British Assets (Hansard, 22 March 1950)

§ 40. Mr. Erroll
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to safeguard British assets in Burma.

§ Mr. Bevin
His Majesty's Government's policy of aid to Burma aims at securing the fundamental prerequisites to the safeguarding of British assets, that is to say, the independence of Burma, friendly Burma-British relations, and ate restoration of internal law and order. An undertaking by the Government of Burma to give fair treatment to United Kingdom interests was embodied in the exchange of letters annexed to the AngloBurmese Treaty of 1947, and was extended by an exchange of notes made in Rangoon on 24th December, 1949.

§ Mr. Erroll
As this laudable object has so far met with comparatively little success, do the Government contemplate more effective steps?

§ Mr. Bevin
It is unfortunate that there is a civil war going on in Burma—

§ Sir H. Williams
Who started it?

§ Mr. Bevin
Perhaps the hon. Gentleman has more information about that than I have. I cannot promise success, but we are doing our best to restore a stable Government in Burma. Tomorrow, I understand, there is to be a Debate on Burma and some hon. Members have given me notice that they intend to raise this question. A more adequate answer can be given then probably than in answer to a Question now.

Mr. Brain
Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the reason for the civil war in Burma is because its priceless assets—

§ Mr. Speaker
The hon. Member is asking for an opinion. Questions should ask for facts, not opinions.