§ 10. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present situation regarding the freeing by the Government of Burma of the British-owned Mawchi wolfram mines in Burma from the Karen rebels against Burmese rule, in view of the fact that these mines used to provide a third of Britain's requirements of wolfram.
§ Mr. NuttingI am informed that the Burmese army launched an operation of brigade strength towards Mawchi on 7th January. Although, according to the latest information from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Rangoon, Mawchi has not yet been relieved, I understand that this operation has made good progress. These operations are entirely a matter for the Government of Burma, for which Her Majesty's Government have no responsibility.