91-03 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol. V, No. 3, March 1991 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Cartoons 2 Political Books 4 Political Articles (Excerpts) 5 Absconding Youths Go Home 9 Than Kywe & Myint Aung Released 9 Gen. Than Shwe's Speeches 10 Saboteurs Sentenced 10 Border Development 11 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo's Speeches 11 Gen. Saw Maung Speech to Army 11 ELECTIONS Election Tribunals 14 Party Registration Changes 15 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 15 Sri Lankan Condolence Book 16 Ambassador to Portugal 16 Belgian Ambassador Arrives 16 Myanmar-Laos Air Accord 16 Diplomatic Tour of Shan State 16 Vietnamese Ambassador Arrives 16 Ambassador to Vietnam 16 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops and Courses 16 Japanese Sugar Mill 17 Foreign Donations 17 Border Development Tour 17 FOREIGN VISITORS International Organizations 18 Foreign Sayadaws 18 Chinese Cultural Delegation 18 Singapore Air Chief 18 China Medical Board Chairman 18 Swedish Red Cross 19 Japanese Trade Officials 19 Soviet Buddhists 19 French Pipe Producers 19 Philippine Trade Delegation 19 Japanese Customs Delegation 19 Foreign Correspondents Club 19 Japanese Welfare Delegation 19 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 19 Delegations to Meetings 20 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 21 Confirmations 21 GOVERNMENT Peasants Day Message 21 Freshwater Fisheries Law 23 Companies Act Amendment 23 Supplementary Appropriation Law 23 Armed Forces Day 24 1991 State Budget Law 24 Commercial Tax Amendment 26 Income Tax Amendment 27 MILITARY Insurgent Attacks 27 Insurgents Surrender 27 1990-91 Military Reports 27 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 29 Joint Ventures 30 Construction Projects 31 Oil Wells 32 Imports 32 Private Enterprise 32 Timber 32 Exports 32 Air Schedule Expanded 32 New 25 Pya Coin 32 Food Supplies 32 Employment Service Record 33 Import License Fees 33 Rainfall in Yangon 33 HEALTH Appeal for Blood 33 SPORTS Chinese Gymnasts 33 Myanmar Olympic Committee 33 Sports Teams Abroad 33 Rowing Courses 33 New Sports Federation Officials 34 CULTURAL Literary Articles 34 Historical & Cultural Articles 34 Literary Events 34 Gold Bowl Found 35 Buddhist Culture Courses 35 Exams 35 Medical Institutes Openings 36 MISCELLANEOUS Crime News 36 Obituaries 36 Traffic Accidents 37 Narcotics Destroyed 37 Fires 37 Engagement 38 Lottery Expanded 38 Happy Birthday 38 Earthquake 38 +-+-+-+ POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans The four political slogans launched in November 1988 appeared in almost every issue of The Working People's Daily throughout the month, as did the "Noble Desire" slogan begun in January 1990. We reprinted them in the January 1991 issue. --- Since April 1989 the The Working People's Daily has run a political slogan across the bottom of each front page: Mar. 1-5: The SLORC is the Tatmadaw Government. The Tatmadaw is made up of offspring of the people. Mar. 6-8: The Tatmadaw will in no way tolerate any instigation aimed at causing disintegration of the Union. Mar. 9-11: If the SLORC is attacked as an opposition organization, action will be taken according to law. Mar. 12-14: "Asevana ca balanam," not to associate with the ignorant and the foolish; this is the way to auspiciousness. Mar. 15-16: Panditanan ca sevana, to associate with the wise; this is the way to auspiciousness. Mar. 17-18: Puja ca pujaneyyanam, to pay homage or give honour to whom homage or honour is due; this is the way to auspiciousness. Mar. 19-21: Patirupadesavaso ca, to dwell in suitable locality; this is the way to auspiciousness. Mar. 22-24: Pubbe ca katapunnata, to be endowed with merits accrued in the past; this is the way to auspiciousness. Mar. 25-28: Attasammapanidhi ca, to establish oneself rightfully; this is the way to auspiciousness. Mar. 29-31: Bahusaccanca, to have immensity of knowledge; this is the way to auspiciousness. --- Since Jan. 3, 1991, most issues have also run the following slogan: The interests of the State cannot be served and promoted by disturbances and instability. Join hands with the Tatmadaw in preventing disturbances and acts of instability. Cartoons [There continued to be several political cartoons in each issue] E.g.: Mar. 1: 1st Myanmar: "What historical evidence have you read which says that insurgents have any good from the time they emerged? Yet, some have gone to them to form a government...the result can be nothing more than an insurgent government!" 2nd Myanmar: "Incredible!" Mar. 7: 1st Myanmar: "Hey! friend ... How many Heads of State can there be in a country...for example President, Prime Minister, constitutional monarch and etc, etc..." 2nd Myanmar: "Its naive of you! There can be only one of course. Directly elected President according to the 1947 Constitution or the President who was elected according to the 1974 Constitution." Mar. 8: 1st Demon in Hell: "Hey! The BCPs in the abode of humans are frequently using words of sacrilege against Lord Buddha!" 2nd Demon: "Just wait till they are sent here ... We will put them in the eighth and deepest level of Hell!" Mar. 8: Tin Maung Win to BBC/VOA: "Don't bother about the authenticity ...just reproduce the rumours we want them to spread." Maung Aung to BBC/VOA: "By the way, please ask the Amnesty International to give us some awards. We are running short of funds and are starving." Mar. 9: 1st Myanmar: "The 1947 Constitution. Okchokpon...Okchokpon ..." 2nd Myanmar: "Yes, the constitution at that time was a presidential system. It was said that one who can wear `taunghshe paso' in five minutes was eligible to be a president." Mar. 9: 1st Myanmar: "Aba that couple who recently married are now on the rocks." 2nd Myanmar: "Thats because the parents didn't enquire and choose their son-in-law carefully and because that couple married instantly after they met each other. The task of choosing a spouse is nothing when it is compared to the task of choosing a government which is going to rule the people... And that is why the SLORC government is urging for the benefit of the people to draft a strong and firm constitution. And that it will transfer power to the government which will be formed according to that constitution." Mar. 9: Myanmar to Myanmar "Motion Picture," "Music", and "Literary": "Don't let him {"Western Culture"} approach you. He can devour all of you in no time." Mar. 10: 1st Myanmar {listening to AIR}: "A foreign radio station broadcast on 7-2-91 that there are clamours for the transfer of power in Myanmar Naing-Ngan. What does it mean, Sayagyi?" 2nd Myanmar: "They are those who do not understand law. They are shouting for nothing. They are some political parties in our country and some radio stations." Mar. 10: 1st Myanmar: "Some former high-ranking officials of the Tatmadaw are now saying that it is unfair to crush the insurgents and to detain law-breakers. And they are also demanding an interim government. Is it fair? Is it?" 2nd Myanmar: "Hmm ...Hmmm..Another is saying as if taking independence was committing a sin. Whatever happened?" Both think "power maniacs." Mar. 12: BBC Radio: "Myanmar Naing-Ngan is grossly violating human rights." Myanmar listener: "Yes! The State provides houses, loans and allows citizens to travel freely to any country. Are these violations of human rights? You'd better correct what you're saying." Mar. 13: Peasant to bureaucrat: "You, as service personnel stay away from party politics... We, the peasants, stay away from brokers and gambling." Mar. 13: 1st Myanmar: "Hey friend! It is said that the Penal Code we are using in Myanmar Naing-Ngan at present is that of 1861." 2nd Myanmar: "Oh! Is that so? It is from the olden days of our fore-fathers. That's just after the British annexed Lower Myanmar Naing-Ngan. It was produced by the Great Democratic Nation." 1st Myanmar: "Is it fair or not to take action according to that Law? There are many points which are not in harmony with the present era." Mar. 14: Mother: "Daughter...your husband to be is of different race and religion. Your brothers will not agree and permit you as the customs, traditions and the way of life are not the same. Think carefully of the future and decide." Daughter [with long-nosed foreigner in business suit at her side]: "Mother...some popular and educated women and some who wanted to be heads of State married foreigners. So why must I ponder over that, mother." Mother [thinking]: "O God! Oh God! How wrong my daughter's attitude is." Mar. 14: 1st Myanmar: "When we talk about law, it is not enough for it to remain in the law books. It must be made known, as and where necessary to the persons concerned. The Constitution and the Penal Code concern all the people... Merchants, service personnel, Tatmadawmen, etc, etc. have their own respective laws. So don't be casual about it." 2nd Myanmar: "Right! If you want to build a democratic State everyone must understand the law and also respect and abide by it." Mar. 15: 1st Myanmar [with tie, trousers, and suitcase labeled USA]: "Is it necessary to go abroad on a shore-job just to wash dishes in a restaurant?" 2nd Myanmar: "Don't stick pins for your Aunt over the shoulder of your mother. You can wash dishes in the Myanmar restaurants in Myanmar Naing-Ngan like true Myanmars." Mar. 16: 1st Myanmar [gazing at skyscrapers]: "Oh, God! Aba...skyscrapers are amazing." 2nd Myanmar: "Beautiful but that's misery...they don't have enough land...we do have plenty. Being so high there are difficulties in case of fire, availability of water and energy. Depends much on elevators and lifts." Mar. 17: VOA and BBC: "We are saying what we want... Do you hear us Maung Min...?" Maung Min: "Yetsarr ... Yetsarr... laymyo-shitse Yetsarr ..." Mar. 19: Myanmar to politicians: "When exports were not permitted you said there was no development in the country. As exports are now permitted for the development of the country you said nothing left. Your words do not tally." Mar. 19: Myanmar woman: "My son was clever before. During the disturbances he was possessed by anarchism. Thus I asked him to attend Buddhist Culture course to be clever and mannerly." Mar. 21: 1st Myanmar: "The VOA broadcast accuses on 10-3-91 that Myanmar government is turning a blind eye to poppy cultivation and that it is producing 2500 metric tons of opium annually." 2nd Myanmar: "Myanmar Naing-Ngan had destroyed narcotic drugs and poppy fields worth over 1800 million U.S. dollars in 1990 in the presence of many foreign organizations and Diplomatic Corps. Why are they talking ill of us?" Mar. 21: ABSDF, DAB and Parallel group: "What are your plans for sharing the funds you have raised by showing us off?" Bo Mya: "I am not sharing it with anyone. I'll use it all by myself...hee...hee..." Mar. 21: Old Expatriate {on phone}: "Hey! I am premier for life! From where did you appear?" New Expatriate {answering}: "Hee...Hee... I am the latest parallel premier.... Uncle...you are now out-dated." Mar. 22: 1st Myanmar: "Every Tatmadaw government which was compelled to take over State power is a lawful government which governs with Martial Law. It is practised throughout the world." 2nd Myanmar: "The civilian government formed by the elections must govern according to the constitution." Mar. 26: 1st Myanmar: "Though they gave independence to our country, they threw sand on meat they couldn't eat." 2nd Myanmar: "They sowed discord amongst our national races and created internal insurgency. How can we forget that?" Mar. 30: 1st Myanmar: "Can there be a National political party in a multi-party era?" 2nd Myanmar: "The parties are competing each other, one party is government and the other is an opposition party. So how come there can be a National political party? But during the struggle for independence which was the national cause, there existed one, which was AFPFL headed by Bogyoke Aung San." Mar. 31: 1st Myanmar: We the people will not accept the words which were said by those who left Myanmar Naing-Ngan for good because they do not love their motherland." 2nd Myanmar: "What words?" 1st Myanmar: "They way they say that they `love Myanmar Pyi very much'." Political Books [Official political books and collections continue to be advertised regularly. These were featured this month:] Expose of BCP (in Burmese). Senior General Saw Maung's Addresses (Vol. III). Acts of brutality and cruelty committed on the Myanmar nationals by the imperialists and fascists as well as the true accounts of how Myanmar Royal Gems and Jewellery were looted by them, by Bo Thanmani (in Burmese). "Professor Hugh Tinker, Professor Dr Mya Maung from the Boston University, USA, and American intellectual Steinberg deliberately left out some events in their 19-7-90 Arzani Day (Martyr's Day) programme on the BBC. You should compare what they said with facts mentioned in the book." History of Internal Insurgency (Part IV, 1968-1972) (in Burmese). In addition, all issues call on Foreign Subscribers to read The Working People's Daily, advising them to contact the Circulation Manager: Phone 76260; Post Box 43; Telegraphic Address PED; Address 212, Theinbyu Street, Yangon, Union of Myanmar. Political Articles (Excerpts) Following the pattern begun in October 1988, 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: Mar. 1: What has U Nu Done as a Defector? Documents on the Inside Story as a Defector handed over to the Home Ministry by U Nu, by Ye Gaung Kyaw Swa. [Cont. (18) Letters and documents relating to U Nu's political activities and insurgent ties.] Mar. 1: Attributes of personnel in the service of the state, by An Observer. [Public servants should work faithfully and avoid politics.] Mar. 2-11,15-16,18-20,30-31: A Concise History of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw's Role (1948-1988), by A Tatmadaw Researcher. [Cont. (112-128) History of Tatmadaw activities against insurgencies.] Mar. 2: Myanmar Society, by Maung Dawna. [ADNG trainees should exhort people to protect Myanmar from "foreign occupation and denomination, from being dominated ideologically and from being threatened and influenced."] Mar. 2: Editorial: Peasants Day 1991. ["Today, under the {SLORC}, the honest, hardy, men of the soil have never had it so good. Besides being provided with all the protection they need against usurers and exploiters, they have been assured a stable market at prime prices unprecedented in their entire history. The insurgent elements who used to pester them with demands too have been got rid of by the Tatmadaw ...."] Mar. 3,5-7,12,16,26: The record of important events of 1988, 1989 and 1990, by Yadanabon Maung Hmat. [Cont. Political Chronology, with texts of foreign broadcasts, and other documents. (46-47) Oct. 21, 1988. (48-49) Oct. 22. (50-51) Oct. 23. (52) Oct. 24.] Mar. 3-4: The Tatmadaw's noble ideals and the nation's firm foreign policy, by Myan Pyi Thar. ["Foreign radios...and periodicals are still saying that Sein Win...told them that U Than Kywe and U Myint Aung had in fact been abducted by the Tatmadaw Intelligence service.... The Tatmadaw...has never committed any dirty, deceitful and base deed that is usually resorted to by individuals and organizations that operate outside of the law.... Myanmar has never meddled in internal affairs of other nations...."] Mar. 5: Tatmadaw's Three Main Causes, by Kyaw Kyaw Maung Aye. ["The masses of the people...are supporting the Tatmadaw in its performing the main tasks...."] Mar. 7-11: Myanma Foreign Policy. Peaceful Co-existence & Peaceful Solution of Problems, by A Researcher. [(1-5) History of Myanmar's neutral foreign policy. "Myanmar is a land of Buddhists and is idyllic with sounds of bells and brass gongs that come out of pagoda precincts. Every hill top, every promontory, every mountain ridge has a pagoda dazzling with its white robe of lime coating. Myanmars give charity in every one of the twelve seasons of the year. They live happily with their traditional festivals and amusements. They are a people saturated with a very strong sense of humour and live in joviality...."] Mar. 9-10: SLORC's endeavours--from the holding of the multi-party democracy general election to bringing forth the Constitution of a future democratic state, by Seinkalaung. [Cont. (6-7) Drafting a new constitution. "It is necessary that more than half of the electorate should vote for the new Constitution for its enactment."] Mar. 11: Hailing the 46th Anniversary of the Armed Forces Day {hereafter H46AAFD}: Tatmadaw in the aftermath of the War, by An Observer. [1947 Defence Agreement with Britain.] Mar. 12: Political development process & today's national objective, by Myan Pyi Thar. ["To establish a multi-party democracy that would strive for national unity."] Mar. 13: Say all that is true and correct, by Aung Min. ["Self-styled politicians... {should} refrain from telling untruths and spreading unfounded rumours."] Mar. 13-14: Do you wish to say it's unjust for the Tatmadaw to fight the insurgents?, by Naybalu. [From 1953-1989, pensions were given for over 28,000 Tatmadawmen who had fallen, and over 40,000 were given disability pensions. How many other civilians, police, militia, etc., were killed or wounded by the insurgents?--many hundreds of thousands.] Mar. 13: Vigilently watch and rebuff insulting attacks, by Nyan Htet. [BBC, VOA and AIR's "unfounded accusations and insulting attacks are in fact criminal offences" under the UN Charter. Meddlesome neighbors should be driven out. False accusations include those that: "Tatmadaw officers were personally involved... in the drug trade," that "drug-suppression measures...were mere show pieces....", that "certain insurgent groups {Wa} are being permitted to trade in narcotics," that "the Tatmadaw government has been spoiling such natural resources as forests and fisheries by selling them at give-away prices," that the Tatmadaw are "violators of human rights," that "the UN could intervene in Myanmar as it had intervened in Iraq," etc. These charges generally cease when shown to be false.] Mar. 14-15,22-23,25,27,29: Interesting facts on history of State Flag, by A Reporter. [Survey of Myanmar flags from the Royal Peacock flag to the present. Current Flag Law.] Mar. 14: H46AAFD: Thirty Comrades-Embryo of the Tatmadaw, by Thura Thamein. [Formation of the 30 Comrades in 1940.] Mar. 15: H46AAFD: The Burma Independence Army is Inaugurated, by Thura Thurein. [Formation of BIA.] Mar. 16: To those cynics, by Myan Pyi Thar. [US State Department narcotics report, broadcast on VOA, denounced for ignoring Myanmar anti-drug efforts. Real causes of narcotics problem are: First, the imperialists who introduced opium to Myanmar; Second, "the god-sons of imperialists, the White Chinese Kuo Min-tangs;" Third, "the multi-colour insurgents."] Mar. 17: Let us serve the State with loyalty, by Myo Tut. [State servants should "stay clear of party politics," and work faithfully.] Mar. 17: H46AAFD: Resistance against colonialist and fascists by BIA, BDA and PBI troops, by Ko Soe. [1941-45 activities.] Mar. 18: Those who continue enjoying bread butter and cheese and those whose lives got ruined as expatriates, by Reporter Kyaw Byi. ["The people are very much displeased with Sein Win from the NLD, who in disregard of the voters went underground at the instigation of the imperialists and established parallel government in the jungle with Bo Mya and Brang Seng. Sein Win and his group are in fact power maniacs and expatriates with new brands. With the enjoyment of bread, butter and cheese undisturbed, those from the BBC and VOA are used to inciting and encouraging rabble rousers...[but] there were many Myanmar people who lost their normal daily meals after following their instructions.... The term `expatriate' came into vogue beginning 1969. Persuaded by U Law Yone, a CIA agent, ousted U Nu and his group became expatriates.... U Nu and U Law Yone and U Thwin were in the impression that millions of dollars would be forthcoming or an armed force made up of 50,000 men would soon march to Yangon but in reality U Nu and his expatriate followers faced starvation [just like]...students who went underground following the four eights (8888) incidents in which they were met...by US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher that he would send millions.... Wendy Law Yone, daughter of U Law Yone, Stalin Seagrave (son of Dr Seagrave from Namhkam Hospital) gave their support by writing in the Western periodicals. Before long, both U Nu and U Law Yone were separated from the fellow expatriates.... Former expatriates Tin Maung Win and Ye Kyaw Thu got back to the border prompted by the four eights incident. New expatriates U Sein Mya and Thanmani Bo Khin Maung began to stage the expatriate drama anew at the border. Old expatriates Maung Aung, son of U Nu ...Aye Aye Thant, daughter of the late U Thant and Dr. Tin Myint Oo, his son-in-law...joined the expatriates. The latest of the expatriates were power maniacs Sein Win and group of the NLD.... U Nu, U Law Yone and their expatriate group would have faced starvation unless there was a packet of diamonds worth four million entrusted to Daw Mya Yi by Myint Myint Thwin and brought by U Thwin from San San Nu, daughter of U Nu...."] Mar. 19: No thanks, it stinks of slavery, by Kyauk Doe. ["Had we then {in 1988} allowed foreigners to return, babies born to our women will come with blue eyes, red hair, curly hair and crooked noses."] Mar. 19-20: Let truth be told, by Win Zaw Win. ["{Politicians} who cannot disown their bad traits should stay away from politics." As Aung San said, "Is politics dirty? Politics is not dirty, politicians are being dirty."] Mar. 20: Editorial - Cultured civilization of the Myanmars. [(Full text) "The peoples of the land which is known as the Myanmar Naing-Ngan today have been here for literally thousands of years. It is a fact which is being increasingly enforced by little bits and pieces of evidence which continue to turn up with regularity. This may seem to be strange indeed in the light of what has been proposed by imperialist historians who have obviously sought to downplay the long lineage of the peoples of Myanmar through long dissertations and theories based on highly selective materials. "But we must not forget that these imperialist historians wrote, perhaps with a subconscious intention to justify imperialism's hold on the country. We are also aware that the imperialist administration did everything possible to curtail the justifiable pride of the Myanmar peoples in their greatness. This they did through blatant and unjust repression aimed at the cultured civilization of the Myanmar peoples. "It was literally a multi-pronged attack against every aspect of cultural sophistication the Myanmar peoples showed in their everyday life. The exploiters, the colonial expansionists and the imperialists found it easier for their conscience, if they had any, of depicting the culture of their subject colonies as primitive and of the people as nothing more than savages. Take a look at the reports filed in the newspapers of those days or in the writings of western sociologists and historians of that era, and the campaign of disinformation becomes all too obvious. "But despite all their efforts, there is one point which the west is unable to deny or ignore. And that is the culture and civilization of the peoples of Myanmar are fundamentally based on Buddhist precepts prescribed according to the Dhamma of the Enlightened One. Among other things it sought to free mankind from the clinging, trapping tentacles of crude materialism so typical of the west and to raise all those willing and tenacious enough to follow its teachings, to a higher plane of existence. "The peoples of Myamar have to a large degree found solace in the cultural environment of the Sasana even as the high tolerance for other creeds has resulted in individual freedom to profess whatever religion one may so desire."] Mar. 20: Doe Bamar Thakins defied the long-nose, by Kyauk Doe. [Old man recalls singing God Safe the King {text in Burmese}--"Oh, that stinks very much of slavery." Then the Doe Bamar Asi-ayone started nationalistic slogans and sang {text in Burmese}. "`Why have some veteran thakins now begun to stink of slavery?' I asked. He said: `Yes, true...but those who betray the nation will have to be treated as traitors...' `During their time, the long-nose made us say "Yes sir, yes sir" whenever they talked to us. Thakins of the Doe Bamar Asi-ayon regarded them as savages.' He kept nodding his head while he mused and then said: `Now I remember, yesser means expeller of foul air from the stomach, ha-ha, their language means expeller of foul air from the stomach'. He laughed uproriously."] Mar. 21-22: A rebuttal to `VOA' assessment of `BCP' disintegration, by Bo Thanmani. [A "full of errors" VOA broadcast on Mar. 14 "erroneously asserted that the BCP was dead although the government authorities of Myanmar were continuing to heap blame on the BCP for most of political unrest that had taken place."] Mar. 21: H46AAFD: Situation in Myanmar Naing-Ngan after independence, by Ko Soe. [Beginnings of BCP and KNDO insurrections.] Mar. 21: Where is Nga Mouk Ruby?, by Min Nwe. [Where are the great Royal Ruby, and other gems, taken by Col. Sladen in 1885? The British are responsible.] Mar. 21: Editorial: Culture and morality. ["{There is a} deplorable paucity of civiliaty and courtesy among much of today's youth towards their elders.... {In one school} responsible teachers sought to put a stop to some attempts made by a few pupils to contravene strict school discipline during the recent examinations. Some of the pupils who were admonished by the teachers apparently responded by making threats against the teachers who were doing their duty. Some were reported to have held up their hands as a gesture of defiance or threat of physical harm; while some were reported to have actually declared, "You'll know one day". A few were even said to have held up membership cards of some political party or another.... But such behavior should not and cannot be condoned under any circumstances since just one rotten apple can spoil the entire barrel.... The Buddhist cultural courses which are being opened is certainly a step in the right direction in this respect."] Mar. 22: H46AAFD: KMT intrusion: bitter experiences of the past, by Maung Maung Aye. [1953 KMT incursions.] Mar. 22: Editorial: Culture, a national identity. ["The colour of the skin, the antecedents, way of dress and even language itself may not be sufficient for the fine distinctions found in the widely-dispersed human societies. Other things have to be taken into account. And within this ambit is what is generally known as cultural differences.... The retention of such cultural individualism is necessary for the preservation of national identity.... What we really wish to underscore is that the national identity of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan is a fundamentally Buddhistic culture. Buddhism, with its magnificent tolerence for other religions and other creeds has been a magnet drawing to it all the best qualities of the human spirit since the time of Shin Arahan and King Anawrahta.... And of late, there has been admirable resurgence and enforcement of all that's best in Buddhist culture and mores."] Mar. 23: Newspapers are chroniclers, by A Journalist. ["Myanmar" should be used instead of "Burma." Time, Newsweek, and Far Eastern Economic Review "have now begun to use the word Myanmar." The Hongkong Asiaweek and Bangkok Nation do not.] Mar. 23: H46AAFD: Tatmadaw's capabilities in crushing all insurgents, by Maung Dawna. [Anti-insurgency, 1958-74.] Mar. 24: Very dangerous thoughts, by Virupakkha. ["Letter to Pan Thu." Imperialist wars to back puppet governments are injust and will fail. "In some of the townships within greater Yangon, there are small video stalls. It seems that some of these video stalls have been showing videotape recordings which deliberately subvert the truth. I have learnt this from talk overheard in some teashops and also from street gossip sources. According to such talk, they claim that liberation forces were utterly defeated and that the puppets won everytime in the battles between puppet governments plus colonialist forces on one hand and national liberation forces on the other.... I found {the talkers} to be the kind who were in the habit of viewing illegal video shows. It seems, Pan Thu, that video-tape recordings depicting such unrealistic topsy-turvy accounts are seeping into our country by illegal means."] Mar. 24: H46AAFD: Relentless efforts made by Pyithu Tatmadaw during Revolutionary Council era, by Khun Ye Lwin. [Anti-insurgency 1962-74.] Mar. 24: The six types of speaking, by U Thet She. [Speak only what is beneficial, without fearing disapproval. "Whether a king (a government or an administration) is good or bad cannot be equated with whether he is approved or not approved by man. He must be evaluated on the strength of his deeds for the good of the nation, the race and the religion."] Mar. 25: The four adithans in speech, by U Thbet She. ["To speak as of duty something that is for the good of others is to gain spiritual merit. Whoever says something good for the country gains spiritual merit."] Mar. 25: H46AAFD: The Tatmadaw's resounding victories over insurgents, by Maung Yin Swe. [Anti-insurgency 1974-84.] Mar. 26: H46AAFD: The Tatmadaw continues to serve the nation's interest loyally and steadfastly, by Phyo Nandar. [Anti-insurgency 1988 to date.] Mar. 26: They blemished Independence Day, by Ye Oo. [Expatriates who demonstrated at the Myanmar Embassy in Washington on Jan. 4 blemished the occasion, despite their claim to love Burma.] Mar. 27-28: Tatmadaw the guardian of the nation, by Ye Goung Kyaw Swar. [Story of the Tatmadaw; pictures of Bogyoke Aung San, General Ne Win, and Gen. Saw Maung. "Gen. Ne Win, leader of the Tatmadaw, is not only far-sighted but also wise in taking lessons out of past experiences. He developed the armed forces into a modern army.... General Ne win led the Tatmadaw and endeavoured to secure an honorable place in the world for Myanmar right after Independence and throughout the era of the Revolutionary Council and the Lanzin Party. He had served the nation for fifty years...up to the time he retired. The country will never forget the gratitude it owes to him...."] Mar. 27: Poem-Prayer on Armed Forces Day, by Zawgyi. Mar. 27,30: Answer that comes from the heart, by Aye Chan. [Need for a strong Tatmadaw.] Mar. 29-31: Be perceptive, be discerning, by Dilone. [Cont. (8-9) Virtues of the Tatmadaw.] Mar. 29: Very funny (Thitsar-Mittar discussions), by Byanmahso. [Big joke; BBC says the Coalition Government-in-exile plans to topple the Myanmar Government by the end of 1992.] Mar. 31: I've heard so, by Kyauk Doe. [Parties and politicians denounced.] Absconding Youths Go Home Mar. 1: Nineteen youth returnees who "returned to Yangon with the help of the Myanmar Embassy in Thailand afte realizing their misdeeds and renouncing their armed struggle line" were handed over to their parents. (WPD 3/2) Than Kywe & Myint Aung Released Mar. 2: U Than Kywe and U Myint Aung, "who returned to Yangon...January 23...after realizing their misdeeds, were allowed to rejoin their families at the Tatmadaw Guest House this morning. In a TV interview, "it was revealed that U Than Kywe (Shwedaung) was minister for trade and co-operatives and U Myint Aung (Kamma) was minister for agriculture and forests on the government known as the Union of Myanmar Naing-Ngan national coalition government formed by Sein Win at the Manerpalaw camp of the KNU insurgents on 18 December 1990." After the interview, they "together with their families, left Yangon for their respective natives [sic] this afternoon...." (WPD 3/3) Gen. Than Shwe's Speeches Mar. 7: Speaking in Tanintharyi Division on Mar. 6, State LORC Vice Chairman Gen. Than Shwe said: "The [SLORC] is now paving the way to be able to build a democratic state. But there is a need to bring forth a new State Constitution. Though the multi-party democracy general election had been successfully held, there are still more work to be done. Just as there is need for elected representatives to carry on with what is needed to be done so also there is need for the Election Commission to submit reports to the [SLORC] in accordance with the Election Commission's Law and Rules. Afterward, national convention is to be held and a new constitution is to be framed. "The constitution should be accepted by all the national races residing in this country. So, political parties, national races, and intellectuals and intelligentsia should collectively draw up a constitution which can be accepted by all. If the country is governed under a temporary constitution there might be dissatisfactions, demands and unrest. The Tatmadaw will not let this happen again...." (WPD 3/8) Mar. 10: Gen. Than Shwe spoke to faculty at Mawlamyine University on Mar. 9: "He said that they (the government) would like to reopen the Universities and Colleges. But he said that it had become a tradition that students were used in party politics rather than national politics. As the institutions remained closed the students themselves and the country had to suffer, for the nation was not able to turn out intellectuals and technicians at the right time. "Students were to concentrate on their studies while they were pursuing education; they could engage in politics if they wished, once they had completed their education, he said. If they engaged themselves in politics without proper education, they would not become good leaders but they would be used by others, he added. "In connection with faculty members, he said the faculty members had an important role to play and they had to guide the students so that the latter could concentrate on their studies alone. "He said that the State had already allocated more than K 290 million as provisional funds for the renovation of the universities and colleges...." (WPD 3/11, corrected 3/15) Mar. 11: Gen. Than Shwe addressed troops in Mawlamyine Mar. 10: "He pointed out that some of the political parties had wrong concepts and made efforts for the Tatmadaw to disintegrate and created disturbances in the country to gain political power. He said that the political parties should not atteck them as the Government was not a party government but a Tatmadaw Government. He said that it was mentioned time and time again that after a firm constitution came into existence and a legal government formed, the State power would be handed over to that government." Gen. Than Shwe also addressed officials in Papun [Kayin]: "Prevalence of peace and tranquillity is essential for a country's development. It has been more than 40 years since the KNU insurgents have come into existence and that during that period they have never done good for the Kayin people. In fact, they have been committing such acts as putting fire to villages, killing people and extorting money from the people. "Kayin State will make rapid development if there is peace in the region and this will bring about better life of the people. I would like you to join hands with us." (WPD 3/12) Saboteurs Sentenced Mar. 7: The Yangon Military Court passed judgement on those involved "in opening fire with launcher on the transmitting station near Yegu Railway Station in Mayangonn Township at 9.20 pm on 6 January 1991." Death sentences were given to Bo Htwe Lwin, 26; Myo Aung Htwe, 17; Khin Zaw, 36; and San Myint Aye, 37. Life sentences (20 years) were given to Aung Kyaw Moe, 17; Kyaw Oo, 19; Aung Moe, 20; Zaw Lin Aung, 20; Min Myat Oo, 24; Zaw Myint, 19; Hla Aung, 27; Yan Naing Aung, 31; and Aung Kyaing, 31. "They were assigned duties by KNU insurgent Bo Mya to carry out such demolition work." (WPD 3/8) Border Development Mar. 15: Speaking to co-ordination meeting 1/91 of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, Committee Chairman State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt said [excerpt]: "The activities for development of border areas and national races are being carried out with momentum in border areas such as Kokang area, Wa area, Shan area, Mawpha area, Kengtung East area, Kachin State, and Buthidaung, Maungdaw areas of Rakhine State. The activities include opening of more schools, construction of hospitals and dispensaries, the supply of electricity, construction of dams and hydroelectric power sttions, opening of tractor stations, establishment of livestock breeding farms, road construction and renovation work, construction of buildings for service personnel, construction of new bridges, and opening of communication centres and radio telephone exchanges.... "Altogether 568 public servants are working at border areas and they are given double pay. "The State spent 228.04 million kyats--160.39 million kyats from the border area development funds and 67.65 million kyats from the ministries' budgets. Measures were taken to enable the people from border areas to watch TV Myanmar programmes. Phone contacts can now be made from Chinshwehaw, a border town in a far-flung area, to Yangon.... "As part of the anti-drug movements, opium refineries, heroin, morphine base and chemicals were destroyed in Laukkai and Mongko area of Kokang region. Officials from the UN agencies were invited and drugs and refineries were destroyed in the presence of the officials.... Officials from eight UN agencies are now visiting the border areas to study the activities there. As the [SLORC] has achieved its targets in border area development work and anti-narcotic drug movements, the UN agencies are giving their co-operation ...." (WPD 3/16) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo's Speeches Mar. 24: Speaking in Papun [Kayin] State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo said that the SLORC "did not crave for power," or it "would not have permitted formation of political parties nor held the election." With regard to human rights, "he said there were no unjustified arrests. Those who committed crimes such as exploding at the City Hall [sic] and maintaining contacts with insurgents were arrested in accordance with law, and had action taken against them.... In-fighting took place in political parties with no stability among them. They spread rumours, joined the insurgents and formed a government in exile. Worse situations than the 1988 disturbances would occur if power was handed over to such parties and that was why power was not yet handed over, he added." Gen. Saw Maung Speech to Army Mar. 27: Speaking on Armed Forces day, State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung said [excerpts]: -- "What I have to say here today may be a bit lengthy.... Firstly,... I shall give a summarized assessment of how the nation lost its independence to be reduced to a state of servitude...and how our forefathers ...struggled for liberation...." [Long account of Portuguese, French and British incursions, leading to final British conquest in 1885]. "If a nation's internal strength is not firm enough, and if the solidarity of the nationalities is not strong enough national sovereignty will be lost.... It is equally essential to be on guard against external enemies as against internal traitors who would `present a knife to a robber'. That is why the solidarity of all the national races should be established as strongly as possible while every endeavour should be made to establish a modern Tatmadaw...." -- [Long accounts of British colonial exploitation of Myanmar teak, petroleum, minerals, and rice; divide-and-rule policy with national minorities; and mistreatment of Myanmars.] "The imperialist British rulers...have a habit of cruelly suppressing and terminating anyone who they consider is likely to defy them...." [Incidents cited: 1938 attack on students in Yangon; 1939 attack on civilians in Mandalay; British army "massacres" in 1942; mistreatment of Sayadaws U Ottama and U Wisara; destruction of monasteries and other sacrilege, including "deliberate footwearing" at the Shwedagon Pagoda.] -- In 1961, because of intra-party splits and to gain votes, the 1947 Constitution was amended to change articles separating politics and religion. "Due to this, a small section of non-Buddhist national races ...started the fires of insurrection ...which...has not yet been extinguished. This is one instance of problems being created...simply because religion and politics got mixed up." Problems of Buddhism were dealt with in 1980 with the First Congregation of the Sangha...which provided for "religious authority" and also "called for the need for secular authority to enforce the religious authority...[and] the Pyithu Hluttaw passed appropriate laws and procedures...." -- "The most wanton, most vicious and the very worst of such actions taken by the imperialist British was that of issuing 200 Bren guns...to Galon U Saw who was planning to assassinate...Bogyoke Aung San...." The post-independence "bloodbath" was prophecied (and in effect planned) by Winston Churchill. "KNU Nga Mya...represent the persistent results of the policy of divide-and-rule exercised by the British imperialists...." -- [Account of rise of Myanmar nationalism, leading to the 30 Comrades and the Burma Independence Army.] "But the fascist Japanese... were also very cruel and when they began to ill-treat the people and molest their young daughters, it became necessary to rise up against them." Bogyoke Aung San achieved "amazing victories": 12,026 fascists were killed, 2,304 wounded, and 215 captured, while only 376 Myanmars died. "In May 1945, Tatmadawmen led by Col. Ne Win occupied Yangon and prevented the fascists from destroying it." -- Bogyoke Aung San called for "the noble concept of socialism," but "practical establishment of the socialist system was not successfully achieved during the period of 1948 to 1962," because "the striving for power resulted in splits and disunity." It was only with the 1962 Revolutionary Council that "the basis for the socialist system could be practically laid." -- These are historical truths. "Referring to them does not mean that I am urging return to the socialist system. What system, what principles, what policy, what path to be followed is something which the political parties must consider. They must respond to the wishes of the people and lay down what is needed." -- "Though the election has been completed...nothing has been seen of any political party having revealed precise details of its programmes and policies regarding political, economic and other matters. What remains to be done is for all the parties concerned to submit whatever points they have scheduled to the national conference for co-ordination and discussion as to what ought to be included, in terms of which ideology, what path and what system the Myanmar Naing-Ngan would adhere to, in the constitution which must be approved and adopted according to the wishes of the people. As we have already declared, we shall provide advice and suggestions if necessary." -- "As for our Tatmadaw, we shall adhere strictly to the three points of the national ideology which has been already declared, namely: Non-Disintegration of the Union, Non-Disintegration of National Solidarity and the Perpetuation of Sovereignty. And we shall remove any and all threats to Our Three Main Causes." -- 1988 disturbances reviewed. "Internal destructionists insurgents and under ground organizations were threatening, coercing and resorting to violence so that...government authority, law and order were defunct. Moreover, the vicious and latter-day politicians were very much engaged in the destruction of our Tatmadaw. In that situation, when the Union was on the verge of falling into an abyss, the Tatmadaw made a timely move to save it...." -- "We have held a free and fair election. It is necessary for the elected people's representatives and representatives of the nationals concerned to work toward the writing of a State Constitution. I want it to be known that this is not the time to run around spreading rumours, wasting time and breath, critizing this and that.... [If] the organizations concerned...keep on provoking the Tatmadaw, it will be just like bringing upon themselves their own fate." The Constutution is "defunct" and Myanmar under Martial Law. -- "Some elected representatives of the National Democracy Party and National League for Democracy...went underground [and] became stooges of the most cruel colonialist-lacky Nga Mya of the KNU.... Colonialist-minion, self-seeking traitor groups CRDB and DAB are conniving and scheming as birds of the same feather. Some treacherous circles in Europe and America are shamelessly and dishonourably interfering in our internal affairs because they want those that will serve their interests...to win power quickly." -- "We find every [insurgent] organization crumbling. The BCP...look like a limbless person, and with a few remnants in Tanintharyi Division, seek to survive through their UG movement. We have been able to crush...the strongholds of the KNU insurgents one by one...." -- "I want to say again [to students and youths outside the country] that the door is always kept open and a welcoming hand is extended." -- "I want to dwell briefly on the aims and activities of today's mail political parties.... [That] which had the largest number of candidates elected to the Hluttaw published... the Gandhi Hall Declaration on 29 July 1990. Activities were then undertaken...to implement the demands .... A directive was issued to that party's subordinate organizations to foment violent demonstrations and achieve instability. Therefore, a person from the party...was called in and given final warning.... Although...the party won the largest number of seats, it won only 38 per cent of the votes of eligible voters and it cannot as such be said to represent the entire people in the nation.... At present they have only 32 per cent...of eligible voters ...." -- "Today, some political parties ...confront and oppose the Tatmadaw, ...work in collusion with vicious foreigners and diplomats unworthy of their status, make use of some members of the Sangha, drive youth students underground...." -- "What has our Tatmadaw done?... We have dismantled the one-party system.... We abolished the law that safeguarded the socialist economy. We are paving the way for a free market economy. The Tatmadaw, without taking sides...implemented...a just, free and fair general election...." -- "A civilian government cannot exist without a constitution.... We are organizing toward the writing of the best and firmest State Constitution.... Do not think of taking power brandishing what is called the interim constitution.... It will in no way be possible...." -- "I want to give a stern warning here...that no diplomat, no foreign congressman, no foreign organization, no foreign journalist or radio station has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign independent state.... Only Myanmar nationals understand Myanmar life, Myanmar traits, Myanmar wisdom.... I want to warn all foreign organizations and diplomats not to come and lord over in Myanmar affairs.... We will not take the interference and lording over of foreign organizations with head bowed." -- "We cannot allow anyone...to drive a wedge and divide our brethren, our blood-brother nationals.... There shall be no case for secession. Any such occurrence will not be allowed.... I...want to say `Don't ever even dream of seceding from the Union.'..." -- "Today the politicians of some of the parties are opposing and breaking the law.... In order that the atrocious acts of these lawbreakers may not gain the upper hand, the [LORCs] at the Division, State, township, ward and village levels must always be vigilant and report on their movement. Swift and decisive action must be taken as necessary...." -- "Today, there are those at home and abroad who...are using the term human rights to suit their whims.... Our acting...for maintenance of law and order and area peace and tranquillity actually amounts to safeguarding human rights. Can there be any violation of human rights more dastardly than threatening and destroying life?... We cannot permit wanton acts amid shouts of democracy." -- "We do not have to give a hoot about traitors who are parasites depending on the handouts of organizations in America, England, Germany, Japan, Australia, India and others, showing all sorts of false accounts.... Rational persons of the world community and the majority in Myanmar...heartily support the Tatmadaw." -- "The 1947 Constitution was not adopted under a national referendum. It was written in a hurry to regain independence.... The 1974 Constitution...has the full essence of democracy.... [After long discussion] it was approved by 90.19 per cent of the entire population.... There was no mention of secession in that 1974 Constitution...[which means] that the national races no longer desire feudalism...." -- "I want to say a few words concerning law. Our Tatmadaw applied the Manual of Indian Military Law... up to 1959. Only in 1959 did the Tatmadaw Act emerge. The Penal Code used on the civil side is also based on the Indian Penal Code.... Many sections...are not relevant to present-day conditions, and contain many sections which are not desirable.... [An independent nation] should have laws relevant to her, her people, her culture and her traits. I think law should not be complicated but understandable to all. If law is made complicated, money is lost on lawyer's fees, time is wasted and you are left exhausted. When the Myanmar had their own monarchy, there were only Eight Royal Punishments. Only in 1246 Myanmar Era when the Royal Quarters Standards came into being were Codes 17, 18 and 19 which bore detention, caning and jail terms were [sic] introduced, according to the Golden Palace Vocabulary. That is the part concerning law...." -- "I urge you to work together with the people in writing the new constitution, carefully assessing realistically the nation's past and present periods. With this, I conclude." (WPD 3/28) ELECTIONS Election Tribunals The Government has formed Election Tribunals to hear specific election complaints: Tribunal 2: Mar. 7: Heard the Bogale-2 case. (WPD 3/9) // Mar. 8: Heard the Bogale-2 case; final arguments Mar. 29. (WPD 3/9) // Mar. 19: Heard the Bogale-1 case; next hearing Mar. 25. (WPD 3/20) Tribunal 3: Feb. 28: Heard the Pyin-Oo-Lwin-2 case; final decision to be made Mar. 4. (WPD 3/1) Tribunal 4: Mar. 4: Heard final arguments in the Sittway-1 case and will report to the Government. (WPD 3/5) Tribunal 5: Mar. 12: Heard witnesses in the Thantlang case at Kale Township Zone Court from Feb. 25-Mar. 1. (WPD 3/14) // Mar. 19: Heard the Thantlang case in Rangoon; next hearing Apr. 3. (WPD 3/20) // Mar. 21: Heard witnesses in the Homalin-2 case at Monywa from Mar. 11-15; next hearing Mar. 22. (WPD 3/22) Party Registration Changes Party registration changes announced by the General Election Commission [recorded by Party as in previous issues, omitting "U"]. (2) National League for Democracy: CEC member Daw Myint Myint Khin has resigned. (WPD 3/21) (10) Graduates and Old Students Democratic Association. JSec Win Naing; Tr. Myo Aung 1; InfoOff. Myo Aung 2; CEC members Tun Myint Kyu, Win Htay have resigned. New address is 143 (2nd floor) 30th St., Pabedan Twp., Yangon. (WPD 3/16) (13) Union Karen League. CEC member Saw Kyaw Swe has resigned. (WPD 3/10) (16) Arakan League for Democracy. GS Aye Pe has resigned. (WPD 3/10) (88) National Democratic Party for Human Rights. CEC member M. Noor Alam has resigned. (WPD 3/10) // VCh Khin Maung has resigned. (WPD 3/21) (89) Free People League of Myanmar. CEC members Maung Maung Tin, Polo (Shoshar), Tin Pe, Tin Aye, and secretariat member Khin Maung Tint (a) Tu have resigned. (WPD 3/16) (114) United Trade Union Congress (Union of Myanmar). CEC members Aye Cho, Aung Mya, Tun Nyunt, Zaw Myint (a) Nyunt Oo, Aung Min, Thaung Nyunt have had duties terminated. New CEC members are Maung Ni, Kala, Aung Myint, Maw Win, Khin Htway. New address is 136 Tarmwaygyi St., Tarmwaygyi (A/C) Ward, Tarmway Twp., Yangon. (WPD 3/10) (117) Students and Youth League for Mayyu Development (Arakan). CEC member Aung Myint has resigned. (WPD 3/16) (162) People's Pioneer Party (PPP). New officers are: Patron Thakin Ba Tun; Ch San Shwe; VCh Thakin Than Aung, Myint Aung; GS Kyaw Win Khaung; JGS Dr. Thein Oo; CEC members Shwe Tha Nu, Hla Aye, Daw San Yi, Daw Moe Moe Myint, Daw Khin San, Daw Khin Khin San, DAw Nilar Than, Kyaw Nyunt, Yew Htut, San Aung, Ye Aung, Aung Htay, Tin Maung Myint, Thein Aung, Bo. (WPD 3/16) (166) Mara People's Party. New officers are: Ch Hsi Kauk; VCh Siza Kyon; GS Siro; JGS Be Harong; CEC members Mara Hlamar, Zakeeyo, Robi, Ayebee, Vankyin, Hlaunggu. (WPD 3/ 16) (177) Amyothar Party (AP). CEC member Pe Yin has resigned. CEC members Nur Muhammad (a) Khin Maung Win, Arma Olla were removed. New CEC members are Khin Maung Aye (a) Abu Taw Yuk, Ali Zuhar (a) Shwe Hla. (WPD 3/16) (185) Wa National Development Party. New officers are: Patron Saw Philip (a) Philip Sam; Ch Saw Nyunt; VCh Ngo Nat; GS Markos (a) Sai Lon; JGS Sam Song Ka, Nyi Palok; Sec. Joseph Tun, Nyi Nat, Ai Paung, Lok Kar; CEC members Sam Nat, Ngok Karein (a) Aio Ngok, Daw Ohn Khin, Daw Romay Kat (a) Agnes, Dashila, Sai Khwet Mein, Tun Lu, Kario Sutlu, Ngo Nat, Ai Mun. (WPD 3/10) // New address is 36 Thatyar St., Ward 1, Lashio, Shan State. (WPD 3/21) (194) Indigenous Race Collaboration Party. Patron Al Haj Maulana Muhammed Zakaria has resigned. (WPD 3/10) (199) United League of Democratic Parties. Registration cancelled at the request of Party Chairman, as "it no longer possesses the character of a united league." (WPD 3/20) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Mar. 1: Soviet Ambassador Dr. Vadim I. Chabalin on Minister for Energy and for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 3/2) Mar. 1: Mr. Jorn Kristensen, newly appointed adviser to the Office of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNIDCP) in Myanmar, called on Police Director General San Thein. (WPD 3/2) Mar. 1: UNDP Representative Gerd Merrem on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 3/2) Mar. 4: Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 3/5) Mar. 8: Swiss Ambassador Gerard Fonjallez on members of the Election Commission. Belgian Ambassador Michel Geuens on Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (WPD 3/9) Mar. 11: Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 3/12) Mar. 20: United States Charge d'Affaires ai Franklin P. Huddle, Jr., accompanied by Second Secretary Ms. Shirlie C. Pinkham, on Minister for Energy and for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 3/21) Mar. 22: Polish Commercial Counsellor Dr. Jan Guz on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 3/23) Mar. 28: Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng on State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (WPD 3/29) Mar. 29: Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Tiep on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, to discuss air transport and "introduction of flights for the Myanmar Airways and Vietnam Airways to the two nations.". (WPD 3/30) Sri Lankan Condolence Book Mar. 6: A condolence book was opened at the Sri Lanka Embassy for the late Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of State for Defence Mr. Ranjan Wijeratne, who passed away on 2 March 1991 [he was assassinated--HCMacD.] (WPD 3/7) Ambassador to Portugal Mar. 7: U Thein Toe presented credentials in Lisbon Feb. 28 to President Dr. Mario Soares as Myanmar Ambassador to Portugal. (WPD 3/7) Belgian Ambassador Arrives Mar. 7: Mr. Michel Geuens presented credentials to State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung as Belgian Ambassador to Myanmar. (WPD 3/ 8) Myanmar-Laos Air Accord Mar. 12: A bilateral Myanmar-Laos Air Agreement was signed at Yangon Airport, by Civil Aviation Department Director-General U Tin Ohn, and Lao Civil Aviation Department Director-General Mr. Theng Phoueiphanith. Also present from Laos were Deputy Director-General Mr. Dao Vome, Chief of the Air Navigation Division Mr. Bounsoum Somsihakhom, Chief of Communications Mr. Phou Vient, Chief of Foreign Relations Bureau Mr. Yout Chana, Laos Charge d'Affaires Mr. Saysana, Myanma Airways Managing Director U Thaung Shwe, etc. A preliminary draft had been negotiated on Nov. 8-9, 1990. (WPD 3/13) Diplomatic Tour of Shan State Mar. 15: Heads of diplomatic missions and their wives led by Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng toured southern Shan State Mar. 11-15, visiting Kalaw, Taunggyi, Inlay Lake, and Pindaya. The article noted the presence of the Chinese, Egyptian, and Indonesian Ambassadors. (WPD 3/16) Vietnamese Ambassador Arrives Mar. 22: Mr. Nguyen Van Tiep presented credentials to State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung as Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar. (WPD 3/23) Ambassador to Vietnam Mar. 29: The SLORC has named U Win Shein, Ambassador to Canada, to be Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam. (WPD 3/29) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops and Courses Mar. 5: A workshop on the role of tutors in problem-based learning, jointly sponsored by the Health Manpower Department and the WHO, opened at the Nurses Training Centre. It will last until Mar. 8. (WPD 3/6) Mar. 8: The Communication and Focus Group Discussion Workshop jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF opened at the Planning and Statistics Department. It will last until Mar. 14. (WPD 3/9) Mar. 21: A technical seminar on Karaoke System--New AVZ (Audio, Visual Zone), cosponsored by Inspection and Agency Services, M/s Nikkodo Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan, and M/s Nikkodo (S) Pte. Ltd., Singapore, was held. Managing Director Mr. S Ng of Nikkodo Singapore explained the Karaoke system [popular Japanese sing-along electronic device--HCMacD.], and Linda Choy Peng Hoi and others sang songs using it. (WPD 3/22) Japanese Sugar Mill Mar. 5: Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung attended a test running of the Yedashe Sugar Mill constructed with loans from the Japanese Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund. Begun in 1984, and built by the Santo Engineering Co. Ltd. of Japan at a cost of K160 million, completion was delayed "for various reasons in 1988," but resumed in August 1990. (WPD 3/ 6) Foreign Donations Mar. 8: Representatives of Rotary International from Bangkok, Thailand, presented preventative medicines against polio worth US$ 1.2 million. Present from Rotary International were Chairman Mr. Noraseth Pathmandang, Mr. Thavatchai Vongsrimongkhol, and Mr. M.R. Ophas Kanchanavijaya. The delegation was received by Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the University Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 3/9) Mar. 14: The children of the late U Hla Pe (Pyay Hla Pe) and Daw Khin Khin Gyi, including Dr. Tin Maung Hla of Britain, donated hospital equipment, clothing and books worth US$30,000 to various Myanmar hospitals and medical institutions. (WPD 3/15) Mar. 28: Mr. Victor Tng [sic], on behalf of Smith Kline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, donated medical books worth Singapore $2,000 to the Myanmar Medical Association. (WPD 3/29) Border Development Tour Mar. 11: A preparatory meeting on "development of border areas and national races" was held between Resident Representatives and advisers from UNDP (Gerd Merrem), UNCDF, UNICEF (Eric Laroche), FAO (Oscar J.S. Lazo), WHO (Dr. Thein Nyunt), and UNFDAC (Senior Field Adviser Donald C. McIntosh), and Departmental personnel, presided over by Director-General of the Foreign Ministry Political Department U Ohn Gyaw. Lt-Col. Thein Han of the Office of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races participated. (WPD 3/12) Mar. 18: A group of experts from 8 UN agencies headed by Mr. D.H. Rector left for Kengtung Mar. 12 to study border development work. They visited Kengtung, Mongla, Mongyang, Mongyawng, Mongyu, and Monglat before returning to Yangon. (WPD 3/19) // Mar. 24: On Mar. 17 they flew from Kengtung to Lashio, and on Mar. 18 visited Kongyan and Mongko regions. (WPD 3/24) Mar. 25: UN experts flew to Lashio Mar. 19 to study border area development. They included UNDP Resident Representative Mr. G. Merrem, Assistant ResRep Mr. M.S. Magallanes, agronomist Mr. Dirk Hendrik Rector, economists Mr. Emmanuel A. Caparin and Mr. A. Schwartz; IFAD Program Officer Mr. Brian C. Baldwin; UNICEF Representative Mr. Rolf C. Carriere and Health and Nutrition Division Head Dr. Eric Laroche; FAO Representative MR. Oscar J.S. Lazo and Technical Consultant Mr. San Kyun Choi; WHO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Thein Nyunt; UNCDF Economist Mr. Robert Moreland, Irrigation Engineer Mr. Michael Fitzpatrick, and Agriculturalist Mr. John Wright; UNFDAC Experts Mr. John Kristen Sen and Daw Khin Hla Mon. They visited Kunlong [Shan] and on Mar. 21 visted Namtit village, Hopang Twp. and Hopang. On Mar. 22 they visited Chinshwehaw and Nyophyinsagar. On Mar. 23 they visited Hsinkyawt. They returned from Lashio to Yangon Mar. 24. (WPD 3/26) Mar. 26: A dinner was given for the UN travellers by Foreign Ministry Political Director-General U Ohn Gyaw, and was attended by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 3/27) Mar. 29: A "wind-up meeting" was held between the UN consultants on Myanmar-UN Agencies cooperation in border area development. (WPD 3/30) FOREIGN VISITORS International Organizations Mar. 4: Mr. George S. Joseph, Senior Finance Adviser of the UN Human Settlements Office, and Chief Technical Adviser Mr. Bill Buccanan, met with Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay to discuss UNDP aid to water supply, sewerage, and low-cost housing. (WPD 3/ 5) Mar. 7: Dr. M. Fernando of the World Health Organization called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the University Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 3/8) Mar. 20: A delegation headed by Mrs. M. Helling Borda from the World Health Organization called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the University Training Corps Col. Pe Thein to discuss "implementation of the drug project in Myanmar...." (WPD 3/21) Mar. 28: Acting Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank, Mr. Tan Song Chuan, called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss the Apr. 24-26 24th Annual Meeting of the ADB in Vancouver. (WPD 3/29) Foreign Sayadaws Feb. 28: The four distinguished foreign Buddhist sayadaws visiting Myanmar toured the Shwedagon, Maha Wizaya Zedi, and Botahtaung Pagodas in Yangon. On Kaba Aye Hill, offeratories were presented to 120 Myanmar Venerable Sayadaws. (WPD 3/1) // Mar. 3: They have visited Bagan/ Nyaung U and Mandalay. In Mandalay over 200,000 persons lined the route to pay obeisance "and donated cash to them." (WPD 3/4) // Mar. 4: Visit to Mandalay pagodas. (WPD 3/5) // Visit to Bago Pagodas. Sri Lankan Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Rahula will return home Mar. 7. (WPD 3/6) // Mar. 6: Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint presented offeratories to the visiting Sayadaws. (WPD 3/7) // Mar. 7: Sayadaw Rahula left. (WPD 3/8) // Mar. 12: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammananda of Thailand returned home. (WPD 3/13) // Mar. 21: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vepulla from Japan visited Kale Mar. 13-14, and drove to Gangaw [Magway] on Mar. 15. (WPD 3/22) Chinese Cultural Delegation Feb. 28: The Chinese Cultural Troupe was given a dinner by Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint, who presented a gift to Deputy Leader Mr. Wei Baogui. (WPD 3/1) // Mar. 1: They visited the State School of Music and Drama, and also continued their performance at the National Theatre. (WPD 3/2) // Mar. 4: They visited the Fine Arts Department, and gave their final performance. (WPD 3/5) // Mar. 6: They returned to China. (WPD 3/7) Singapore Air Chief Mar. 5: A delegation headed by Brig-Gen. Michael Teo, Chief of Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, arrived by special aircraft, and was greeted by Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, who later hosted a dinner for it. (WPD 3/6) // Mar. 7: The delegation visited Taunggyi and Mandalay. (WPD 3/ 8) // Mar. 8: The delegation left. (WPD 3/9) China Medical Board Chairman Mar. 5: Dr. William D. Sawyer, Chairman of the China Medical Board, called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the University Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 3/6) Swedish Red Cross Mar. 7: Mr. C.G. Landergren and Mr. Carl Naucler of the Swedish Red Cross visited Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Lashio, Taunggyi, Bago and Pathein from Feb. 20-Mar. 5 to study the Myanmar-Sweden Red Cross Integrated Programme. (WPD 3/8) Japanese Trade Officials Mar. 8: A delegation from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), led by JETRO Chairman Mr. Shire Misutani, met with Agriculture Ministry officials to discuss "ways for purchasing of crops including beans and pulses from Myanmar Naing-Ngan and producing them...." The delegation will visit Mandalay and Bago Divisions. (WPD 3/10) Soviet Buddhists Mar. 12: A 3-member Soviet Buddhist delegation arrived Feb. 26 and will leave Mar. 13. It comprises Rev. Zhaydarov Zhanmyan, Rev. Beudaev Choi-Dorji, and Mr. Verkhovsky Leonid. It has visited pagodas in Yangon, Kyauktan, Bago, Bagan-Nyaung-U, Mandalay, Inlay, Taunggyi, and Pindaya, and paid obeisance to the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws. (WPD 3/13) French Pipe Producers Mar. 12: The Yangon City Development Committee met with Mr. Jean Pall [sic] Sauvage of the Sogea Company of France to discuss "renovating the pre-stressed concrete pipe plant for the supply of water" to the Pugyi Water Supply Project. (WPD 3/13) // Mar. 13: Officials visited the Pre-Stressed Concrete Pipe Factory, built for K50 million. Production of 60 and 66 inch pipe began in 1981. It will produce 7,450 pipes for the Pugyi Water Supply Project, and has already produced 6,900 units or 90%. After modifications, it will produce 16, 24, and 36 inch concrete pipes as well as girders. (WPD 3/14) Philippine Trade Delegation Mar. 18: A Philippine trade delegation headed by Mr. Ceferino Benedicto, President of the Philippine International Chamber of Trade, arrived. (WPD 3/19) // Mar. 19: It called on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss "flight service between the Myanma Airways and Philippine Airways" and other topics. It also called on Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, and on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. It called on, and was given a dinner by, Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 3/20) // Mar. 21: The delegation departed. (WPD 3/22) Japanese Customs Delegation Mar. 20: A visiting Japanese study delegation headed by Senior Supervisory Investigator Mr. Takashi Wakabayashi of the Japanese Customs Department called on the Drug Abuse Control Committee Joint Secretary Police Director Ngwe Soe Tun and Lt-Col. Thein Han of the Border Areas Development Work Committee. Later it visited the Criminal Investigation Department in Insein to see experiments in computer-based statistics. (WPD 3/21) Foreign Correspondents Club Mar. 29: The Foreign Correspondents Club of 246 Anawrahta St., Yangon, named its new Executive Committee: President--U Sein Win (Kyodo); Vice President--U Chit Tun (UPI); Secretary--U Hla Htway (Antara); Joint Secretary--U Maung Maung (Ji Ji); Executive Committee--U Khin Maung Thwin (AFP), Mr. Zouev (TASS), Mr. Chen Binqi (Xinhua), Yangon Myo Thant (Yomiuri and ANSA), U Thitsa Hla Htway (TBS), Daw Aye Aye Win (AP), and U Khin Maung Myint (NHK TV and radio). (WPD 3/30) Japanese Welfare Delegation Mar. 30: Mr. Tsunashima Mamoru, Managing Director of Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services, with two associates, arrived to study Myanmar social welfare activities from Mar. 31-Apr. 4. (WPD 3/ 31) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Feb. 28: Ten medical specialists on obstetrics and gynaecology left for Kuala Lumpur to sit for the Mar. 4 MRCOG Exam. They are Dr. Win Pe, Dr. Than Win, Dr. Khin Hta Yi, Dr. Khin Hnin Yi, Dr. Win Win Mya, Dr. Khin San Wai, and Dr. Nilar Win of the Department of Health Manpower, and Dr. Khin Lay Kywe, Dr. Hta Hta Yi, and Dr. Yin Yin Soe of the Department of Health. (WPD 3/1) Mar. 3: Head of Division U Soe Naing and Superintendent U Than Tun of the Trade Department, Ministry of Trade, left for Bangkok to attend a Mar. 4-15 course on application nad use of TIS-NET Data Base, sponsored by ESCAP. (WPD 3/4) Mar. 3: U Hla Myan and U Min Han Htwe, Staff Officers of the Agricultural Modernization Department left to study rural water supply work in India, Bangladesh, and Thailand for four months. (WPD 3/4) Mar. 4: U Aung Myint, Assistant Research Officer of the Physics and Engineering Research Section, Central Research Organization, left of Singapore Mar. 2 to attend the Mar. 4-22 Regional Training Course on Power Supplies in Nuclear Instruments sponsored by the IAEA. (WPD 3/5) Mar. 4: Daw Khin Than Win, Principal of the Mawlamyine Commercial School, and Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yi, Instructor of the Yangon Tailoring and Cookery School, left Mar. 3 for Dhaka to attend a seminar on entrepreneurship training for technical and vocational education students sponsored by the Colombo Plan Staff of College of Technical Education at Manila. (WPD 3/5) Mar. 4: Director Dr. Aung Naing and Assistant Director Dr. Mya Baw of the Indigenous Medicine Department left to study indigenous medicine management and project activities for three months in Thailand, Indonesia, and India under UNDP sponsorship. (WPD 3/5) Mar. 9: Staff Officer U Aung Myint of the Labour Department left for Chiba, Japan, to attend the Mar. 12-23 Regional Planning Workshop for Introduction of Computer-based Training in Vocational Training. (WPD 3/10) Mar. 16: Six employees of Daewoo Electronics Myanmar Co. Ltd. left for Korea to study TV, radio cassette and refrigerator training courses at Daewoo Electronics Co. They are Head of Division U Khin Maung Myint, Deputy Supervisor of Myanma Heavy Industries Head Office U Soe Myint, Head of Division of No. 1 Factor, Myanma Heavy Industries U Maung Maung Htay, and Section heads U Tin Yi, U Kyawt Maung, and U Than Myint. (WPD 3/17) Mar. 16: Research Officer Dr. Yi Yi Htwe of the Medical Research Department left for Shanghai to attend the Regional (RCA) Training Course on Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis Infection by Radioimmunoassay, sponsored by the IAEA. (WPD 3/17) Mar. 22: Professor Daw Thin Thin Hlaing, Head of Biochemistry Department, Yangon Institute of Medicine 2, left for Australia to attend a course on recent advances in teaching and research related to biochemistry with emphasis on human genetics sponsored by the World Health Organization. (WPD 3/23) Delegations to Meetings Mar. 4: A delegation headed by Director General of the Political Department of the Foreign Ministry U Ohn Gyaw left for Thailand to attend the Mar. 4-8 meeting on cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar in Chiangmai, under the inter-regional co-operation programme approved at the 17th special session on narcotics drugs of the UNGA in February, 1990. Other members are Secretary of the Myanmar Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) Police Director-General San Thein; Chairman of the Committee for Opium Substitute Cultivation Myanmar Agricultural Service Managing Director U Tin Hlaing; Joint Secretary of the CCDAC Police Director Ngwe Soe Tun; CCDAC member Lt-Col. Kyaw Thein; and CCDAC International Relations member Police Inspector Aye Myint. (WPD 3/5) // Mar. 8: The delegation returned. (WPD 3/9) Mar. 30: A delegation headed by Foreign Ministry Political Affairs Director General U Ohn Gyaw left to attend the 47th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) in Seoul, Korea. The delegation includes representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Planning & Finance, Trade, Industry (1), and Labour. (WPD 3/31) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC made the following appointments, on probation: Mar. 13: U Percy Maung Maung, Director (Admin), to be Managing Director, Myanma Shipyards, Ministry of Transport & Communications. (WPD 3/ 14) Mar. 28: U Myint Thein, Director, to be Director-General, Public Services Selection and Training Department. U Khin Maung Myint, Director, Office of the SLORC, to be Director, Public Services Selection and Training Department. (WPD 3/29) Confirmations The SLORC confirmed the following appointments, after one year's probation: Mar. 1: U Kan Gyi as Managing Director, Myanmar Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise, Ministry of Mines. U Tint Wai Aye as Managing Director, Inspection and Agency Services, Ministry of Trade. (WPD 3/2) GOVERNMENT Peasants Day Message Mar. 2: State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung sent the following message on the occasion of Peasants Day [text]: To all the esteemed peasantry. The 2nd of March 1991 is Peasants Day observed in honour of all the peasantry throughout the country. On this auspicious day, I extend joyous greetings to all the peasantry throughout the country and wish them good health and success in their agricultural activities. The peasantry constitutes the biggest force in the nation and they are producing food supplies most essential for humans and other beings living in this country. As a matter of fact, the agricultural production is for the nation the most fundamental and most extensive and potential field of production. And as such, concentrated attention is being paid and strenuous efforts are being made in all aspects for the well-being and development of the peasants. The peasantry of Myanmar Naing-Ngan has been producing important food supplies, the lifeblood of the nation, throughout Myanmar history and they were those who joined hands with the Tatmadaw to defend and protect the country from the dangers that befell upon it. Moreover, as the entire peasantry suffered greatly under the repressive exploitation of avaricious imperialists and their minions, they were those who were imbued with anti-imperialist sentiments and patriotism. I would like to take this opportunity to mention a true historical event of pernicious exploitation upon the peasants by the imperialists. When there was easy access between Europe and Asia as a result of the accomplishment of digging of the Suez Canal, the avaricious imperialists turned our Myanmar Naing-Ngan, one of their colonies, into a rice bowl for their other colonies. At that time the imperialists made a lot of profit by importing rice from Myanmar Naing-Ngan to their colonies such as India, Ceylon, Malaya, African regions, Egypt, Aden, Hong Kong and the countries in West Indies, which urgently needed rice. The imperialists laid down a well-designed plan in exploiting their colonies. While India and Egypt had to concentrate on cultivation of cotton for the British industries, Malaya had to concentrate on producing rubber and Ceylon, on tea. In the 19th century, there was round about one million sown acreage for domestic consumption in Myanmar Naing-Ngan but the acreage had increased to more than 12 million following a rapid reclamation programme for growing paddy for providing the needs of the colonies. The fact that the imperialists paid very low prices for Myanmar rice and then exported to other nations was vividly reflected by the statistics of 1938-39 alone. The sown acreage that year was 12,841,000 with the overall yield of 5,950,000 tons of rice out of which the imperialists exported more than 3,550,000 tons. As the sown acreage increased, there was a greater need for the cultivation costs and Chettyars who came from India lent the money needed by the peasants. They got the money from the British banks at nominal interest rates but they lent the money at very high interest rates to Myanmar peasants. Taking advantage of the ignorance of the indigenous peasants the Chettyars exploited the peasants through deceitful, one-sided and high-handed bonds. The life of peasants got worse day by day owing to high interest rates of Chettyars and heavy taxation of the imperialist government. The number of the landless peasants was on the increase; it was over 900,000 in 1911 and over one million in 1921 but it became more than 1.5 million in 1931. The capitalists brought in, from India, farmers and farm hands, whose labour charges were very cheap, so, nearly 500,000 farmers and farm hands from India arrived in our country in 1931 alone. The British capitalists took control of foreign trade in rice. They established the Bullinger Pool engaged in race trading made up of the Steel Bros: Co., Bulloch Bros: Co. and Anglo Burma Co. Just as the pool, keeping the trading of rice under its monopoly, manipulated the prices of rice or withheld the prices of rice, so also the merchants and brokers in turn exploited the peasants at various stages. The indigenous peasants bore the brunt of high interest rates of Chettyars, land tax and poll tax of the imperialist government as well as the imperialist government's siding with the debtors [sic] and landlords. As they could not bear the oppression and ill-treatment of the colonial government, Saya San, one of the leaders of the nationalist (Wunthanu) group, formed the peasants' Galon Tatphwe, took up arms such as dahs, spears and whatever they could find and rose up in revolt against the colonial rule from 1929 to 1931. The great peasant's uprising led by Saya San, who earned the title of Thu-pannaka Galunayazar, spread to Tharyarwady, Insein, Hinthada, Pyay, Pathein, Phyarpon and other districts. The colonialists brought in more armed troops from India and attacked for about two years to stamp out the rebellion. Finally, the patriotic peasant leaders including Saya San were caught by the British imperialists and hanged until death. This is an historical event which should never be forgotten. As the Myanmar national peasantry had greatly suffered the evil effects of the servitude under the colonial rule, I urge the peasantry to join hands with the Tatmadaw formed with their offspring, in defending and safeguarding national independence to prevent their being plunged back into servitude, to prevent disintegration of the Union, to prevent disintegration of the national solidarity and to ensure perpetuation of the national sovereignty. As it is a period during which changes are taking place in political and economic systems in Myanmar Naing-Ngan, it is necessary to implement a system that can give top priority to serving the interests of the entire masses of people and the entire peasants. The State Law and Order Restoration Council is making utmost efforts in seeing to bringing about the development of the peasantry of the national races in the border areas where process of development is slow, within the shortest possible time. I urge the peasantry in the country to have sympathetic consideration and make concerted efforts whole heartedly in helping out the peasants who are less developed. The State Law and Order Restoration Council successfully held the multi-party democracy general election and there remains the task of taking systematic measures for drawing up the constitution that the country needs. The people are to regard it as a national cause and are urged to make concerted efforts in carrying out the task. I wish to emphatically urge the entire peasantry to take an active part in the drafting of the Constitution, in keeping up their fine traditions as well as to seriously implement their agricultural work, which is their main task, to achieve development and success, while helping out in serving their own interests and those of all the citizens of the country in a fair and balanced manner. (WPD 3/2) Freshwater Fisheries Law Mar. 4: The SLORC enacted Law No. 1/91 of Mar. 4, the Freshwater Fisheries Law [full text published], intended to "further develop the fisheries; to prevent the extinction of fish; to safeguard and prevent the destruction of freshwater fisheries waters; to obtain duties and fees payable to the state; to manage the fisheries...in accordance with the law." It provides that "leasable fisheries" shall be obtained by competitive bidding, and other fisheries by permit or sealed tender. Leases or tender licences may be given to foreigners to operate a fishery "in foreign currency," or organizations with foreign capital under the Investment Law, and shall stipulate rents, tender fees, and licence fees in foreign currency. (WPD 3/4-7) Companies Act Amendment Mar. 5: SLORC Law No. 2/91 of Mar. 5, the Law Amending the Myanmar Companies Act, adds a new Section 26(5): "The Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council may--(a) vary the license by making it subject to such conditions and regulations as the Chairman of the [SLORC] thinks fit, in lieu of, or in addition to, the conditions and regulations, if any, to which the licence was formerly subject, or (b) issue a new license in lieu of the licence formerly granted." (WPD 3/6) // Mar. 28: "The reason for the amendment...is to enable non-profit-making associations to carry out their functions contained in their objectives with ease and promptitude ...and the amendment is not related whatsoever with business organizations ...." (WPD 3/29) Supplementary Appropriation Law Mar. 19: SLORC Law No. 3/91 of Mar. 19, The State Supplementary Appropriation Law, 1991, provides for the following supplementary expenditures to the State Budget Law, 1990 [see March 1990 BPS]: Schedules. Figures in kyats, by line number, with following abbreviations: current {Cur}; interest {Int}; contributions {Cont}; capital expend. {Cap}; disbursement of loans {Loan}; repayment of loans {Repay}; investments {Inv}; Savings {Sav}. [line numbers from the State Budget Law, 1990] Schedule I - EXPENDITURES State LORC, Election Commission, Government, Chief Justice, Attorney General and Auditor General: 1/SLORC: Cur-51,912,920; Cap-15,390,570 4/Ch.Just: Cur-1,953,000; Cap-16,456,600 5/Atty-Gen: Cap-5,950,000 6/Aud-Gen: Cap-18,176,000 Schedule II - EXPENDITURES Ministries and Departments 2/Defence: Cap-2,556,495,000; Inv-40,000,000 3/Home&Rel: Cur-191,578,230; Cap-337,101,990 4/Soc.Welf: Cur-13,031,000; Cap-251,000 5/Info: Cap-47,331,650 6/Cult: Cap-60,279,000 7/Educ: Cur-228,400,000; Cap-690,080,170 8/Health: Cap-643,886,330 10/Ag&For: Cur-97,506,700 Cap-94,467,000 11/Live&Fish: Cur-10,380,430; Cap-2,725,000 12/Mines: Cap-4,820,000 16/Const: Cur-606,124,000; Cap-326,900,300 17/Tr&Comm: Cur-2,100,000 18/Trade: Cap-2,007,500 19/Coops: Cur-2,250,000; Cap-14,469,740 20/Pl&Fin: Cur-26,019,000; Cont-2,118,725,750; Cap-95,453,160; Loan-28,866,000 21/Pensions&Grat: Cur-52,269,000 Schedule III - EXPENDITURES State Economic Enterprises 1/St.E.Ent: Cur-4,939,940,400; Cap-1,135,545,860; Loan-72,000,000 Repay-1,512,400; Inv-17,571,000 Schedule IV - EXPENDITURES Development Committees and Municipalities 1/Home&Rel. Min: Cur-617,336,800; Cap-362,247,110 (WPD 3/20) Armed Forces Day Mar. 23: The 46th Armed Forces Day Exhibition will be held from Mar. 26-31 at Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road, Yangon. "Large oil paintings of Bogyoke Aung San and Bohmugyi Ne Win...grace the hall." (WPD 3/24) {Numerous articles on preparations and rehearsals for Armed Forces Day.} Mar. 27: SLORC Notification No. 17/91 of Mar. 27 awards titles and medals as follows [names and data on recipients included]: Tagun Title: 9 officers (all Major Generals) Pyidaungzu Zarni Title: 14 officers (Colonels and Brigadier Generals) Zarai Title: 10 officers and civilians. Medal (1st Class) for Excellent Performance in Administrative Field: 15 officers and civilians. Medal (2nd Class): 46 officers and civilians. Medal (3rd Class): 9 civilians. Medal (3rd Class) for Excellent Performance in Industrial Economy Field: 7 civilians. Ye Bala Medal: 1 policeman. Ye Kyawthu Medal: 4 policemen. (WPD 3/27) Mar. 26: 3,500 Monks, people, and Tatmadawmen visited the first day of the Armed Forces Day Exhibition. (WPD 3/27) // Mar. 27: 18,500 visitors. (WPD 3/28) // Mar. 28: 8,000 visitors. (WPD 3/29) // Mar. 29: 7,000 visitors. (WPD 3/30) // Mar. 30: 6,000 visitors. (WPD 3/31) Mar. 27: Parade, dinner for officials and foreign diplomats [not specified], etc., described. Photo captions identify Chinese, Malaysian, Israeli, Vietnamese, and Sri Lankan Ambassadors. (WPD 3/ 28) 1991 State Budget Law Mar. 28: State LORC Law No. 4/91 of March 28, the State Budget Law, 1991, effective Apr. 1, 1991, provides as follows: Parts I-IV - General Provisions. Schedules. Figures in kyats, by line umber, with following abbreviations: Receipts: taxes (Tax); from State Econ. Orgs. (St); other current (Cur); Interest (Int); capital (Cap); foreign aid (AID); recovery of loans (Recov); drawal of loans (Loan); Investment (Inv); savings (Sav). Expenditures: current (Cur); interest (Int); contributions (Cont); capital expend. (Cap); disbursement of loans (Loan); repayment of loans (Repay); investments (Inv); savings (Sav). Schedule I - RECEIPTS State LORC, Election Commission, Government, Chief Justice, Attorney General, Auditor General: 1/SLORC: Cur-5,180,460 2/Election Commission: Cur-200 3/Gov't: Cur-1,000; Cap-1,500 4/Chief Justice: Cur-45,302,850 5/Att'y-Gen: Cur-11,800 6/Aud-Gen: Cur-275,000 TOTAL RECEIPTS: Cur-50,771,310; Cap-1,500. Total: 50,772,810 Schedule II - EXPENDITURES State LORC, etc.: 1/SLORC: Cur-124,051,740; Cont-32,250,000; Cap-134,446,900 2/Election Comm: Cur-4,000,000; Cap-1,794,930 3/Gov't: Cur-57,295,000; Cap-2,108,760 4/Chief Justice: Cur-87,935,000; Cap-17,327,200 5/Att'y-Gen: Cur-40,030,000; Cap-10,858,070 6/Aud-Gen: Cur-99,143,000; Cap-37,250,750 TOTAL EXPENDITURES: Cur-412,454,740; Cont-32,250,000; Cap-203,786,610. Total: 648,491,350 Schedule III - RECEIPTS Ministries and Departments 1/Excise and Consump. Taxes (Tax) 1-1 Excise duty: 15,000,000 1-2 Import licenses: 60,000,000 1-3 State lottery: 274,600,000 1-4 Transport taxes: 41,069,800 1-5 Commercial tax: 2,548,695,000 1-6 Stamp sales: 76,117,000 2/Income and Ownership Taxes (Tax) 2-1 Income tax 870,514,000 2-2 Profit tax 551,532,000 3/Customs Duties (Tax) 3-3 Customs duties 1,350,000,000 4/Taxes on State-owned prop. (Tax) 4-1 Land Rev. taxes 40,913,040 4-2 Water & embankm. 15,709,490 4-3 Forest produce 215,813,500 4-4 Minerals tax 5,652,860 4-5 Fisheries tax 106,401,000 4-6 Rubber tax 200,000 5/Receipts from State Economic Organizations (St):1 ,952,843,000 6/For.Aff.: Cur-900,000; Cap-219,000 7/Defence: Cur-41,890,000 8/Home&Rel: Cur-33,494,800; Cap-111,200; AID-2,530,000 9/Soc.Wel: Cur-1,393,000; AID-342,000 10/Info: Cur-8,253,100; AID-1,626,000 11/Cult: Cur-872,410; AID-1,000,000 12/Educ: Cur-152,952,000; AID-6,543,000; Loan-33,669,000 13/Health: Cur-17,280,400; AID-39,987,000; Loan-13,252,000 14/Labour: Cur-15,000; Cap-600; AID-499,000 15/Ag&For: Cur-201,701,200; Cap-1,650,000; AID-32,284,000; Loan-53,906,000 16/Live&Fish: Cur-29,366,800; AID-5,000 17/Mines: Cur-4,459,000; Cap-50,000 18/Ind(1): Cur-399,500; Cap-50,000; AID-2,276,000 19/Ind(2): Cur-69,460 20/Energy: AID-2,873,000 21/Const: Cur-35,933,300; Int-250,500; Cap-30,000,000; AID-8,130,000; Recov-1,900,000; Loan-14,090,000 22/Tr&Comm: Cur-55,472,720; AID-17,261,000; Loan-4,203,000 23/Trade: Cur-18,001,000; AID-1,731,000 24/Coops: Cur-9,448,500; AID-1,000 25/Pl&Fin: Cur-34,264,000; Int-231,716,000; Cap-25,000; AID-12,556,000; Recov-34,653,000; Loan-852,000; Inv-309,524,000 26/Pens.&Gratuities: Cur-301,500 TOTAL RECEIPTS: Tax-6,172,217,690; St-1,952,843,000; Cur-648,367,690; Int-231,966,500; Cap-32,105,800; AID-130,544,000; Recov-347,553,000; Loan-119,972,000; Inv-309,524,000. Total: 9,945,093,680 Schedule IV - EXPENDITURES Ministries & Departments 1/For.Aff: Cur-68,034,000; Cont-652,000; Cap-22,969,430 2/Defence: Cur-4,333,299,000; Cap-2,395,091,000; Inv-60,000,000 3/Home&Rel: Cur-1,094,125,000; Cont-51,221,420; Cap-126,937,160 4/Soc.Wel: Cur-29,242,000; Cont-3,743,000; Cap-16,524,200 5/Info: Cur-146,890,600; Cap-193,343,950 6/Cult: Cur-11,440,000; Cont-2,000; Cap-67,951,420 7/Educ: Cur-2,437,229,000; Cont-457,100; Cap-454,059,400 8/Health: Cur-672,334,000; Cont-5,287,400; Cap-526,972,860 9/Labour: Cur-22,480,000; Int-6,000; Cont-9,613,000; Cap-12,089,990 10/Ag&For: Cur-771,439,000; Cont-15,955,500; Cap-404,957,620 11/Live&Fish: Cur-64,775,220; Cap-66,535,050 12/Mines: Cur-39,244,400; Cap-1,606,950 13/Ind(1): Cur-25,438,320; Cap-12,280,950 14/Ind(2): Cur-566,000; Cap-600,000 15/Energy: Cur-3,044,000; Cap-22,068,720 16/Const: Cur-303,573,000; Cap-725,024,000; Loan-1,500,000 17/Tr&Comm: Cur-106,536,000; Int-536,000; Cont-1,082,200; Cap-122,761,520; Repay-1,980,000 18/Trade: Cur-10,894,000; Cont-250,000; Cap-1,649,280 19/Coops: Cur-208,662,000; Cap-13,799,860 20/Pl&Fin: Cur-162,027,000; Int-184,666,000; Cont-40,383,000; Cap-86,545,550; Repay-140,716,000; Inv-429,466,000; Sav-500,000 21/Pens&Gratuities: Cur-621,895,000 22/Grat&Commut.Pens: Cur-130,500,000 23/Reserved Fund: Res-100,000,000 TOTAL EXPENDITURES: Cur-11,263,667,540; Int-185,208,000; Cont-128,646,620; Cap-5,273,768,910; Loan-1,500,000; Repay-142,696,000; Inv-489,466,000; Sav-500,000; Res-100,000,000. Total: 17,585,453,070 Schedule V - RECEIPTS State Economic Enterprises 1/St.Econ.Ent: Cur-36,435,067,000; Cap-5,000,000; AID-59,546,000; Recov-12,354,000; Loan-288,340,000. Total: 36,800,307,000 Schedule VI - EXPENDITURES State Economic Enterprises 1/St.Econ.Ent: Cur-35,315,070,000; Cap-2,981,147,960; Loan-12,354,000; Repay-1,027,326,000; Inv-220,091,000. Total: 39,555,988,960 Schedule VII - RECEIPTS Development Committees and Municipalities 1/YangonDC: Tax-181,261,000; Cur-277,660,900; Cap-100,000,000 2/Home&Rel.Min: Tax-87,669,500; Cur-296,778,580; Loan-11,075,000 3/Def.Min: Tax-755,500; Cur-6,181,200. Total: 961,381,680 Schedule VIII - EXPENDITURES Development Committees and Municipalities 1/YangonDC: Cur-296,807,600; Cap-254,543,000; Repay-10,945,300 2/Home&Rel.Min: Cur-331,774,000; Cap-46,012,740; Repay-9,123,000 3/Def.Min: Cur-7,623,200; Cap-2,772,540. Total: 959,601,380 SUMMARY [computed by HCMacD] Receipts SLORC et al: 50,772,810 Ministries: 9,945,093,680 State Enterprises: 39,800,307,000 Municipalities: 961,381,680 Total 50,757,555,170 Expenditures SLORC et al: 648,491,350 Ministries: 17,585,453,070 State Enterprises: 39,555,988,960 Municipalities: 959,601,380 Total 58,749,534,760 (WPD 3/29) Commercial Tax Amendment Mar. 29: State LORC Law No. 5/91 of Mar. 29, the Law Amending the Commercial Tax Law, makes some procedural changes, and fully revises the tax schedules. We provide some examples: -- Added to the list of 60 exempt commodities are chillie, saffron, ginger, fish paste, and ripe tamarind. -- Taxed at 5% are 31 items such as jams, tea, cotton seed oil, pharmaceuticals, charcoal, pens, coarse cotton fabrics and clothing, carpentry and agricultural tools, laundry soap, sporting materials, fertilizers, salt, vinegar, and noodles. -- Taxed at 10% are 120 items such as milk, cheroots, lubricating oil and grease, dyes, leather, plastic raw materials, teak and hardwood, books, periodicals and newspapers, ink, office supplies, clay and stone products, mineral ores, bottles, glassware, spectacles, fishing gear, film for cameras, bicycles, tyres, better cotton fabrics and clothing, cosmetics, machinery, electrical materials, tractors and trucks, locomotives and trains, ships, stoves, umbrellas, footware, toilet soaps, sugar, sewing machines, and soda water. -- Taxed at 20 % are 88 items such as household glassware, cigars, paints, maraconi, hair pins, tooth brushes, detergents, furniture, building materials, crockery, razors, plumbing, ironware, electric motors, light bulbs, mining equipment, electric equipment, bridges, movie film, toys, heavy trucks, vans, car parts, synthetic fibers, rice and sugar mills, and refrigerators. -- Taxed at 25% are 51 items such as pipe tobacco, betel nuts, toiletries, floor tiles, lace, motor cycles and motorcars, movie cameras, binoculars, typewriters and calculators, clocks and watches, cutlery, furniture, safes, printing equipment, radios, televisions, video equipment, electric stoves and microwaves, electric fans and washing machines, air conditioners, gramaphone records, ivory and tortoise shell, cassette recorders and tapes, matches, and musical instruments. Taxed at higher rates are 19 items, viz: 30%--pearls and jade 50%--kerosene, wine and beer, country spirits 60%--local brandy, whisky and gin 75%--cigarettes, jet fuel 90%--diesel oil 170%--motor spirit 180%--earth oil 200%--rum, brandy, whisky, gin, liqueurs Sales and services are taxed as follows: 5% of sales--Trading business consisting of purchases and sales of goods (except imports) (applies to all producers of goods) 8% of passenger fares--Rail, water, airway, and road transport 10% of receipts--Hotel, lodging 10% of sales--Enterprise for sale of food or drinks (flat rate authorized for small enterprises) 15% of receipts--Entertainment except film or video 30% of receipts--film or video shows (WPD 3/30) Income Tax Amendment Mar. 30: State LORC Law No. 6/91 of Mar. 30, the Law Amending Income-tax Law, provides that deductions are allowed, up to 25%, for donations to "any religious or charitable organization sponsored by the different levels of the State Organization or recognized by the Minister...of Planning and Finance by notificiation.... Explanation: Charity includes contributions for public benefit such as education, health relief and welfare of the poor and needy." It also provides that losses in excess of income may be carried forward for three consecutive years, except for capital losses or "share of loss from any association of persons." (WPD 3/31) MILITARY Insurgent Attacks Mar. 17: A KNU mine on Mar. 12 wounded a villager in Hsin Village, Paung Twp. [Mon]. (WPD 3/18) Mar. 19: An insurgent mine on Mar. 17 killed two wood cutters at Natkyi village, Bilin Twp. [Mon]. (WPD 3/20) Mar. 25: An "unknown group" of 9 men entered Daing-wun-kwin Ward, Mawlamyine [Mon] Mar. 24 and exchanged fire with police. 2 "innocent persons" were killed and 8 wounded including Police Station Commander Hal Win. (WPD 3/26) Mar. 26: NMSP (Mon) insurgents on Mar. 25 fired on the Ye-Mawlamyine passenger train, at mile-post 224 between Ange and Karupi, wounding 5 passengers. (WPD 3/27) Insurgents Surrender Mar. 21: Twenty-two [names and details] insurgents have "returned to the legal fold" with their weapons [no dates specified]. (WPD 3/22) Mar. 22: Between Feb. 12-23, 19 insurgents "returned to the legal fold" with their weapons [names and details]. (WPD 3/23) 1990-91 Military Reports Mar. 24-26: Annual Military Reports, by Command, for Mar. 21, 1990-Mar. 20, 1991. Nation-wide Figures: Overall there were a total of 2,495 engagements, including 158 major battles. Tatmadaw losses were 475 killed and 964 wounded. Enemy losses were 1,178 "captured dead" and 315 alive. 589 insurgents "returned to the legal fold," bringing in 166 weapons. Captured by the Army and Airforce were 1,085 arms (including 2 82-mm and 2 60-mm mortars, 1 75-mm and 1 57-mm recoilless rifles), 765 heavy rounds ammunition, 100,198 light rounds, 910 magazines, 193 hand grenades, 926 mines, 632 slabs of gelignite, 603 detonators, 184 ft. of fuse, 45 walkie talkies and communication sets, 18 engines, 3,368 head of cattle, 12 horses/mules, 2 elephants, 48.3 kilos of heroin, 948.3 kilos of opium, 4.7 kilos of morphine base, 422 gallons of chemicals, 19,850 viss of jade, 1 rice mill, 205 baskets of rice, 330 baskets of paddy, 27 motor vehicles, 5 bulldozers, 5 tractors, 2 motorcycles, 1 TV set, 6,260 Thai bahts, K1,558,893 in cash, 6 saw mills, 254 tons of timber, 804 teak logs, 596 teak door frames, 1,390 pieces of sawn teak, 5 power generators. 1,952 acres of illicit opium poppy plants were destroyed. In Myanmar waters, Army and Navy units captured 83 poaching vessels, 154 vessels carrying contraband, and arrested 1,580 black-marketeers and poachers; total value of seizures was K 30.87 million. (WPD 3/27) Northern Command: Operations Thurein Tun and Yan Naing Minn. 39 major battles and 295 skirmishes. Specific actions: -- Jan. 11, 1990: Battle with 100 KIA while clearing an area near Daw Phone Yan in Momauk Twp. [Kachin]. Tatmadaw losses, 1 killed; enemy losses, 6 bodies and 3 small arms captured. -- Nov. 26: Engagement with 20 KIA near Namchihmaw, Mohnyin Twp. [Kachin]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 5 "captured dead" and 5 small arms. -- Feb. 7, 1991: Engagement with 60 insurgents in Palata region, Mohnyin Twp. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses 10 bodies, 2 small arms, 30 detonators, 40 ticals opium. Summary--Enemy losses in Northern Command were 157 captured dead and 125 alive. 151 insurgents "returned to the legal fold." Captured were 132 arms, 152 heavy rounds ammunition, 14,291 light rounds, 53 magazines, 191 mines, 42 grenades, 541 packets explosives, 2 walkie-talkies, 1 TV, 12 engines, 5 powered boats, 2 horses, 71.7 kilos opium, 16,947 viss jade stone, Kyat 93,935, 230 baskets paddy, 150 baskets rice. [map] North-East Command: Operation Aung Hein. 2 major battles and 379 skirmishes. Specific Actions: -- May 26, 1990: Engagement with 30 PSLA (Palaung) near Kwinsalan village, Kyaukme Twp. [Shan-North]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 3 bodies and 3 arms. -- Oct. 27: Engagement with 15 Ma-Da-Ta near Ho Kho village, Mongyai Twp. [Shan-North]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 1 body, 8 small arms and a 60-mm mortar. -- Jan. 12, 1991: Engagement with 50 PSLA (Palaung) near Panmaingsun village, Namhsan Twp. [Shan-North]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 5 bodies and 2 small arms. Summary--Enemy losses in North-East Command were 148 captured dead and 48 alive. 91 "returned to the fold." Captured were 152 arms, 26 heavy rounds ammunition, 6,656 light rounds, 126 magazines, 43 grenades, 35 mines, 52 packets explosives, 5 walkie talkies, 45 kilos heroin, 593 kilos opium, and 2,903 viss of jade stones. [map] (WPD 3/25) Eastern Command: Operation Kyaw Naing Soe. 3 major battles and 401 skirmishes. Specific Actions: -- May 9, 1990: Battle with 50 KNPP (Karenni) near Peinchit village, Loikaw Twp. [Kayah]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 5 "captured dead," including Kyaw Win, 5 small arms, 2 walkie talkies and documents. -- July 25: Battle with 50 KNPP (Karenni) led by Li Reh of insurgent column 2, near Daw Khuli village. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 5 captured dead, 2 small arms. -- Aug. 2: Battle with 20 SURA (Shan) and PNO (White Pa-O) near Kungyan village. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 4 dead, 5 small arms, 2 walkie talkies. -- Sept. 4: Battle against 80 KNPP (Karenni) at Padichaungzon. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses, 6 captured dead, 1 small arm, 35 huts, and 30 logs. -- Jan. 12, 1991: Battle with 80 PNO (White Pa-O) in Hsihseng Twp. [Shan-South]. Tatmadaw losses, 3 killed and 3 wounded; enemy losses, 12 captured dead, 2 small arms. Summary--Enemy losses in Eastern Command were 209 captured dead and 50 alive. 163 returned to the legal fold. Captured were 330 arms, including 2 82-mm mortars, 1 75-mm recoilless rifle, 1 60-mm mortar, and 18 heavy ammunition rounds, 27,194 light rounds, 274 magazines, 21 grenades, 294 mines, 184 ft. of fuse, 5 communications sets, 12 walkie talkies, 3 bull dozers, 1 motor vehicle, K1,003,058 in cash, 1362 head of cattle, 10 horses/mules, 276 kilos of opium, 4.7 kilos of morphine base, and 143 gallons of chemicals. [map] South-East Command: Operations Zwe Aung Lin and Naga Min. 112 major battles and 1,147 skirmishes. Specific Actions: -- Mar. 22, 1990: 300 NMSP (Mon) led by Nai Myint Swe of the No. 333 battalion, attacked the Ye Twp. [Mon] Police Station, the Ye Bridge Camp, and the No. 61 Myanmar Regiment. 70 insurgents entered Ye and fired on civilians. The Tatmadaw counterattacked and drove them out. Tatmadaw losses, 4 security unit members dead, 14 wounded; enemy losses, 43 "captured dead", 37 arms, 1 walkie talkie. -- Oct. 26: Battle with 15 KNU near Naungkamyine village, Hpa-an Twp. [Kayin]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses 2 dead and 2 small arms. -- Oct. 17 [sic]: Three battles with 10, 13, and 7 KNU respectively in Bilin Twp. [Mon]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses 6 dead and 2 small arms. -- Nov. 17: Battle with 50 KNU in Kamahta village, Hlaingbwe Twp. [Kayin]. Tatmadaw losses, none; enemy losses 5 dead, 4 small arms, and 21 mines. -- Jan. 20, 1990 [sic-should be 1991]: Attack on 200 MNDA (Mon-Nai Win Yoe group) at their HQ camp near Yadanabon Mines, Bokepyin Twp. [Tanintharyi]. Eight battles, 2 major, and Camp captured. Tatmadaw losses, 1 killed, 4 wounded; enemy losses, 10 captured dead, 82 arms, including 1 57-mm recoilless rifle and 1 60-mm mortar, and 29,085 rounds light ammunition, 140 rocket grenades, 123 mines, and 1 communications set. -- Mar. 10, 1991: Attack on Point 2709 camp (60 KNU from Papun Dist. Admin. Group and No. 20 Batt., No. 7 Brig.), and on Point 2336 (30 insurgents). Camps captured. Tatmadaw losses, 18 wounded; enemy losses, 13 captured dead, 35 heavy rounds ammunition, and 7 mines. Summary: Enemy losses in South-East Command were 609 captured alive, and 64 alive. 116 returned to the legal fold. Captured were 431 arms, including 1 60-mm mortar and 1 57-mm recoilless rifle, 490 heavy rounds of ammunition, 41,134 light rounds, 415 magazines, 402 mines, 87 grenades, 39 slabs of explosive, 603 detonators, 17 communications sets, 6 engines, 39 viss of lead, 254 tons of timber, 804 teak logs, 1,390 pieces sawn teak, 596 teak door frames, 6 saws, 50 baskets of rice, 100 baskets of paddy, 2 bulldozers, 5 tractors, 26 motor vehicles, 2 motorcycles, 1 rice mille, 5 power generators, 5,920 Thai bahts, K429,010 in cash, 582 head of cat+tle, 2 elephants, and 53 poaching trawlers. [map] (WPD 3/26) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Mar. 1: Attractive Myanmar gems, by Thien Aye Ko. [Cont. Interviews with gem buyers at the Gems Emporum.] Mar. 4,6: Ketumadi, capital of Second Myanmar Naing-Ngan, by Nyunt Aung. [Cont. (4-5) Description of modern Toungoo.] Mar. 8: A trip to Wetlet in Sagaing Division, by Aung Nyunt. [Nov. 1990 visit described.] Mar. 12,17: Prospects for western section of Kawhmu Township, by Ye Myint Pe. [Economic progress in this Yangon township.] Mar. 23: World Meteorological Day, 23 March 1991, by Yi Yi Winn, (Met/ Hydro Officer). [Atmosphere, global warming, air pollution. "The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Myanmar has twenty seven WWW stations from Putao in the Northernmost state to Kawthoung in the Southern tip of Myanmar."] Joint Ventures Mar. 8: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 6/91 of Mar. 8 establishes the private joint-venture Myanmar Architectural and Engineering Consultancy Services Company Ltd., for the purpose of "building new hotels, renovation, designing and giving consultancy services," with an authorized capital of K6,200,000 divided into 600 shares of K10,000 each, of which 372 are held by Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services, and 248 by private architects and engineers, specifically Dr. Maung Kyaw, U Ohn Shwe, U San Tun Aung, U Shwe Mya, U Ngwe Tun, and U Aung Kyaw Thar, all of Yangon. (WPD 3/9) Mar. 11: Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung visited Yangon Garment Manufacturing Co. Inc., a joint venture of Myanma Jute Industries and Value Industries Ltd. of Hong Kong, on Insein-Mingaladon Road in Aung San Myo, Insein. The factory employs 740 workers. Test-running began May 5, 1990 and full operation on June 10, 1990. Export of finished products began Aug. 10, 1990. The Minister also visited Daewoo Electronics Myanma Co. Ltd., a joint venture of the Myanma Heavy Industries and the Daewoo Electronic Co. Ltd. of Korea, on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. (WPD 3/12) Mar. 14: The Win Service Co. Ltd. named honorary directors and distributed guidebooks on stock shares. (WPD 3/15) Mar. 15: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 7/91 of Mar. 15 establishes the private Myanmar ECI Joint Venture Company Limited for "production and marketing of international drilling mud grade barite powder," with authorized capital of K39 million, divided into 3900 shares of K10,000 each, of which 1989 are held by the No. 3 Mining Enterprise of Ministry of Mines, represented by its Managing Director, and 1911 shares "subscribed as mentioned" in the approved agreement, held by ECI Minerals Pte. Limited, represented by Managing Director George Yin Soon of No. 11, Wan Shih Road, Jurong, Singapore 2262. (WPD 3/16) Mar. 19: The office of the Myanmar Concord Development Organization (MCDO) Ltd., a joint venture between the Yangon City Development Company and the Daichi Co. Ltd. of Japan, to "form other joint ventures and sub-companies for carrying out economic and development activities in Myanmar," was opened at No. 30 Inya-myaing Road, Yangon. Present were Daichi Chairman Mr. Bernard H.B. Choi, President and Senior Executive Officer Mr. Susumu Susuki, Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, and Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 3/20) // Mar. 24 editorial: "It plans to carry out economic and development projects such as new Yangon Airport, new Mandalay Airport and new Yangon City development construction activities by forming other joint ventures and subsidiary companies.... We believe the Japanese partners will find Myanmar people co-operative and understanding and get inspired to engage further projects for mutual interest." Mar. 22: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 8/91 of Mar. 22 establishes private joint venture Myanmar-Natsteel Hardware Centre Ltd. for "marketing, leasing, production and tendering services in connection with construction materials and steel products," with an authorized capital of K30 million, divided into 3000 shares of K10,000 each, of which 1500 will be subscribed in Kyat by Construction and Electrical Stores Trading, represented by its Managing Director, and 1500 in foreign currency by Natsteel Trade International Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by General Manager Mr. Chiang See Poh, No. 22, Tanjong Kling Road, Singapore, 2262. (WPD 3/ 23) Mar. 23: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 9/91 of Mar. 23 establishes the private joint venture Myanmar-Inotech Ltd. for "importing, manufacturing, leasing and exporting the semi-finished and finished construction related materials," with an authorized capital of K50 million, divided into 5000 shares of K10,000 each, of which 1500 subscribed in Kyat or in kind will be held by Construction and Electrical Stores Trading, represented by its General Manager, and 1000 shares subscribed in foreign currency or in kind by Inotech Industries (Pte.) Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Managing Director Mr. Ong Siew Poh, 62 A Jalan Jurong Kechil, Singapore. (WPD 3/24) Mar. 30: The Myanmar-Segye International Ltd. Garment Factory, jointly established by the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. and the Segye Corporation of Korea, was inaugurated at the Pyinmabin Garment Factory premises in Mingaladon [Yangon]. Present was Segye Corp. Chairman Mr. O.N. Kim, etc. (WPD 3/31) Construction Projects Feb. 28: A K600,000 self-help hospital and a K40,000 Sangha hospital were inaugurated Feb. 12 in Kani Twp. [Sagaing]. (WPD 3/1) Mar. 3: A Township Hospital annex, a new school building and three residential buildings for service personnel were handed over in Pyu [Bago] on Feb. 27. (WPD 3/4) Mar. 8: A new clinic (indigenous medicine) opened in May-yu Road, Sittway, Rakhine on Mar. 4. (WPD 3/ 10) Mar. 9: The Hlinethaya Twp. and Shwepyitha Twp. [Yangon] Communication Centres of the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications were opened. (WPD 3/10) Mar. 10: A Basic Education High School at Kyaiksakaw, Daik-U Twp. [Bago] was transferred to the Ministry of Education on Mar. 9; it cost K7.73 million. (WPD 3/11) Mar. 11: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt visited the Bahadur Shah Zafar Dargah Mosque on Ziwaka St., Payagyee Ward, Dagon Twp. [Yangon] and "the tomb assumed to be that of king Zafar Shah" [the last Mogul King of India--HCMacD.]. "He fulfilled the requirements for construction of a new building and renovation work there." (WPD 3/12) Mar. 12: The K12 million Bon Chaung bridge on the Kalewa-Kyogen-Tamu road in Sagaing Division was inaugurated Mar. 9. Cars can now travel year-round between Monywa and Chin State. (WPD 3/13) Mar. 15: The foundation stone for a K7 million, two-storey, 24-room annex to the Shwewatun Hotel in Bago was laid. Hantharwady Road linking Pyay Road, Lower Kyimyindine Street, and Strand Road [in Yangon] was formally opened. (WPD 3/16) Mar. 16: A new dispensary and office building of the Shan State Indigenous Medicine Department was opened Mar. 15 in Taunggyi. (WPD 3/ 17) Mar. 18: A K600,000 X-ray unit and a telephone exchange were inaugurated in Kyunhla Twp. [Sagaing], on Mar. 8. (WPD 3/19) Mar. 20: On Mar. 18 the cornerstone was laid for a new K17.5 million railway station in Myitkyina, Kachin. On Mar. 17, a new office building for the Medical Superintendent of the People's Hospital in Lashio, Shan, was inaugurated. (WPD 3/21) Mar. 23: A station hospital was commissioned Mar. 22 in Thongwa Village, Daik-U Twp. [Bago]. (WPD 3/24) Mar. 23: A K8.8 million 50-bed hospital annexe was inaugurated Mar. 19 in Hinthada Twp. [Ayeyarwady]. An 8-mile gravel road linking Bayinma and Kin villages in Myaung Twp. [Sagaing] was inaugurated Mar. 22. (WPD 3/24) Mar. 24: The K13.1 million Oktha Vehicle Overpass on the Yangon-Mandalay road in Bago, built by Myanmar Railways, was inaugurated. On Mar. 23, a 16-bed hospital for Hsinkyawt Station and a new K170,000 dam were inaugurated in Thibaw Twp. [Shan-North]. (WPD 3/25) Mar. 26: A 25-bed hospital for Dagon Myothit Twp. (North) [Yangon], and a 16-bed hospital for Dagon Myothit Twp. (South) were opened. (WPD 3/27) Mar. 29: On Mar. 27 the 37.5 mile Shwenyaung-Lawksawk Railway was inaugurated; construction began Aug. 5, 1990. On the same day a new high school was handed over at Kayatkyi Village, Htantabin Twp. [Bago]. Mar. 30: The new airport building at Kengtung [Shan] was inaugurated Mar. 27. New telephone exchanges were inaugurated at Kywepwe, Oktwin Twp. [Bago] on Mar. 28, and at Hlegu Twp. [Yangon] on Mar. 30. (WPD 3/31) Oil Wells Feb. 28: A ceremony was held to mark the beginning of drilling at Kawliya No. 1 test-well in Daik-U Twp., Bago. (WPD 3/1) Imports May 2: The MV Hati Baik arrived Feb. 25 with 2,421 tons of cooking oil and palm oil for industrial use, but "it is found that there has been leakage from a large number of palm oil drums." (WPD 3/3) Private Enterprise Mar. 2: The Mazin Industrial Producers Co-operative Society of Bago has opened its "export quality timber products sales shop" in the compound of the Shwethalyaung Pagoda in Bago. It has already exported US $4,000 of products to Japan and US $2,000 to Singapore. (WPD 3/3) Mar. 4: Workshop No. 1/91 on Management and Finance for Private Enterprise opened with 71 participants, and will last until Apr. 4. (WPD 3/ 5) Mar. 11: The opening ceremony of the salesroom of the Allied Merchants (Pte) Ltd., Singapore, and the Han Myanmar Export Import Enterprise, Myanmar, was held at the Strand Hotel. The salesroom, at 13 Phongyi St., Lanmadaw Twp. [Yangon], will sell "National" refrigerators and air conditions, and "National" and "Toshiba" TVC sets, video players, and radio cassette tape recorders "with foreign exchange" as "a first step." It will be open daily except Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm. (WPD 3/12) Timber Mar. 5: Addressing a Seminar on the marketing of foreign products, Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe reviewed the established maximum cut established of 350,000 tons of teak and 1.3 million tons of other hardwood, and noted that only about 1 million tons of the latter was being cut. There was a good market for Padauk, Tamalan and Thinwin, but as they are less plentiful than Pyinkado, the demand could not be fully met. Speeches were also given by UNDP head Gerd Merrem and FAO head Oscar J.S. Lazo. (WPD 3/6) Exports Mar. 16: Actual export prices of products sold during February were (in US$ per metric ton, FOB): Rice Emata 25% 1991 crop $ 205 Emata Super 5% 1991 285 Pulses and Beans Black Matpe SQ 1991 450 Butter Beans FAQ 1991 415 Pedisein Beans FAQ 1991 306 Toor Whole FAQ 1991 350 Sultani/Pya Beans FAQ 1991 300 Animal Feed Yellow Maize FAQ 1990 (bulk) 103 Oil Seed Sesame Seed (White) 590 Miscellaneous Rose Flower (ea.,C&F S'pore) 0.13 (WPD 3/16) Air Schedule Expanded Mar. 18: Effective Apr. 1, Tradewinds Company will increase its Singapore-Yangon-Singapore flights from every Friday to every Monday and Thursday. Schedule: Dep. Singapore 1 pm; Arr. Yangon 2.30 pm. Dep. Yangon 3.10 pm; Arr. Singapore 7.40 pm. (WPD 3/19) New 25 Pya Coin Mar. 20: The Central Bank of Myanmar will issue a new 25 Pya coin on April 1, inscribed "Central Bank of Myanmar" instead of "The Union of Burma Bank" in Myanmar, and dated 1991 in Myanmar. Design is the same as that of the 25 Pya coin issued Nov. 27, 1985. All currency coins currently in use remain legal tender. [photo] (WPD 3/21) Food Supplies Mar. 20: Speaking at the Ministry of Trade, State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo said: "Rumours to the effect that rice and oil quota for the service personnel will be reduced is totally false. We have adequate rice for the people's consumption and so you need not worry about it...." (WPD 3/21) Mar. 30: Speaking to Myanma Railways officials, State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo said that "Sufficient amount of basic commodities such as rice, cooking oil and salt will be sent to upper parts of Myanmar Naing-Ngan through Magway, Pakokku, Monywa and Mandalay roads; to Shan State through Shwenyaung, Taunggyi and Kengtung roads and to lower parts of Myanmar Naing-Ngan through Dawei, Myeik and Kawthaung roads so as to ensure smooth flow of commodities, stability of commodity prices and to prevent the unscrupulous traders from manipulating commodity prices...." He discussed "measures to be taken for speedy transportation of basic commodities like rice, cooking oil, and salt." (WPD 3/31) Employment Service Record Mar. 21: In the first quarter of 1990 the Employment and Training Division of the Labour Department found "jobs for 6,945 persons out of 54,792 persons registered." During the second quarter it found "jobs for 3,943 persons against 4,209 required by employers." Figures for the third and fourth quarters were 6,435 against 8,332, and 6,241 against 7,706 respectively. Moreover, it sent 130 workers and 133 doctors to Malaysia and Singapore, and lists of 45 medical specialists were sent to Malaysia. Offers have been received from Singapore, Malaysia, and Korea asking for employment of Myanmars including factory workers, teachers, engineers, electricians, and nurses. (WPD 3/22) Import License Fees Mar. 29: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 10/91 of Mar. 29, amends Notification No. 2/88 and establishes the following fees for private importers: Ordinary registration and renewal--K2,500; Rate for each line of import business--K550. (WPD 3/30) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall since January 1, 1990, 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 March 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 March 15 0 00 0.00 0.00 March 30 0.00 0.00 0.00 HEALTH Appeal for Blood Mar. 13: "The Central National Blood Bank of the Yangon General Hospital has requested the people to donate blood as it is needed for patients at the Yangon General Hospital and other hospitals in Yangon." (WPD 3/14) SPORTS Chinese Gymnasts Mar. 6: The team of Chinese Gymnasts from Sichuan Province, led by Madam Zeng Qing Hua, left Myanmar after performing in Yangon and Pathein. (WPD 3/7) Myanmar Olympic Committee Mar. 12: Speaking at Myanmar Olympic Committee meeting No. 1/91, Olympic Committee President Minister for Construction and for Co-operatives Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw said, inter alia, that: "The time has now arrived to replace current presidents of some sports federations with younger persons who can devote more time to the activities." Discussions included Myanmar participation in the 16th South-East Asian Games in Manila in November, bilateral sports exchanges, and "the reorganization of sports federations with new presidents and secretaries." (WPD 3/13) Sports Teams Abroad Mar. 8: In the second round of the US$150,000 Indonesia Open Golf Tournament, Myanmar's Kyi Hla Han has a score of 70-70-141. Taiwan's Kuo Chieh-Hsiung is in the lead with 69-66-135. (WPD 3/10) Rowing Courses Mar. 20: Basic and advanced courses on rowing (traditional and international) will be held at the Universities Boat Club at Inya Lake from Apr. 25-May 31. Applications due by Apr. 5. (WPD 3/21) New Sports Federation Officials Mar. 21: The Sports and Physical Education Department announced the following new Presidents and Secretaries of the Sports Federations: Football Federation: President U Saw Shwe; Secretary U Tin Aung Track and Field Fed.: Pres. U Aye Ko Ko; Sec. U Saw Yan Volleyball Fed.: Pres. Col. Myint Lwin; Sec. U Tin Oo Weightlifting Fed.: Pres. U Myo Nyunt; Sec. Capt. San Myint Boxing Fed.: Pres. U Maung Aung; Sec. U San Myint Judo Fed.: Pres. U Kyi Aye; Sec. U Ba Hein Tennis Fed.: Pres. PPF Deputy Director U Tha Oo; Sec. U Pe Than Tun Badminton Fed.: Pres. U Kyi Nyunt; Sec. U Myint Tun Shooting Fed.: Pres. Brig-Gen. Thein Tun; Sec. Maj. Thein Swe Win Cycling Fed.: Pres. PPF Director U Maung Maung Than; Sec. U Zaw Myint Swimming Fed.: Pres. Lt-Col. Khin Aung; Sec. U Nyunt Soe Rowing Fed.: Pres. U Sein Tun; Sec. Dr. Than Toe Yachting Fed.: Pres. Cmdr. Thein Tun; Sec. U Tin Oo Maung Gymnastics Fed.: Pres. U Tin Pe; Sec. U Myint Aung Basketball Fed.: PPF Adj-Gen. Pe Kyi; Sec. U Myint Thein Table Tennis Fed.: Lt-Col. Aye Pe; Sec. U Ba Wai Golf Fed.: Pres. Lt-Col. Maung Maung Lay; Sec. Maj Thura Khin Maung Win Chess Fed.: Pres. Dr. Kyaw Tint; Sec. U Nyan Aung Hiking and Mountaineering Fed.: Pres. Dr. Aung Tun Thet; Sec. U Thaung Tun Chinlon [caneball] Fed.: Pres. Dr. Sein Yi; Sec. U Khin Maung Myint Thaing [traditional boxing] Fed.: Pres. PPF Quartermaster-General U Maung Toe; Sec. U Tin Oo Karate Fed.: Pres. PPF Director U Khin Maung Tun; Sec. U Soe Win Taekwando Fed.: Pres. Col. Kyi Aung; Sec. U Saw Laik Win Hockey Fed.: Pres. Col. Khin Latt; Sec. Maj. Maung Maung Khaing Disabled Sports Fed.: Pres. Lt-Col. Thein Han; Sec. U Thein Myint Sipak Takraw Fed.: Pres. PPF Director U Hla Myint; Sec. U Shwe Bo Sein Myanma Traditional Sports Fed.: Pres. Col. Khin Nyein; Sec. U Tin Maung Soe Physical Fitness and Physical Culture Fed.: Pres. Brig-Gen. Sein Lwin; Sec. U Soe Win Women's Sports Fed.: Pres. Dr. May May Yi; Sec. Daw Phyu Phyu Sports Writers Fed.: Pres. PPF Director U Ngwe Soe Tun; Sec. U Khin Maung Lwin. (WPD 3/22) CULTURAL Literary Articles Mar. 3,10,17,24,31: Foundations of Myanmar Culture. Myanmar Literature & the ten major Jatakas, by Hnaphet Hla. [Cont. (32-36)] Mar. 3,10,17,24,31: 20th Century Myanmar Poets & Poems, by Htila Sitthu. [Cont. (71-75) Poet Gon Win: Twelve selected poems.] Mar. 3,10,17,24,31: Short Stories. [(1-5) Cont. "Nga Ba" by Maung Htin ÄÄ{12} Nippon-Myanmar Culture, {13} From Avici to Maha Avici, {14-15} Man-eaters. {16} Exterminating the Japanese. (3) "My friend" by Maung Maung Aye. (3-4) "Latent Love" by Pe Than. (3-5) "Overtime" by Htin Linn (as told by U Myat Thin). (5) "A lady's wit" by Pe Than.] Mar. 3,10,17,24,31: Poems on ancient Bagan, by Zawgyi, in Myanmar and English. [Cont. (23 2 pts) "Meritorious work of Minister Anandathu and wife (Part 2)." (24 2 pts) "Piety at Letputkan."] Historical & Cultural Articles Mar. 3,10: Bells of Myanmar, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Cont. (16 2 pts.) The Kyaik Kalo Bell.] Literary Events Feb. 28: Winners were announced in the The Myawady Press 1990 novels and short stories contests "with the objective of promoting patriotism and preserving national culture." Prizes will be presented Mar. 17. Novels: 3rd Prize: Chit-kya Zan-bar by Hlaing Win Swe. Consolation Prizes: Aung-bwe-cheint-cheint Ta-theint-theint by Aung Thurein (Pale); Ayin-gale Dilobe Chit-khe-gya-bar-de by Namh Mo Kham; Mya Myet-phyay by Mya Htwe Thu; and Pan-ne-leik-pya by Thunein. Short Stories: 3rd Prize: Chit-thu Taik-kyway Amyin-hman-hsay by Ketu Maung Nyo Lin. Consolation Prizes: Myo-chit Amade by Ko Nay (Kawlin); Myithu Yoo-thut-par-tha-nee by Ko Ko Than; Kyi Kyi Htay Kyee-Hnga Kadawt and Thar-chin-myar Hson-tway-thaw Akhar by Yin Yin Nwe (Mawlaik). (WPD 3/1) // Mar. 17: The prizes were awarded. (WPD 3/18) Mar. 1: A Seminar on Myanmar Classics will be held at the Sarpay Beikman Building on Mar. 5-7. Papers to be read are: Gandawin Sarpay Huthi by Maung Hsu Shin; Shaykhit Myanmar Gandawin Sarpay by Maung Khin Min (Danubyu); Myanmar Gandawin Kabyar Sarpay by Htila Sithu; Naing-Ngan Tagar Gandawin Sarpay by Tin Htwe; Myanmar Bartharpyan Gandawin Sarpay by Min Kyaw; and Khitpaw Myanmar Gandawin Sarpay by Kyaw Aung. (WPD 3/2) // Mar. 4: The books will be available to participants at reduced prices. (WPD 3/5) // Mar. 5: The Seminar opened. (WPD 3/6) // Mar. 6: Second day. (WPD 3/7) // Mar. 7: Final day. (WPD 3/8) // Mar. 8: Minister for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint gave a dinner for the participants. (WPD 3/9) Mar. 24: The Periodicals Work Committee under the Committee for Dissemination of Education to Keep Patriotism Alive will hold a literary contest to turn out "literature which will help strengthen patriotism." with five prizes (K15,000, K13,000, K12,000, K11,000, and K10,000) in each of four categories ÄÄnovels, collected short stories, treatises, and collected poems. Criteria are: "(1) To keep nationalism and patriotism alive; (2) To strengthen consolidation of indigenous national races of the Union; (3) To come to follow good moral characters; (4) To support the work for perpetuation of sovereignty, regional peace and tranquillity and nation-construction activities; and (5) To flourish national culture and to preserve the traditional heritage." Application forms are available from the Administrative Section, News and Periodical Enterprise, Pansodan St., Yangon, or from U Myo Thant, Sercretary of the Periodicals Work Committee, Sarpay Beikman building, 529/531 Merchant St., Yangon, and entries are due by Dec. 31, 1991. (WPD 3/25,26) Mar. 24: The Periodicals Committee will also hold a cartoon contest with five prizes for each of two categories--Cartoons (K1,000, K900, K800, K700, K600, and 7 K500 consolation prizes), and Collected Cartoons (K10,000, K9,000, K8,000, K7,000, K6,000). Criteria and application points are the same as for the literary contest [above]. Entries due by Sept. 30, 1991. (WPD 3/ 26) Gold Bowl Found Mar. 6: A 22-carat gold bowl weighing 231 grammes (14 ticals) was unearthed at Hngettawmyi Village, Thegon Twp., Bago. It dates from the Pyu period and has a row of lotus flowers embossed on the outer rim. The finder will be rewarded. [photo] (WPD 3/7) Buddhist Culture Courses Mar. 7: A Buddhist culture course for teachers, sponsored by Defence Industries (Yangon) and No. 7 Basic Education Middle School, Mayangonn Twp. [Yangon], opened at the Tatwin Cinema Hall of the Defence Industries Nos. 1 and 2. (WPD 3/8) Mar. 10: Buddhist Culture Course No. 1/91 sponsored by the Tarmway Twp. [Yangon] LORC opened; 1,640 students and youths from 23 Wards of Tarmway Twp. will attend. (WPD 3/11) Mar. 17: A basic Buddhist culture course for teachers in Dagon Twp. [Yangon] opened at Basic Education High School No. 1. (WPD 3/18) Exams Mar. 11: Basic Education High School examinations for 1991 began. 300,572 candidates are enrolled for the exams at 657 local centers, and 34 at 17 foreign centers. In Yangon Division, 77,081 candidates are sitting at 179 centers. (WPD 3/12) Mar. 11: Entrance exams for refresher courses for non-service personnel conducted by the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Medical Associations in preparation for the FRCS (Part A) and MRCP (Part 1) examinations has been announced. The first will be held Mar. 18, and the FRCS (A) refresher course will be held the first week in April. The second will be held Mar. 22, though the MRCS(1) exam has been postponed from July to Oct. 3, 1991. (WPD 3/12) // Mar. 28: The FRCS (Part A) exam will begin Apr. 1, at the Yangon General Hospital. (WPD 3/29) Medical Institutes Openings Mar. 29: The Institutes of Medicine (1st MBBS {11/87}; 2nd MBBS {5/88}), and Institute of Dental Medicine (1st BDS {11/87}; 3rd BDS {5/88}; 4th BDS {5/88}), will reopen May 2, 1991. (WPD 3/30) MISCELLANEOUS Crime News Names and addresses of culprits generally included. Mar. 6: Two watch snatchers who operated at bus terminals in Yangon were arrested with three watches. (WPD 3/7) Mar. 7: The Yangon special squad seized 29 grammes of heroin on Feb. 22 in Mingala Taungnyunt Twp., and booked three people. (WPD 3/8) Mar. 8: The Yangon anti-drug squad on Feb. 20 seized 6.4 kilos of marijuana in Insein, and has booked four people. On Feb. 25 it seized 241 grammes of heroin in Hlinethaya Twp., and booked one man. (WPD 3/9) Mar. 13: Moktama police on Mar. 9 seized 4.5 kilos of marijuana, and one man was booked. (WPD 3/14) Mar. 14: Pyu police seized 16.3 kilos of marijuana on Mar. 1, and booked three men. (WPD 3/15) Mar. 16: Myeik Myoma police on Feb. 11 seized 4.4 kilos of opium powder and booked a woman. (WPD 3/ 17) Mar. 18: The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Mar. 7 seized 16.3 kilos of raw opium and 2.2 kilos of heroin from a car coming from Monywa. (WPD 3/19) Mar. 22: The Kale Twp. [Sagaing] anti-drug squad on Mar. 10 seized 321 bottles of phensedyl from bicyclists, and booked the three riders. The Wetlet Twp. [Sagaing] police on Feb. 27 seized 24.5 kilos of marijuana in Duntegontaung village, booked one man, and also found marijuana plantations. Shwegyin Twp. [Bago] police on Mar. 5 seized 12 kilos of marijuana and booked two persons. (WPD 3/23) Mar. 23: Maungdaw [Rakhine] police seized 156 bottles of phensedyl from a boat on the Naf River at Maungni village, and booked two people. (WPD 3/24) Mar. 29: The Nay Min Project for blocking roads and searching for narcotics drugs was begun Feb. 27. On Mar. 12, the Lashio anti-drug squad seized 4 kilos of heroin at Mongyu village, Muse Twp.; two women were booked. On the same day, Namkham police seized 8 kilos of heroin in Nawngkaung village, and booked 2 people. Total value of heroin seized was US$ 29 million. (WPD 3/30) Mar. 30: The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Mar. 13 seized 2.4 kilos of marijuana from a bus passenger in Pyin-Oo-Lwin [Maymyo]. The Mawlamyine anti-drug squad on Mar. 11 seized 3.7 kilos of raw opium from a boat at Mottama [Martaban] jetty. Two women have been booked. (WPD 3/ 31) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are occasional obituaries in Burmese as well.] Feb. 28: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sumangala Maha Thera, vassa 61 vara, State Ovadacariya, Leading Padhana Nayaka of Pinnyalinkaya Kyaungtaik in Sittwe, Rakhine State, died in Yangon, aged 81. (WPD 3/1) // Mar. 19: Funeral rites and cremation took place at Dontaik-kwin in Sittway. (WPD 3/20) Mar. 2: Jackie Henderson, husband of Juliet Quinn, died in Yangon, aged 62. (WPD 3/4) Mar. 6: Daw Khin Shwe (Kelly), Retired Diplomatic Store Manager, wife of Dr. Maung Maung Than, died in Yangon, aged 76. (WPD 3/7) Mar. 7: Mrs. Dorothy James, wife of Mr. F.B. James, died in Yangon, aged 67. [Christian] (WPD 3/8) Mar. 8: Pa Cin Ngaih Thang, Canan Land, aged 37 [most of text in Burmese]. (WPD 3/10) Mar. 9: U Hrathnuna, Tahan, husband of Daw Lalmani, died in Tahan, aged 78. (WPD 3/11) Mar. 13: Wunna Kyaw Htin U Khin Maung Nyunt, Mawgun (Grade III), MIBL, husband of Daw Than Than, died in Yangon, aged 76. (WPD 3/14) Mar. 18: Daw Tin Hmee, wife of U Tun Maung, died in Yangon, aged 78. [Baptist] (WPD 3/19) Mar. 26: Shri F.L. Sarkar, aged 66 [most of text in Burmese]. (WPD 3/ 28) Mar. 24: Daw Ivy Jasper Dipo, widow of Maj. J. Dipo, M, died in Yangon, aged 79. [Christian] (WPD 3/ 25) Mar. 29: U Tha Chit, Bago (Mayin), husband of the late Daw Sein Yin, died in Yangon, aged 90. (WPD 3/30) Traffic Accidents Mar. 1: There were only 43 traffic accidents in Yangon in February 1991, a record low during the past decade. They caused 14 deaths and 94 injured, mostly because of reckless and drunken driving. "Effective action will be taken, therefore, against drivers endangering lives coupled with withdrawing of driving licenses." (WPD 3/2) Narcotics Destroyed Mar. 2: Soldiers and police destroyed 6 acres of poppy fields on Feb. 8 near Taunghtaik village, Kyaukme Twp. [Shan]. (WPD 3/3) Mar. 13: In January-February 1991, police, customs, and soldiers destroyed 1,874 acres of of opium poppy in Shan State and 66 acres in Chin State, totalling, 1,939 acres. This prevented production of 8.5 tons of opium. The Tatmadaw seized 30 kilos of raw opium and 0.2 kilos of heroin. The police seized 86 kilos of opium, 14 kilos of heroin, 161 kilos of marijuana, and 271 litres of Phensedyl through 957 drug related cases. Customs seized 6 kilos of heroin and 9 litres of Phensedyl. Action was taken against 1,320 persons under the Narcotics Drug Law. Drug seizures totalled K361,128,632 (US$60,318,532). (WPD 3/14) Mar. 24: Soldiers and villagers of Wamsaw village, Wamphai village-tract, Kengtung [Shan] on Mar. 22 destroyed 45 acres of poppy plantations and poppy seeds near Wamphyat village. (WPD 3/25) Fires Mar. 2: A fire in Ward 2, Mayangonn Twp. [Yangon] destroyed 219 houses in Mayangonn Twp. (25 in Zizawa Rd., 48 in Khatta Rd., 47 in Thawka Rd., 40 in Ingyin and Yuzana Rds., 48, in Myitzu Rd., and 11 in Station Rd.), and 5 in Hline Twp. 1,497 persons from 356 households were left homeless, and damage was K15.3 million. (WPD 3/3) Mar. 5: A fire in Myaing [Magway] on Mar. 4 destroyed 403 houses and left 2106 persons homeless. Nearly all of Ward 1 was destroyed, as well as houses in Wards 2 and 3, school buildings, offices, godowns, and co-ops. Loss is estimated at K56.5 million. (WPD 3/6) Mar. 6: In January 1991 there were 223 fires in Myanmar, which destroyed 313 houses, 6 factories and mills, and 5 godowns, for a loss of K 7.89 million. 1,650 people were made homeless. (WPD 3/7) Mar. 12: Yangon military officials visited Indaing Station and inspected the building where staff and families of the Tatmadaw Footwear Factory, "which was destroyed in the fire on 10 March" are being quartered. (WPD 3/13) Mar. 13: A fire in Mingaladon Market in Mingaldon Twp. [Yangon] destroyed 18 shops, including the No. 2 Ward consumers co-operative. Loss is over K600,000, including 1,650 bags of rice of the Township Co-operative Society. (WPD 3/14) Mar. 14: A fire between 62nd and 63rd Streets, Ywatha Ward, Dawnabwa section in Mandalay NW Twp. destroyed 24 houses, leaving 150 people from 32 households homeless. Damage was K1 million. (WPD 3/15) Mar. 26: A fire in Myeik [Mergui] [Tanintharyi] destroyed 22 houses in Talaingzu and Seik-nge Wards, leaving 180 people from 34 households homeless and causing K15 million damage. (WPD 3/27) Mar. 28: In February 1991 there were 288 fires in Myanmar, of which 250 (86.8%) were due to negligence, 11 to short circuits, 18 to arson, 8 to forest fires, and 1 to insurgents. 3,032 buildings, 17 mills and factories, and 62 godowns were destroyed. 6,807 persons were made homeless, 2 killed, and 1 injured. 694 animals perished. (WPD 3/29) Engagement Mar. 4: Ma Mon Thuzar Aung, daughter of U Win Aung and Daw Yin Yin Ohn, became engaged on Mar. 4 to Sean Abel, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Abel of Bentley, Western Australia, at the Ruby Room of the Inya Lake Hotel. (WPD 3/5) Lottery Expanded Mar. 12: A new lottery system will begin April 3, 1991, with 10 kyat tickets for a 10-lakh (one million kyats) jackpot. The number of lottery prizes and winners will also be increased. First drawing under the new system on May 3. (WPD 3/4) Happy Birthday Mar. 20: "Happy Birthday Wishes." A very happy birthday to Nai Pan Hla (Visiting Scholar, ILCAA, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies) on your auspicious birthday today 30-3-91. We cordially wish you all the best, forever happiness and long life. Beloved wife-Daw Thein Nwe. Loving Children-{names}. Loving grandchildren-{names}. (WPD 3/20) Earthquake Mar. 29: An earthquake of moderate intensity (5.0 Richter) was recorded at 10:13:18 MST on Mar. 28, with epicentre about 172 miles Southwest of Yangon. (WPD 3/29) +-+-+-+-+ SUBSCRIPTIONS Write to: ATT: Burma Press Summary The Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois 1208 West California Street Urbana, IL 61801 Annual Subscriptions: Individuals and Institutions - US$ 50.00 Add Postal surcharge for - Canada - US$ 2.00 Foreign (surface) - US$ 2.00 Europe (air) - US$ 20.00 Asia (air) - US$ 25.00) [additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. RENEWALS Renewals should be sent to the University of Illinois. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence and requests for full copies of articles should continue to be addressed to: Hugh C. MacDougall 32 Elm Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 BACK ISSUES At least for the time being, orders for back issues from April 1987 through December 1990, at the current annual rate, should be addressed to Hugh C. MacDougall, and checks should be payable to Hugh C. MacDougall (not Burma Press Summary). ------- Burma Press Summary No. 49, Mar. 1991 Hugh C. MacDougall06/19/9601/14/89