§ 52. Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Burma whether he can make any statement on the visit of the Prime Minister of Burma to this country; and whether any immediate steps are to be taken to establish self-government in Burma?
§ The Secretary of State for Burma (Mr. Amery)The visit of the Premier of Burma, whom we were glad to welcome in this country, provided an opportunity for the establishment of personal contacts which are always most valuable and for an exchange of information and views between him and Ministers here on a number of matters of interest to Burma and His Majesty's Government. During his visit he gave expression to the wholehearted co-operation of the Burmese Government with His Majesty's Government and their Allies in the common cause. Burma already enjoys self-government in her internal affairs. While it is not practicable during the war to carry through or even to discuss effectively the further development of her Constitution, His Majesty's Government were able to give assurances of the sincerity of their declared aim of promoting Burma's attainment of Dominion Status and of their intentions in regard to the scope of the discussions which have been promised immediately the war is won.
§ Mr. MaxtonDid U. Saw agree with the right hon. Gentleman that it was not practicable to make extensions of self-government just now?
§ Mr. AmeryIt was not practicable to give the kind of definite assurance that he came over here' to seek.
§ Mr. MaxtonThe right hon. Gentleman said in his answer that it was impracticable to take further steps at present in Dominion status for Burma. Did the Prime Minister of Burma agree with him in that view?