HC Deb 09 May 1940 vol 360 cc1419-20W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Burma whether, in view of the German wireless statements of rioting in Rangoon, with loss of life, he will make a statement on the position in that city?

Sir H. O'Neill

Hindu-Muslim communal trouble broke out among the Indian community in Rangoon on 20th April, when a fracas occurred, with Hindus as aggressors, outside a mosque in the centre of the city. The following day was quiet, but on the evening of the 21st another clash occurred between the communities. These riots were quickly stopped by the police, and since then there have been no further organised outbreaks. There have, however, been some sporadic cases of attack by members of either community on the other, on 28th April and on3rd and 4th May. The total number of casualties up to 4th May was 27 killed or died of injuries, and 167 injured. The riots have been of a purely communal character, and the police have the situation well in hand. The Burmese population has not been affected.

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