BURMA: Ice Cream

The first discussion between Britons and Burmese leaders since the recapture of Rangoon was held aboard a British warship last week. Subject: self-government for Burma. Whatever Burma's political future may be, there was one great success at the meeting—ice cream.

The 21 Burmese delegates came aboard from a motor launch. With the exception of one Burman, who wore formal morning dress, the delegates wore gay silk lungyis and scarlet headdresses. At the head of the green baize wardroom table sat Burma's governor, Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith, whom the Japanese had chased out of Burma. Now he was back. Back too was Premier Sir Paw Tun, whom the Japanese had also chased out. Near him sat bland, ambitious, influential U Than Tun, general secretary of the Communist-dominated Anti-Fascist Organization. Sayadaw Aletawaya, 90, head of the Buddhist church, sent his regrets: recently he had fallen asleep during an investiture at Government House and did not feel up to a conference on a warship.

The Burmans sat like Buddhas and sucked at whacking long, silver-white cheroots while Sir Reginald spoke. He promised that Burma would have self-government as soon as possible. But before that happened, Burma must

1) have a freely elected legislature,

2) choose a British-approved constitution,

3) establish satisfactory relations with Britain on defense, commerce, finance. The delegates continued to suck quietly on their cheroots. Then Sir Reginald added that without the help of the Burmese people themselves, nothing at all could be achieved. The Burmans smiled and nodded.

As a windup to a buffet lunch came the ice cream. The Burmans ate their ice cream with dignified avidity. Shyly they intimated that they would like more. Three times urgent messages went to the galley for extra helpings. By then everybody was very jolly. After more conferring, Sir Reginald called the first meeting: "Very encouraging."