§ 45. Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the Prime Minister, in view of the telegram sent to him before the opening of the Round 578 Table Conference from the General Council of All Burmese Associations regarding the Conference and the recommendations of the Simon Report in reference to the separation of Burma from India, why its terms were not placed before the members of the Round Table Conference; and whether he will communicate its terms to the House?
§ Mr. BENNI have been asked to reply. The telegram in question is presumably one dated 14th October which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT. There was no reason to single out this particular telegram and to place it before the Conference in preference to one received in August urging an immediate declaration of separation, and the scores of others received from Burma during the Conference, some supporting and some opposing separation.
§ Mr. BROWNMay I ask what steps the Government took to ascertain the views of Burma upon the subject, as apart from the views of the single representative of Burma at the Round Table Conference, before coming to this decision?
§ Mr. BENNThere was a mass of material relating to this question before the Round Table Conference; and there was more than one representative of Burma.
§ Mr. FREEMANBefore the matter is finally settled will there be a further opportunity of considering the wishes of Burma itself?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there anything to prevent Burma refederating with India if she so desires?
§ Following is the telegram:
§ "Burma Legislative Councillors being not true representatives, their separation resolution is not country's verdict. Government-chosen Burma delegates to Round Table Conference represent only Local Government. This Council condemns Simon Report in toto, particularly immediate separation. This Council will not accept any scheme of Government which does not satisfy majority of masses, whose declared ultimate goal is independence.
§ (Sd.)So THEIN, Chairman,
§ General Council of all
§ Burmese Associations."