TNAG-0414-FCO40-460-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 159

COUNTRY SITUATION REPORTS

BURMA

Of the three countries with territories in the Golden Triangle, Burma presents the most perplexing problem for the United States. An estimated 400 metric tons, or more than one-half of the entire illicit opium output in the Golden Triangle is produced within Burma. Yet, unlike Laos and Thailand, United States presence and influence in Burma is negligible.

To appreciate the complexity of the problem of eradicating the production of and traffic in opium in Burma, it is necessary to recog- nize the various elements which contribute to that problem.

INSURGENCY IN BURMA

Burma has been beset with insurgency for over 25 years. In 1949-50, the Government of the Union of Burma came very close to being overthrown by the combined attacks of Communist and Karen forces (estimated in excess of 20,000), but it succeeded in defending Rangoon and ultimately in expelling the insurgents from the more populated areas. Subsequent factionalization along ideological, ethnic, or political lines has prevented the insurgents from uniting into a serious threat to the central government. However, more than 30 percent of the country is estimated to be effectively denied to the government by insurgent forces whose numbers probably still exceed 15,000 although accurate estimates of their numbers are difficult. As indicated by the map facing this page, insurgent forces are active in and actually con- trol parts of the Burmese area located in the Golden Triangle as well as the Chin Special Division in western Burma.

The following summary lists the major insurgent groups, their location and political orientation:

Burma Communist Party-White Flag (BCP-WF)

Estimated to number between 4,000 and 6,000, the BCP-WF is located throughout the delta area and in lower Burma as well as in the northern Shan State along the Sino-Burmese border where its major forces are found.

The White Flags are essentially two separate groups--the original Burman insurgents in lower Burma and a primarily ethnic insurgency created and supported by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) along the border. The former group has been racked by internal purges and severe Government of Burma military pressure and in recent years has been limited to sporadic acts of terrorism and sabotage. In comparison, the White Flag insurgents along the Chinese border are very effective with large, well-armed forces. They have been increasingly aggressive during the past year and control large areas of the northern Shan state between the Salween River and the border. A clandestine radio station, the "Voice of the People of Burma" contributes propaganda support.

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