HC Deb 23 November 1931 vol 260 cc3-4
3. Captain FULLER

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will make a statement on the state of affairs in Burma at an early date; if he will say what increase it has been found necessary to make in the garrison of the province since January, 1931; and if the troops are under the direction of the civil or military authorities in their operations against the rebels?

Sir S. HOARE

Reports on the situation in Burma have been published each week, and I am circulating a statement covering the events of last week. As regards the second part of the question, seven additional battalions, one British and six Indian, have been sent to Burma this year. A senior member of the Indian Civil Service was appointed as Special Commissioner for the disturbed districts to act in co-operation with the Officer Commanding, Rangoon Brigade, in order to effect unity of command in the whole rebel area.

Captain FULLER

Will my right hon. Friend consider the desirability of im- pressing upon the Government of India the necessity for the closest co-operation between the civil and military authorities, in order to bring to an end the present bickerings, and thus enable the authorities to deal more effectively with the rebels?

Sir S. HOARE

I think there is already the closest co-operation, but my hon. and gallant Friend will see that we have taken a further step in appointing a Special Commissioner for that very purpose.

Following is the statement:

There was no important change in the situation during the week. Satisfactory progress continues, and one dangerous leader, Aung Shwe, was captured in the Insein District. This should have a good effect on the Tharrawaddy-Henzada-Insein Border. Two hundred and fifty-two rebels were released from custody this week, and number remaining is 958. Further trials are just commencing in several districts, and the number of prisoners will be largely reduced in near future. One sepoy of the Dogra Regiment has been reported wounded.

There has been no change in agricultural situation and no rain during week. The price of paddy in Rangoon has fallen rather sharply. The number on relief works remain about the same.