the junction of Shwedagon Pagoda and U Wisara Roads on Sept. 8, 1988. They displayed the severed heads and burned the bodies. Three others have absconded. (WPD 9/26) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt's Book [Throughout the month, there were daily advertisements for State LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt's Aug. 5 Special Press Conference statement on the Burma Communist Party's conspiracy to take over State power, with highlights and excerpts, described as the "Expose of a Life-time" that "should be kept forever."] Sept. 8: Over 100,000 copies of the book containing Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt's Statement have been sold, and it has been reprinted 6 times. A 7th edition is in preparation, as well as an edition in English. (WPD 9/9) Special Press Conference Sept. 9: State LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt held another special press conference for local and foreign journalists on foreign interference in Myanmar affairs. [Full text printed in WPD, Sept. 10-15, with extensive reproductions of documents, photographs, etc. Copies can be provided at cost.] Some highlights are: -- Zarli Maw (son of Dr. Ba Maw), Maung Aung (son of U Nu), U Ye Htoon (son of ex-Chief Justice U Chan Htoon), Tin Myint Oo (son-in-law of U Thant) and others received extensive financial and other help from "a big Embassy in Yangon." Some of it they embezzled. -- 52 persons, including U Ye Htoon, were interrogated and evidence uncovered [numerous individual photographs of alleged culprits]. -- Political parties implicated include National League for Democracy [No. 2]; League for Democracy and Peace [141]; Anti-Communist, Anti-Socialist, Anti-Totalitarian Free Democracy League [200]; Democratic University Graduates and Old Students Organization [10]; Rule of People's Democracy League [108]. -- Myanmar's non-aligned foreign policy outlined at length. -- Improper conduct, instigation of disturbances, etc. by Ambassador and members of a "super-power embassy," including involvement of Dr. Tin Myo Win of Rangoon General Hospital. "People who have close contacts with the embassies give false news hoping to gain certain profits to themselves." -- Wrongful attacks on Myanmar by Amnesty International outlined. -- Fraudulent news and interference in Myanmar affairs by BBC, VOA, and AIR. Involvement of Daw Than Than Nu (daughter of U Nu). False news from correspondents Bertil Lintner and Christopher Gunness. -- False reports to BBC by Nay Min, and his Myanmar sources. -- Fabricated news of torture broadcast by VOA, apparently based on telegram from US Ambassador Burton Levin. -- US Congressmen and Senators who have attacked Myanmar. -- League for Democracy and Peace chairman Bohmu Aung asked for armed Indian intervention in Myanmar. -- KIA insurgency surveyed. -- Communist involvement in National League for Democracy, and improper behavior of U Tin Oo and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Latter's correspondence with Amnesty International, etc. -- Activities and records of All Burma Students Democatic Front. -- KNU insurgency surveyed. US support for KNU. Involvement of Robert Nathan and Louis J. Walinsky. -- Mon and Shan insurgencies surveyed. BCP involvement. -- Involvement in insurgency and terror of Alliance for Democratic Solidarity, headed by Thanmani Bo Khin Maung, with Zarli Maw, U Mahn T'lein, and Maung Aung. (WPD 9/9) VOA, BBC, AIR Staff Listed Sept. 15: [Text] The following is a translation of the photographic copy of staff serving with the BBC, VOA and All India Radio Myanmar language programmes: BBC Myanmar Programme 1. U Aung Myint Tun--BBC (Myanmar programme chief) 2. U Nay Win--Programmer 3. U Kyaw Swa Thein--Programme Assistant (son of ex-colonel Thein Toke) 4. Daw Kyi Kyi May--Programme Assistant (daughter of ex-commander Kyaw Zaw (Navy) 5. Daw Khin Mya Swe (a) Ni Ni--wife of Dr. Min Nyo 6. Daw Mya Mya Myaing--(She got married to an Englishman while she was in UK for further study. She returned to Myanmar Naing-Ngan and then went back again to UK. There she found that her husband had married another woman and she married seaman U Thein Tun alias Tony. Now she is running a shop at her house in Golders Green, it is learnt). 7. U Khin--(Former full-time programme assistant). After his retirement he is serving with the BBC on part-time basis 8. U Maung Maung Hain--Programme Assistant 9. U Pe Than--Programme Assistant 10. U Aung Khin--Programme Assistant 11. Daw Ohnmar--She has joined the BBC recently 12. Daw Tin Hta Swe--daughter of ex-colonel Chit Ko Ko (former ambassador) 13. Daw Tin Tin San--daughter-in-law of U Rashid 14. Daw Molly (a) Mya Mya Win--part-time (wife of Dr. Ko Ko) 15. Daw Than Than Cho--part-time (wife of Dr. Aye Naing) 16. Dr. Tin May Aye--part-time (wife of Dr. Thet Tun) 17. Tin Tin Myaing--part-time (daughter of U Pe Maung Tin VOA (Myanmar programme) 1. Richard Van Der Kerr--Chief (American) 2. Daw Myint Myint Zaw--Editor-in-charge 3. U Khin Maung Win--Editor (elder brother of CRDB Tin Maung Win) 4. U Tin Mya--Programme Assistant 5. U Tin Aung--Programme Assistant (son of ex-director of police U Aung Chein) 6. Daw Nyein Shwe--Programme Assistant 7. U Zaw Win--Programme Assistant (formerly in charge of Reuter news agency) 8. U Khin Maung Htay--Programme Assistant (who has applied for US citizenship) 9. U Aung Kyaw--Programme Assistant (former teacher of Bawathit Private Teaching School) 10. U Aung Hla--Programme Assistant (former tuition teacher) 11. Daw Hla Hla Than--Programme Assistant AIR (Myanmar programme) 1. U Aung Nyein--son-in-law of U Nu 2. Daw Than Than Nu--daughter of U Nu 3. U may Thiri--Shan national (His real name is Dr. Khin Maung Gyi) (WPD 9/15) Historic Records Exhibition Sept. 15: Journalists and officials visited an Exhibition on Historic Records at Tatmadaw Hall. The three-part exhibit covers (1) from the 1974 Constitution through the 1988 disturbances; (2) the takeover by the Army in Sept. 1988; (3) "the construction period." The exhibit includes photographs, documents, and models, and will be open to the public Sept. 18-24. (WPD 9/16) // Sept. 16: Diplomats and political party leaders visited the exhibit. (WPD 9/17) // Sept. 18: About 25,000 people visited the Exhibition. (WPD 9/19) // Sept. 19: 20,000 people visited, mostly "students and youths." (WPD 9/20) // Sept. 20: 22,000 people visited. Special bus service is provided. Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt's statement, 6 volumes of collected news articles are being sold at 50% off. (WPD 9/21) // Sept. 21: 17,000 people visited. (WPD 9/22) // Sept. 23: 20,000 people visited. (WPD 9/24) // Sept. 24: 33,000 people visited. (WPD 9/25) // Sept. 25: 10,000 people visited. The Exhibition has been extended to Oct. 1. Myanmar TV will rebroadcast the video film "Bare Facts of the Turbulent Historical Events of Last Year" after the news and weather on Sept. 26. (WPD 9/26) // Sept. 26: 11,000 people visited. (WPD 9/27) // Sept. 27: 10,000 people visited. (WPD 9/28) // Sept. 28: 11,000 people visited. (WPD 9/29) // Sept. 29: 20,000 people visited. (WPD 9/30) Sept. 18-21,24: Exhibition on Historic Records, by Myint Lwin. [Tour of the Exhibition. (1-2,4) "1988 disturbances and reign of anarchistic tendencies aimed at setting Myanmar Naing-Ngan on fire." E.g., "Parallel governments" were set up during the disturbances. The Galonni group in Mandalay announced one with Thamada Maha Nayaka (U Nu, Thakin Soe, Aung San Oo); Prime Minister (U Aung Gyi); Minister for Home Affairs (U Parama Wunna Theikdi); Minister for Culture (vocalist Hlwan Moe or Kyaw Hein); Minister for Defence (Daw Aung San Suu Kyi); Minister for Education (Dr. Kyaw Sein); Minister for Judicial Affairs (U Tin Aung Hein); Minister for Finance (Dr. Maung Di); Minister for Information (U On Pe or Daw Khin Myo Chit); Minister for Health (Dr. Pe Thein); Minister for Foreign Affairs (Dr. Maung Maung). In Yangon a government was announced with a Prime Minister who "once had held the golden umbrella. "The KNU in the jungles also set up something of their own in a banding together of deficient ones." This was intended to make the government collapse. [Crimes of violence and extortion discussed. Demonstrations in Bonn, Washington, and London. "A video tape...by the Myanma Television... shows the unhuman acts of beheading. Women and children are warned not to watch this video film." BCP conspiracy to take power. [(3) "State-owned properties destroyed by rioters." Breakdown of losses by Ministry, totalling K 628.46 million. Arrival of "five naval ships from a big nation". False news from BBC. Interference by Amnesty International. [(5) "BCP's destructive activities and plan to seize power by violent means and KNU's attempt to set Yangon ablaze, on display." KNU and other insurgent activities, and foreign involvement.] Sept. 19: Never Again. The Exhibition shows only "true events backed up by authentic and concrete evidence." State LORC Secretary (1) "emphasized that not a single fabrication is being shown in the exhibition," and that indeed there wasn't room for everything. The Exhibition shows "historic records on the Central Committee meeting of the Burma Socialist Programme Party and the Pyithu Hluttaw session held on 11 September 1988 and their efforts for holding general election under multi-party system and for effecting change in economic policies. Visitors can then study how normal events escalated to enormous proportions due to agitation, incitement, fabrications and evil influence of the BCP, the rightists and the lackeys of the insurgents .... Six gruesome corpses of security police killed by rioters are also shown.... The total lost during the disturbances was well over K 600 million. Above all, a video show including beheadings of people draws the attention of the visitors." The Exhibition will convince all that these things "really did happen in those nightmarish period of insanity," and of the "need to vow `Never Again'...to be swayed and misled by either the right, the left or any other faction which wishes to see the disintegration of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan." (WPD editorial 9/19) ELECTIONS Election Meeting Sept. 1: The Multi-Party Democracy General Election Commission met with State/Division Subcommissions. Funds of over K35 million have been allotted for the May 1990 general election. Test polling was carried on in Yangon on Aug. 28, and much experience was gained; such tests should be carried out everywhere. (WPD 9/2) Party Registration Changes Party registration changes continue the format followed in October - July. Changes in Party officials or addresses, alliances, deregistrations, etc., are included in a single numerical list. (19) People's Volunteer Organization (Myanmar Naing-Ngan. Patron Bo Thein has resigned. (WPD 9/9) (23) All-Burma National Youths League. Dissolved and deregistered Sept. 26, 1989. (WPD 9/27) (70) Students Revolutionary Party for Democracy (SRPD). VCh Win Kywe; GS Htay Aung; JGS Khin Maung Latt, Thet Naing, Aung Moe Oo; Aud. Nay Tun Oo; Disc. Comm. Aung Aung; Memb. Scrut. Kyi Maung, Tin Maung Thein have resigned. (WPD 9/9) (79) Faithful Democratic Federation. Dissolved and deregistered Sept. 4, 1989. (WPD 9/5) (106) People's Progressive Party. Cent. Org. Comm. member Hla Kyi (Bogalay) has resigned. (WPD 9/9) // Registration cancelled as a BCP front. (WPD 9/20) (109) Ever Green Young Men Association. Registration cancelled as a BCP front. (WPD 9/20) (123) Genuine National Democratic Youth Organization. Dissolved and deregistered Sept. 26, 1989. (WPD 9/27) (130) National Politics Front. Registration cancelled as a BCP front. (WPD 9/20) (162) People's Pioneer Party (PPP). CEC member Tin Mya (a) Pe Thein has resigned. (WPD 9/9) (198) Union People's Future and Democracy Party. CEC members Daw Ma Thi (vocalist) and Daw Thin Thin Khaing have resigned. (WPD 9/9) New Township Constituencies Sept. 7: Election Commission Notification No. 1/89 of Sept. 7 states that the formation of two new townships from Insein and Tantabin Townships [Yangon], in accordance with the Ministry of Home & Religious Affairs Notification of July 13, requires a new constituency for each new township. Hlaingtharyar Township consists of 8 wards and Kasin, Shanchaung, Nyaung, A-le, Okkan Thaungkyar (Yay Okkan), A-pyin Padan, A-twin, Kalargyizu, and Shwelinban Vilage-tracts. Shwepyithar Township consists of 9 wards and Okpho, Zigon, Kyaunggon, Hlawgar, and Kyuchaung Village-tracts. [Village-tracts deleted from Insein and Tantabin Twps. listed]. (WPD 9/8) Ballot Boxes Wanted Sept. 14: Elections Commission Announcement No. 313 of Sept. 14 calls on all those holding steel ballot boxes "used in previous parliamentary elections" to return them to the township election sub-commissions before Oct. 15. (WPD 9/15) Registrations Cancelled Sept. 19: Election Commission Miscellaneous Cases Nos. 2/89, 3/89, 4/89 of Sept. 19 cancelled the registrations of the National Politics Front (NPF) [No. 130]; the People's Progressive Party [106]; and the Ever Green Young Men Association [109], as "above ground organization[s] of the Burma Communist Party" in contravention of Section 3(b) of the Political Party Registration Law. (WPD 9/20) Election Progress Report Sept. 27: Election Commission Announcement No. 319 of Sept. 27 states that the 12 tasks scheduled for March-September 1989 have been successfully completed, and the remaining 14 will be completed on schedule. (WPD 9/28) Party Information Published Sept. 27: Elections Commission Press Release No. 148/89 of Sept. 27, announces publication, in two volumes, of "announcements and press releases regarding the political parties which have been permitted registration." The books will be distributed to political parties. (WPD 9/28) DIPLOMATIC Criticism of West [The Myanmar Press covers events in foreign countries only through extensive wire-service articles, in the past of a distinctly neutral nature. In recent months, in a break with tradition, WPD has included many wire-service articles reporting bad conditions, such as crime and poverty, in the US and other Western countries. E.g., in the Sept. 3 issue: AP items on "US workplace fatalities higher than other major countries," and "AIDS cases in US rise above 100,000," and a Reuters item on "Los Angeles narcotics cops suspected of misusing drug bust money." Reports of foreign criticism of the US have also increased.--HCMacD.] Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Myanmar officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Myanmar. Aug. 31: Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng on State LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and later on Minister for Information and for Culture and for Home & Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 9/1) Sept. 6: Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 9/7) Sept. 15: Australian Ambassador Christopher Lamb on Minister for Energy and for Mines Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 9/16) Sept. 18: Korean Ambassador Byong Hyon Kwon on State LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung. Australian Ambassador Christopher Lamb on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Maj-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 9/19) Sept. 19: Australian Ambassador Christopher Lamb on Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein. Czechoslovak Commercial Counsellor Alois Koncal on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 9/20) Sept. 20: Australian Ambassador Christopher Lamb on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Maj-Gen. Tin Tun, and on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 9/21) Sept. 21: Australian Ambassador Christopher Lamb on State LORC Chairman Gen. Saw Maung. (WPD 9/22) Sept. 25: Korean Ambassador Byong Hyon Kwon and 1st Secretary Kim on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Maj-Gen. Tin Tun. Laos Charge d'Affaires Veng Saysana on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel. (WPD 9/26) Sept. 26: Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohtaka on State LORC Secretary (1) Brig-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (WPD 9/27) Sept. 29: Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng on Commander-in-Chief (Army) Lt-Gen. Than Shwe. (WPD 9/29) Ambassador to Italy Sept. 8: The State LORC Chairman appointed U Thein Toe as Myanmar Ambassador to Italy. (WPD 9/8) Ambassador to India Sept. 18: The State LORC Chairman appointed U Saw Hlaing as Myanmar Ambassador to India. (WPD 9/18) Ambassador to New Zealand Sept. 20: U Thein Myint, Myanmar Ambassador to Australia, has been concurrently accredited as Myanmar Ambassador to New Zealand. (WPD photo caption 9/20) Swiss Ambassador Approved Sept. 25: The Myanmar Government has approved the nomination of Mr. Gerard Fonjallaz as Ambasssador of Switzerland to Myanmar. Ambassador Fonjallaz was born in 1937, and completed his MA (Political Science) at the University of Lausanne. He entered Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 1964, and served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Bogota, Lima, and Buenos Aires. In 1980 he was posted back to Switzerland, and in 1984 was named Ambassador to Peru and Bolivia. He is also accredited to, and resident in, Bangkok. He is married and has two children. (WPD 9/25) Iranian Ambassador Approved Sept. 27: The Myanmar Government approved the nomination of Mr. Ebrahim Rahimpour as Ambassador of Iran to Myanmar. Ambassador Rahimpour was born in Qum (Iran) in 1951, and had "a higher studies in Economics." From 1981 to date he has served the Foreign Ministry in various capacities, and is now Ambassador to India. He will reside in New Delhi. He is married. (WPD 9/27) Ambassador to Japan Sept. 27: Ambassador U Mya Thein presented his credentials to Emperor Akihito in Tokyo as Ambassador to Japan on Sept. 22. (WPD 9/27) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Aid to Mandalay Fire Victims Sept. 29: UNDRO gave 6,000 corrugated iron sheets worth US$25,000 for victims of the Mandalay North-West Township fire. (WPD 9/30) FOREIGN VISITORS UNDP Assessment Team Aug. 31: A UNDP Initial Assessment Mission headed by Mr. Paul Cook called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel to discuss UNDP programs and implementation. (WPD 9/1) Sept. 5: The Mission met with Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel, Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein, and Chairman of the Public Services Selection and Training Board U Maung Maung Gyi. (WPD 9/6) Thai Military Delegation Sept. 8: A Thai National Defence College study group headed by Superintendent Lt-Gen. Tamniab Tubmanee called on Commander-in-Chief (Army) Lt-Gen. Than Shwe. (WPD 9/9)// Sept. 9: The study group arrived Sept. 7, visited pagodas, and left Sept. 9. (WPD 9/9) World Bank Experts Sept. 19: World Bank Financial Analyist Lance Morrell and Railroad Engineer Ravi Kaul called on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Maj-Gen. Tin Tun. (WPD 9/20) Thai Industry Minister Sept. 20: A Thai delegation headed by Minister of Industry Banharn Silpa-archa, with 9 departmental personnel, 5 private entrepreneurs, and 2 journalists arrived, and called on Minister for Mines and for Energy Rear-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 9/22) // Sept. 23: The delegation left. (WPD 9/24) UNDP Infrastructure Mission Sept. 29: Kenneth Alexander McKechnie, head of the UNDP Infrastructure Sector Review Mission, called on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Maj-Gen. Tin Tun. (WPD 9/30) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Red Cross Youth to Europe Sept. 2: a Red Cross Youth Delegation headed by Red Cross Information Officer U Htay Aung, with two members, left to attend the Red Cross Super Camp '89 in Italy and Switzerland. (WPD 9/3) Rector to Indonesia Sept. 8: Yangon University Rector U Tin Oo Hlaing left for Indonesia to attend the Fifth Session of Advisory Committee on Regional Co-operation in Education in Asia and Pacific, sponsored by UNESCO, Sept. 11-15, 1989. (WPD 9/9) Educator to China Sept. 13: U Hla Myint, Principal of the Technical Teachers Training Institute, Insein, left to attend the Regional Workshop on Curriculum Development and Preparation of Innovative Instructional Materials for Technical and Vocational Education in China, Sept. 15-23. (WPD 9/14) Border Delegation to Thailand Sept. 18: A 23-member delegation to the first meeting of the Myanmar-Thailand Regional Border Committee, led by South-East Commander Brig-Gen. Nyan Lin and Eastern Commander Brig-Gen. Maung Aye, left for Chiangmai. (WPD 9/19) Computer Workshop Sept. 23: Assistant Lecturer U Myint Swe of the Department of Software Technology, Insitute of Computer Science and Technology, left for Bangkok to attend the Sept. 26-18 UNESCO Regional Workshop on Computerization of Asian Languages. (WPD 9/24) Environmental Education Sept. 23: U Soe Maung, Principal of the Myaungmya Agricultural Institute, left for Manila to attend the Inter-regional Training Course on the Incorporation of Environmental Education into Technical and Vocational Education and Technology Assessment, Management, and Transfer. (WPD 9/24) Red Cross to China Sept. 27: A Red Cross delegation headed by Red Cross Vice President Col. Tun Oo and 4 members left on a study tour of China. (WPD 9/28) UNGA Delegation Sept. 29: The Myanmar delegation to the 44th United Nations General Assembly in New York, headed by South-East Commander Brig-Gen. Nyan Lin, departed. He was accompanied by Foreign Ministry officials U Ohn Gyaw, Director General of the Political Department and Assistant Director U Min Lwin, and by Capt. Khin Zaw Oo of the Ministry of Defence. Other delegation members, Foreign Affairs Ministry Director-General U Aye Lwin, Director U Khin Maung Soe, Deputy Directors U Tin Tun, U Kyaw Tint Swe, and U Pe Than Oo, Assistant Director Daw Aye Aye Myint, and Deputy Assistant Director Daw Yin Yin Myint left on Sept. 15. (WPD 9/30) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The State LORC appointed on probation: Sept. 28: Dr. Aung Tun Thet, lecturer at the Institute of Economics, to be Director General, Planning and Statistics Department, Ministry of Health. (WPD 9/28) Appointments Confirmed The State LORC confirmed the following appointments at the end of their one-year probationary period: Sept. 8: U Tun Lwin as Director-General, Public Services Selection and Training Department. U Ba Than as Director-General, Public Service Affairs Department. (WPD 9/8) GOVERNMENT Bar Council Amended Aug. 31: State LORC Law No. 22/89 of Aug. 31, the Law Amending the Bar Council Act: -- dissolves the Bar Council constituted under the present act; -- Substitutes for Sect. 4: "The Bar Council shall be constituted as follows: (a) the Attorney-General, Chairman (b) the Deputy Attorney-General, Vice-Chairman (c-e) a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice; six advocates nominated by the Supreme Court; the Director-General, Supreme Court, members (f) the Director-General, Office of the Attorney-General, Secretary. -- Section 6 is deleted. In a parallel action, the State LORC dissolved the existing Bar Council and appointed a new one in accordance with the new law (no names given). (WPD 9/1) Exams Set Sept. 3: Ministry of Education Announcement of Sept. 3 states that: Applications and fees for the 1990 Basic Education Eighth Standard Examination will be accepted from Sept. 12-Oct. 12, 1989. The fee is K10 per candidate, to be paid to the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Board of Examinations account in banks. School heads will "carry out work for the students...who will appear for the...examinations within the period of time fixed." External candidates should apply to Township Education Officers. (WPD 9/4) Sept. 20: A Board of Examinations Notification states that applications for the 1990 Basic Education High School examination must be filed by Oct. 31, 1989. Application forms cost 50 pya, and will be available from Oct. 2, and the filing fee is K 15. (WPD 9/21) Examination Law Amended Sept. 4: State LORC Law No. 23/89 of Sept. 4, the Law Amending the Union of Myanmar Board of Examinations Law, 1973, provides that: -- The Preamble is deleted. -- Section 3(b)(4-5) is substituted by: (4) Director-General, Department of Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education, Member; (5) Chairman, Union of Myanmar Educational Research Bureau, Member. (WPD 9/5) Aquaculture Law Passed Sept. 7: State LORC Law No. 24/89 of Sept. 7, the Law relating to Aquaculture, regulates licensing of aquaculture (fish) farmers. [text on request.] (WPD 9/8) Language Law Amendment Sept. 14: State LORC Law No. 25/89 of Sept. 14, the Law Amending the Myanmar Language Commission Law, substitutes for Section 6(b): (b) performing functions in co-operation with the State organizations, other organizations, and individuals. (WPD 9/15) School Reopenings Sept. 18: A Ministry of Education Announcement states that highschool classes will reopen Sept. 25, 1989. (WPD 9/19) Sept. 20: A Ministry of Education Announcement states that technical schools under the Technical Agricultural and Vocational Education Department will reopen Oct. 9, 1989: (1) Commercial Schools; (2) Tailoring and Cookery Schools; (3) Handicrafts Schools; (4) Maintenance and Repair Schools, and (5) Fishery Schools. (WPD 9/21) Sept. 25: 729 highschools reopened peacefully. All 133 highschools in Yangon Division reopened, with two-shift schools running from 7am-noon and from 12:15pm-5pm, and one-shift schools from 9:30am-3pm. (WPD 9/26) Sept. 28: A Ministry of Education Announcement of Sept. 28 states that Technical High Schools and Agricultural High Schools under the Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education Department will reopen Oct. 23. (WPD 9/29) Sept. 28: The Final Part (II) Classes of the Institute of Medicine (1), Institute of Medicine (2), and Institute of Medicine, Mandalay, and the Final Year of the Institute of Dental Medicine will reopen Oct. 9. (WPD 9/29) Military Title Law Sept. 28: State LORC Law No. 26/89 of Sept. 28, the Law Restricting the Use of Military Designation and Rank, provides that: -- Retired military personnel (including all those receiving pensions), and deceased personnel or pensioners shall use their latest military rank followed by "(retired)". -- Shall use any title for valour between their rank and name. -- Shall not use "U". -- Persons who have been removed or dismissed from military service, or cashiered, or have "received only military service gratuity" shall not have the right to use a military title. -- Retired personnel convicted of crimes specified by the Ministry of Defence shall lose the right to use military titles. -- "No one shall use the military designation which he held during military service against his name." -- Violaters may be sentenced to imprisonment up to 5 years and/or K5,000 fine. Prosecutions must have the prior sanction of the Ministry of Defence. -- The law does not apply to retired personnel with Medals of Honor, Naing-ngant Gonyi Title, or with an Independence Mawgun Title. (WPD 9/29) MILITARY Tatmadaw & the Public Articles reporting contributions in cash or in kind by the public to the Army continued. There were also articles reporting "voluntary service" by Tatmadawmen and the public to various public clean-up campaigns. Insurgent Attacks Sept. 6: KNU insurgents on Sept. 5 ambushed a motor vehicle convoy from Thingan-nyi-naung to Kawkareik [Kayin]. One traveller was killed and another wounded before the attack was repulsed. (WPD 9/7) Sept. 26: KIA insurgents on Sept. 22 entered Mayan village, Mogaung Twp. [Kachin], and burned down the middle school, valued at K 2.3 million. (WPD 9/27) Medals Given Sept. 18: Medals were awarded as follows to soldiers, police, and firemen [names and rank given]: Thiha Thura Title (1); Thura Title (27); Gallantry Medal (162); Ye Thiha Medal (1); Ye Thura Medal (7); Ye Bala Medal (16); Ye Thurein Medal (1); Ye Kyaw Swa Medal (3); Ye Kyaw Thu Medal (7). (WPD 9/18) Insurgents Surrender Sept. 19: Between Aug. 12-20, 22 insurgents surrendered with their weapons. (WPD 9/20) [names and details given] ECONOMIC Economic Articles Illustrated feature articles on various aspects of the economy: Sept. 3,7: Thingangale Salt Industry in Ayeyarwady Division, by Than Sett. [Begun 1977-78, production has risen to 2 million viss per year, on 552 acres. Ayeyarwady Division produces 60 million viss of salt per year. The Myanmar Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise distributes "fine kitchen salt, tabe salt, pepper salt, garlic salt, cooking salt, special salt for milk production, absinth salt, tooth salt and chemical salts...."] Sept. 4: Conservation of rain water, by Dr. Tin Win. [Rainfall was 50% less than normal so far this year in Nyaung-U and Chauk Townships, in Chin and Rakhine States, in Thayet, Pyi and Taungoo Townships in Bago Division, and in Ayeyarwady Division (except Hinthada Twp.). It was 25-50% less than normal in Kayin State and Tanintharyi Division. We should store up water in case September rains are also below normal.] Sept. 4,9: Maymyo Botanical Garden, by Ye Myint Pe and Than Htoo Kyi. [Constructed in 1917 with 240 acres, including the 70 acre Maymyo Kandawgyi Lake. 521 foreign and domestic species of plants are grown; with a total of 3,110 plants and trees. Other statistics given.] Sept. 9,16: Collection of customs-duties for the benefit of the nation, by Myo Chit Thu. [Role of Customs and history of border crossing establishment. Duties collected were K949 million (1986-87), K986 million (1987-88), and K957 million (1988-89). As of Aug. 18, 1989-90 collections were K262.6 million. Various crimes uncovered by Customs detailed. Operation of Customs department.] Sept. 25-26: Agricultural Development in Kayah State, by Sein Tun Aung: [(1) The Mobye Dam which feeds water to paddy fields in Kayah and Shan States. (2) Irrigation systems supply water to over 41,000 acres of farmland.] Sept. 27-28: Establishment of new satellite towns, by Ye Tint. [In 1983 there were 66,162 squatter houses in Yangon's 26 townships, and 73,473 in 27 townships in 1984. Estimates are 90,000 for 1988 and 100,000 today. The Yangon City Development area has grown from 33.38 sq. mi. in 1920, to 80.50 in 1974, and 133.64 in 1985. The areas of Shwepyithar Myothit is 15.21 sq. mi., Hlaingtharyar Myothit 26, Dagon Myothit 107.00. Sept. 29-30: Hlawga Wildlife Park (A scenic spot for recreation), by Hla Myint Sein. [Detailed visit to 1,650 acre wildlife and recreation park 29 miles from Yangon; to be opened to the public beginning Sept. 30. Admission K20 for adults; K10 for children, including bus tour. "As everyone who arrives in Tokyo, Japan, should visit Disney World, everyone who arrives in Yangon should visit the Hlawga Park." High Prices Sept. 4: State LORC Secretary (2) Brig-Gen. Tin Oo said rice traders, "whose only emphasis was to make profits in the short-term," had "resorted to various means...to manipulate the market. Thus, the price of rice has risen these days in Yangon as well as in the States and Divisions." Yangon Division Commander Brig-Gen. Myo Nyunt said "The commodity prices did not come down because of the attacks of political parties and manipulations of rice merchants...." Measures would be taken to correct this. (WPD 9/5) Entrepreneurs' Workshop Sept. 4: Workshop No. 3/89 for private entrepreneurs opened at the Inspection and Agency Services under Ministry of Trade sponsorship. Over 700 private economic organizations have been registered, and some have already exported goods. The workshop will last until Sept. 29, and is attended by 65 private entrepreneurs and 13 representatives from 6 State organizations. (WPD 9/5) // Sept. 28: The workshop ended. (WPD 9/29) Joint Ventures Formed Ministry of Trade Notifications of the formation of Joint Ventures, dividied into "A" [Government] and "B" [public--i.e. private enterprise] shares. In each case, the notice specifies: (1) name; (2) objectives; (3) list of the First Public members with addresses [i.e., the private sector side]; (4) representatives of the participating Government enterprise or enterprises; (5) number of shares and denomination; (6) government "A" shares and breakdown [if more than one enterprise involved]; (7) "B" shares that private individuals or organizations may purchase. The address (8) is sometimes noted in a separate article or item. Sept. 23: Notification No. 14/89 of Sept. 23. (1) Myanmar-NC Woodwork Co. Ltd. (2) n/a. (3) NC Woodwork & Construction (Pte) Ltd. of Singapore, by Managing Director Mr. Fuji NC Ng. (4) Managing Director, Myanma Metal Industries. (5) K10 million, K10,000 shares. (6) 510 A shares. (7) 490 B shares, by NC Woodwork & Construction (Pte) Ltd. of Singapore only. (WPD 9/24) Investment Bank Opens Aug. 31: A Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank will soon be opened to serve foreign investors and joint ventures. Services will include foreign currency accounts, deposits, and payments; export-import business; foreign currency remittances; dealing in foreign currency; issuing foreign currency travelers cheques; contracts for indemnity, suretyship, and guarantee. It will also handle local currency accounts. Its loan service will provide advice to borrowers; appraisal of projects; and project supervision. (WPD 9/1) Sept. 4: The Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank [sic, not Myanmar] opened at 526/532 Merchant Street, Yangon. (WPD 9/5) Companies Act Regulations Sept. 2: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 12/89 of Sept. 2, substitutes "Kyats 75" for "Kyats 5" in Regulation 12 of the 1957 Myanmar Naing-Ngan Companies Regulations. (WPD 9/3) Trade Directory Planned Sept. 18: The Ministry of Trade plans a Trade Directory of Myanmar, which will list the names and addresses of registered exporters, importers, partnerships, companies, foreign branch offices, and joint ventures. Those concerned should submit any changes in registered names and addresses etc. to the Directorate of Trade. Those wishing to place advertisements in the directory, should send in photo prints by Sept. 30. (WPD advertisement 9/18) Rice Mills To Register Sept. 21: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 1/89 of Sept. 21, issued under The Essential Supplies and Services Act, requires all private rice mills and bean and pulse shelling mills (except for traditional, subsistance mills) to register or re-register by Nov. 1, and shall be subject to directives from the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading as to "setting up, registration, moving from one place to another and dismantling." Shelling mills may be exempted by category, by agreement with the Ministry of Trade. (WPD 9/22) Press Conference on Rice Sept. 21: Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Col. Abel, held a special press conference on rice: -- Rice prices continue to rise despite Government assurances on supply, and the normal market has collapsed due to the manipulation of merchants. -- "The price of rice is being used as a form of political onslaught," and "a political party" is calling for Government imports and subsidized sales of rice. -- People are worried. Nevertheless, "our annual rice production not only meets the need for domestic consumption but also leaves a surplus," despite a growing population. Export statistics cited. -- The government freed the rice trade, and raised the purchase price of paddy from K 900 to K 1,700 per 100 baskets. Committees were formed from Dec. 1988 to cooperate with merchants to keep down prices, but "no success was achieved because of the greed of the traders and the instigations and attacks of the political parties." -- In July 1989 the price of rice rose to K 22-23 per pyi, and beginning July 24 the Government began selling reserve rice. In Yangon Division, 35,000 tons are distributed per month; elsewhere more than 1.1 million bags have been distributed. Rice will be sent from the South to deficient areas through December, and is being sold to service personnel for 2 months advance consumption. From now on, to keep it out of the hands of speculators, it will be sold "to those unable to buy rice at an exorbitant price" on a monthly or weekly basis. -- Early paddy is being harvested, and a good output is anticipated. "Since paddy fetches good price, it is found that the farmers cultivated paddy in all available fields." -- Rice is being wasted. Data is needed on rice "used in making traditional snacks and sweetmeats and in feeding animals." There is also wastage of cooked rice thrown away. 15% of paddy is wasted in threshing, and another 15% in milling. -- The registration of mills is designed to prevent wastage. Rice mills that keep systematic accounts and pay profit taxes will be registered. "But in the far-flung regions where there are no proper rice mills, hullers and Ngabon mills will be permitted...as an especial case...." -- Edible oil prices are also rising considerably. The State is importing palm oil to stabilize prices in Yangon Division. -- Banking law is being revised to permit loans to private entrepreneurs and industrialists, and foreign banking business. More K1 currency notes will be printed. (WPD 9/22) Gas Ration Increased Sept. 28: Beginning Oct. 1, the petrol ration for private cars and taxis under 600 cc will increase from 4 to 5 gallons weekly, and that for cars and taxis over 600 cc from 5 to 6 gallons. (WPD 9/29) Myanmar-Singapore Showroom Sept. 28: The sales center of the Myanmar Singapore International Ltd. opened on the lst floor of the Department Stores No. 1 on Pansodan St. (WPD 9/29) // Sept. 29: On the first day K1.7 million were sold, in commodities such a refrigerators, fans, electric percolators, heaters, electric stoves, film rolls, TV sets, Video decks, radio cassette players, watches, and fluorescent lamps. (WPD 9/30) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall since January 1, 1989, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: As of YA KA CY September 1 78.94 84.61 81.34 September 15 86.06 89.88 90.20 September 30 90.79 93.39 94.80 HEALTH AIDS Warnings Planned Sept. 4: A workshop for design and planning of production of educational materials for control of AIDS opened in Yangon, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Health and WHO Resident Representative Dr. R.R. Chaudhury, and attended by WHO South East Asia advisors Dr. S.H. Hassan (Health Education) and Dr. M. Dutta (Epidemiologist). It will last until Sept. 8. (WPD 9/5) Warnings on Injections Sept. 8: To avoid danger in getting injections, by Dr. Tin Oo (Children's Hospital). [Reactions from hypodermic injections, and the danger of contracting hepatitis and AIDS. Injections should be avoided where possible.] SPORTS South-East Asian Games Aug. 31: In the 15th South-East Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, 63 of the 140 Myanmar athletes won 10 gold, 14 silver, and 20 bronze medals. Myanmar came in 6th out of 9 participants. (WPD 9/1,8) // Sept. 1: The second batch of athletes returned. (WPD 9/2) // Sept. 2: The last batch returned. (WPD 9/3) // Sept. 6: The games were discussed in a meeting at Aung San Stadium. (WPD 9/7) Asian Disabled Games Sept. 7: State LORC Secretary (2) Brig-Gen. Tin Oo and Minister for Health and for Education Dr. Pe Thein addressed athletes who will take part in the Fifth Far-East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled in Kobe, Japan, beginning Sept. 15. 8 managers and coaches, and 15 athletes, will participate from Myanmar. (WPD 9/8) // Sept. 11: The athletes, led by Col. Thaung Shwe (Air), left for Kobe. (WPD 9/12) Sept. 17: Myanmar medalists to date: Gold (3): Aung Gyi (double-below knee javelin), Ba Yin Aye (para class-for shot put); Soe Lwin (para class-4 100 meter swimming backstroke). Silver (2): Kyaw Kyaw Myaing (single below-knee javalin); Lwin Oo (single below-knee 100 meter swimming backstroke). Bronze (3): Tin Ngwe (double below-knee javelin); Hpone Kyaw (single below-knee javelin); Lwin Oo (single below-knee 100 meter swimming butterfly). (WPD 9/18) Sept. 18: More Myanmar medals: Gold (2): Soe Lwin (100 meter swimming freestyle and 50 meter butterfly). Silver (2): Aung Gyi and Phone Kyaw (discus). Bronze (4): Tun Lin (1,500 meter race; Khin Than Maung and Thant Zin (100 meter race); 100-meter relay (Myanmar team). (WPD 9/19) Sept. 19: Myanmar medalists: Gold (1): Myint Thein (single below-knee 100 meter race). Silver (3): Soe Maung (single above-knee 100 meter race); Ba Yin Aye (para class-4 javelin); Aung Gyi (double below-knee shot-put). Bronze (2): Lwin Oo (single below-knee 200 meter and 100 meter swimming individual). (WPD 9/20) Sept. 20: Myanmar medalists: Gold (2): Ba Yin Aye (para class-4 discus); Myint Thein (single below-knee 200 meter race. Silver (2): Soe Maung (single above-knee 200 meter race); Aye Ko Ko (para class-4 discus). Bronze (1): Thant Zin (blind hop-step-and-jump). (WPD 9/21) Sept. 23: The team returned, having won 8 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals. (WPD 9/24) // Sept. 26: The team was honored at a dinner given by Minister for Social Welfare and for Labour and for Communications & Transport Brig-Gen. Tun Tin at the Ruby Room of the Inya Lake Hotel. The team came in 10th out of 41 nations participating in the games. (WPD 9/27) Badminton Awards Sept. 8: The International Badminton Federation presented awards to the following officers of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Badminton Federation Executive Committee "for service they had rendered in promoting badminton for a long time and for being very fond of badminton": Patron U Kyi Nyunt; Treasurer U Hla Tun; Executive Committee members U Myint Tun, U Thein Aung, and U Kyaw Hlaing. (WPD 9/9) CULTURAL Myanmar Literature Sept. 3,10,17,24: Philosophical Myanmar Poems, by Htila Sitthu. [Cont. Poems and commentary: (23) A bad-woman-good-mother of the streets, by Daung Nwe Swe (1931-85). (24) Mingala Daw Nyo Mya (1988), by Pyinmana Maung Ni Thinn. (25) The Wrestling Match (1988), by Pyinmana Maung Ni Thinn (b. 1947). (26) Human behavior and I (1976), by Ywet War.] Sept. 17: Customs and folk-tales of indigenous peoples, by Min Naing. [Cont. Each article describes one ethnic group, and tells one of their folktales: Kayahs.] Sept. 3,10,17,24: Hyacinth Way. [poems, in English and Myanmar, by Zawgyi. (11-14)] Sept. 3,10,17,24: Myanmar Proverbs, by Dr. U Hla Pe. [Cont. (20-23)] Sept. 3,10,17,24: Nucleus of Myanmar Literature, by Maung Htin. [Cont. (30) Myanmar writings in early Bagan Period {and early Pyu and Pali literature}. (31-33) Bagan period prose] Sept. 3: To Family Members, by Aye Myo Kyi. Poem in English and Myanmar. Sept. 17: Some significant features of ancient Myanmar literature, by Pe Than. [Why early literature was in verse.] Myanmar Arts & Crafts Sept. 17,24: Of Myanmar flora, fauna and forest in culture, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Nature in literature and the performing arts.] Myanmar Culture Sept. 3,10,17,24: Reminiscences, by Htin Lin. [Cont. (21) Tabodwe-For Bonfires and Tamane. (22) Pleasant Sights and Sounds of Tabaung. (23) A Phongyi-pyan (Funeral of a Bhikkhu). (24) The Ceremonials in Myanmar Way of Life.] Sept. 24: Beatings of `Paho' drum & beats in Myanmar music, by Tekkatho Maung Kyi Thwin. [Meter in traditional Myanmar music.] Articles on Morals & Religion Sept. 3,10,17,24: `Mangala' an introduction, by Maung Arnt. [Cont. (9-12) The Way to Auspiciousness.] Reward for Antiquities Sept. 25: Maung Maung Nyunt of Wanbawdat village, Bago Twp. [Bago {Pegu}], who found a gold spoon, box, earring box, hair ornaments, and filigree while digging for earth-worms in Aug. 1989, was given a reward of K81,387; the bullion value of the items was K72,009. The relics are from the Mid-Hanthawady period, and the spoon has a Mon inscription. [photos] (WPD 9/26) MISCELLANEOUS Crime News Names, addresses, and photos of culprits generally included. Sept. 13: 6 members of a gang that posed as Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI) police, and tricked a Mandalay che-hti bookie out of K50,000 in Pyay [Prome] on June 16, were arrested Aug. 3 and have been sent for trial. They faked a counterfeit money deal and then extorted the money after "exposing" it. 3 others are at large. (WPD 9/14) Sept. 13: Yangon police on Aug. 30 seized .065 kilos of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, arrested 9 people. They found another packet of marijuana on a youth nearby. (WPD 9/14) Sept. 14: Kawthoung police on Sept. 1 arrested 3 women returning from Ranong, Thailand. One of them had tried to sell the other two as prostitutes. (WPD 9/14) Sept. 14: Police in Mohnyin Township [Kachin] on Sept. 6 seized 9.24 kilos of heroin worth K2 million. A woman was arrested. On Sept. 14, Military Tribunal (5) sentenced 2 che-hti gamblers to 5 and 3 years rigorous imprisonment respectively. (WPD 9/15) Sept. 23: A corrupt clerk in Mayangonn Twp. [Yangon] was sentenced to five years imprisonment with labour by Military Court No. (Ka 44/419/Sakha-89), for taking a K30 bribe from a National Registration Card applicant. (WPD 9/24) Sept. 25: Three men were arrested Sept. 21-23 in Yangon for swindling people into giving them bicycles by pretending to be Tatmadawmen. 12 bicycles were recovered. (WPD 9/27) Sept. 26: Military Court No. 4 on Sept. 25 sentenced four men to imprisonment with labour for illegal importation using false Malaysian and West German Embassy documents. Two received 10 years; one got 5 years; and one got 7 years. Two others have absconded. The contraband was confiscated. (WPD 9/27) Sept. 26: Yangon police on Sept. 14 seized a major che-hti bookie and 7 agents, along with K983,664 in proceeds, 3 cars and 2 motorcycles. (WPD 9/27) Obituaries Aug. 31: Mrs. Patricia Saw (nee Diekmann), wife of Ex. Major Maung Saw, died in Yangon, aged 71. [Christian] (WPD 9/1) Sept. 1: Thramu Priscilla, wife of Rev. Judson Aung, died in Yangon, aged 73. [Baptist] (WPD 9/2) Sept. 8: Naw Daimy (Mrs. Thra Tha Hto), mother of Naw Margaret Tha Hto, died in Yangon, aged 84. [Baptist] (WPD 9/9) Sept. 19: Dr. Daw Hpay, M.B.B.S., F.R Path (London), M.P.H. (Harv.), D.Bact (London), D.T.M. & H. (Eng.), Retd. Professor Institute of Medicine I, widow of U Yu Kin, died in Yangon, aged 71. (WPD 9/21) Sept. 24: Daw Khin Khin Aye (Margaret), B.A., wife of U Ba Tint, died in Yangon, aged 69. Remains donated to the Institute of Medicine No. 2. (WPD 9/25) Sept. 24: U Ko Ko Gyi, B.Sc; B.L., Mawgun Grade 3, Retired Dy. Chief Traffic Manager, Myanma Railways, husband of Daw Aye Kyi, died in Yangon, aged 69. (WPD 9/26) Sept. 28: U Su, Thessalonians 4:13:14, Central Photo Studio, husband of late Daw Myint Myint Win, died in Yangon, aged 79. [Chinese] (WPD 9/30) Fishermen Rescued Sept. 7: 340 coastal fishermen drifted to neighboring countries in the storm. Many have been brought back in groups, and 163 have returned to their homes. 84 arrived back by special plane from Calcutta today, and are being temporarily housed. (WPD 9/8) Narcotics Seizures Sept. 25: The Tatmadaw from Sept. 18, 1988-Sept. 18, 1989 seized 490.73 kilos of raw opium and 27.31 kilos of heroin, worth US$1,661,148. The police seized 698.93 kilos of raw opium (757 cases), 178.87 kilos of heroin (1,396 cases), 616.4 kilos of marijuana (525 cases), 197 gallons of acetic anhydride (6 cases), 3,863.95 litres of phynsedyl syrup (291 cases), 207,536 Chinese cough tablets (33 cases), 3,484 Methqualone tablets (10 cases). The police also acted in 293 other drug abuse cases, and 1,364 cases of failure to register. Altogether the police exposed 4,675 cases and arrested 6,491. Drug seizures were worth US$18,001,633. Total drug seizures in Myanmar during the period were worth K132,419,000 or US$19,662,781. (WPD 9/26) Earthquake Reports Sept. 24: Moderate earthquake reported at 17:27:06 Sept. 24, with epicentre 30 miles NE of Magway. (WPD 9/26) Sept. 29: Strong earthquake reported at 04:24:30 Sept. 29, with epicentre 30 miles NE of Taunggyi. (WPD 9/30) +-+-+-+-+ TO SUBSCRIBE Write to Hugh C. MacDougall, 32 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Annual Subscriptions: Individuals - US$ 40.00 Institutions - US$ 50.00 Add Postal surcharge for - Canada - US$ 1.50 Foreign (surface) - US$ 2.00 Europe (air) - US$ 18.00 Asia (air) - US$ 23.00 [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). +-+-+-+-+ Updated Party Lists available: $5.00 (US$7.50 foreign). Burma Press Summary No. 31, Sept. 1989 Hugh C. MacDougall