§ 113. Mr. Monslowasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports he has received from His Majesty's Ambassador in Burma about British subjects being active in supporting a movement among the Karens in Burma to overthrow the Burmese Government.
§ Mr. MayhewHis Majesty's Government have received reports from His Majesty's Ambassador in Rangoon which suggest that certain British subjects are concerning themselves with a movement among the Karens for the overthrow of the Burmese Government. I wish to make it clear that His Majesty's Government strongly disapprove of such activities by British subjects. His Majesty's Government have made plain in the past their sympathy with the desire of the Karens and other hill peoples of Burma who supported the Allied cause during the war to play their full part in the Union of Burma; but there is no reason to suppose that they are now prevented from doing so. The Burmese Government is engaged in a bitter struggle with Communist-inspired disorders in all parts of the country. They have hitherto had the loyal support of the hill peoples, including the Karens and I hope that the unity of the hill peoples with the Burmese will be preserved since disunion can only play into the hands of the Communists.