HC Deb 21 June 1948 vol 452 cc931-2
22 Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if the Naval, Military and Air Force Mission which the Government of Burma agreed to receive under the provisions of the Burma Treaty of October, 1947, has been appointed; and how many officers have actually arrived in Burma; and

(2) what progress has been made with the conclusion of a commercial agreement between Great Britain and Burma, as laid down in the Treaty concluded between the two countries in October, 1947.

27. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the extent to which the military, financial and economic clauses of the Anglo-Burmese Treaty have been and will be carried out.

33. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the result of his conversation with the Burmese Ambassador on 15th June; and if he will give an assurance that the Treaty between Burma and this country is still operative.

Mr. McNeil

On the general attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the Treaty and my right hon. Friend's conversation with the Burmese Ambassador, I have nothing to add to the statements which my right hon. Friend made in the House on 17th June.

The British Service Mission has been in Burma since the transfer of power on 4th January, 1948. It consists at present of 96 Military, two Naval and seven Air Force officers. No difficulties have arisen as regards the implementation of the Defence Agreement. Nor have any special questions arisen as regards the financial articles of the Treaty. The negotiation of a Commercial Treaty is under consideration.

Mr. Gammans

Is it not a fact that the Burmese Government have expropriated the assets of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company and a number of British teak companies without giving any indication whether or not they are going to pay compensation; and will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he is taking to protect over £100 million worth of British assets in Burma?

Mr. McNeil

In regard to those things which the Burmese Government have nationalised or socialised, we have made it plain from the beginning that the Burmese Government must be able to meet in an acceptable currency the legitimate claims of British subjects for their property in that country.

Mr. Blackburn

Has the Minister of State any assurance to give on the subject of the Karens and the Chins who fought for us during the war, when so many people in Burma did not? Are they quite safe at the moment?