BURMESE AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1933, Page 7

BURMESE AFFAIRS

SEPARATION OR FEDERATION

RANGOON, December 16

During the discussion on th e motions about t-h e issues* of separation and fecleriitic.n, Air T. C°v.per, Finance Member, made a statement explaining the Government’s policy. Dvli-nsMig the position of -his Majesty’s Government, the said ; “it is perfectly willing to let Burma remain as a province in Federal India if that is Burma's real wish. “]f Burma chos e separation, however, his Majesty’s Government would 'seek the approval of Parliament for granting her with the l-ea>st possible delay a constitution as outlined by the Prime Minister, on the basis ot which she should be abl e to pursue her ° wn political development apart from. India, but- within the British Empire. As far as isucih a constitution -wag concerned, his 'Majesty’s Government had always contemplated that an opportunity should be given to the representatives of Burma to express further views on th e provisions of the constitution outlined before they were finally enacted. “It had to be clearly understood, however, that t.-h, D statement in which the Prime Minister outlined the constitution indicated the decision of the principle on the main points beyond which his Majesty’s Government- were not prepared to go.” He added that officials would not take part in the discission,