§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether he can now give the House any information as to the capture and trial of the Burmese Dacoit Boh Yan Myun?
§ * THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir J. GORST,) ChathamWith the permission of the House, I will read a telegram which has been received by my noble Friend from the Viceroy, dated August 1st.
Yours, 29th. Regarding Yan Myun Dacoit. Following received from Chief Commissioner of Burma: 'When proclamation recently issued in Myingyan district, offering free pardon to lesser dacoits, Yan Mynu specially excepted by name, and reward 5,000 rupees offered for his apprehension. On the 28th of May last Macdonald, sub-divisional officer, heard Yan Myun meditated surrender, and sent out a pongyi to communicate with him. Macdonald says no promise was made, but we';—I presume he means"he"—'told him if he came in Authorities would probably show him mercy and spare his life. Macdonald also told Pongyi if Yan Myun sur- 1731 rendered he would plead for his life. Yan Myun surrendered two days later, having received no further promise. He has been tried by Deputy Commissioner of District, and sentenced to death, and he appealed to Judicial Commissioner. Appeal not yet decided, and sentence not carried out. Yan Myun first alleged he surrendered on the understanding that Macdonald would do his utmost to get his life spared; subsequently that he received a promise that his life would be spared, but would have surrendered anyhow, owing to constant terror of being murdered. If Judicial Commissioner confirms sentence, it will not be executed until Chief Commissioner has considered case. Sir Charles Crosthwaite (who is Chief Commissioner of Burma) states that we can rely upon him to prevent ev6n apparent breach of faith.'