87-04 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY--April 1987) Vol. I, No. 1, April, 1987. Table of Contents Diplomatic -- p. 1 Foreign Relations -- p. 1 German Aid . . . . . . . . 1 Chinese Petroleum Visitor. 1 French Circus Troupe . . . 2 P.M. Visits Thailand . . . 2 W. German Rail Project . . 2 Burma Trade Delegation . . 2 Burma Info. Delegation . . 2 ADB Delegation . . . . . . 2 Korean Soccer Team . . . . 2 WFTU Representative . . . 2 Burma Gazette -- p. 3 Government -- p. 3 Ne Win Abroad . . . . . . 3 Sein Lwin Visit . . . . . 3 San Yu on Pyithu Hluttaw . 3 Aye Ko on Pyithu Hluttaw . 4 Maung Maung Kha Reports. . 5 Military -- p. 6 Pilots Graduate . . . . . 6 Opium Poppy Eradicated . . 6 Insurgents Surrender . . . 6 Cadets Graduate . . . . . 6 BCP & KIA Insurgents Lose. 6 Economic -- p. 7 Livestock Statistics . . . 7 Rail-Truck Service . . . . 7 GDP Rises . . . . . . . . 7 Jute Prices Increased . . 7 Agricultural Statistics . 7 Livestock Statistics . . . 7 Irrigation Projects . . . 7 Cultural -- p. 8 Sarpay Beikman Prize . . . 8 Literacy in Shan State . . 8 Illiteracy Irradicated . . 8 Burma Red Cross . . . . . 8 Thingyan . . . . . . . . . 8 Miscellaneous -- p. 8 Golfers Victorious . . . . 8 Gambler Arrested . . . . . 8 Report on Sale . . . . . . 9 Hole-in-One . . . . . . . 9 Riverboat Burns . . . . . 9 Flash Floods . . . . . . . 9 Marathoners Sweep Meet . . 9 U San Lin Dies . . . . . . 9 --------- NOTE: Items have been selected in accord with their probable interest to people outside Burma. So far as possible all statistical material has been included, as has other information likely to be useful, but summaries are not necessarily complete. Local and routine meetings have been omitted. Language is generally paraphrased in the interests of brevity. --------- DIPLOMATIC April 7: Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohtaka presented credentials to President U San Yu. (WPD 4/8) April 8: South Korean Ambassador Byong Hyun Kwon presented credentials. (WPD 4/9) April 20: U Khin Maung Phyu, Burmese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, was also accredited to the Republic of Maldives. (WPD 4/20) FOREIGN RELATIONS German Aid Mar. 31: West German Ambassador Dr. Walther Freiherr Von Marschall signed a 1986/87 Financial Cooperation Agreement with Deputy Minister for Planning & Finance U Nyunt Maung. It provides for a Capital Assistance loan of DM 35 million (Ky 129 million) and a financial grant of DM 2.3 million (Ky 8.5 million). The loan will finance ongoing projects in energy and industry, locomotive spare parts, and a supplementary contribution for a cooperative oil mill. The grant will finance public health education under the Rural Water Supply Project. (WPD 4/1) Chinese Petroleum Visitor April 1: Chinese Minister for Petroleum Wang Tao and an eight-man delegation arrived to study the Burmese oil in-dustry. (WPD 4/2) - April 2: Met with Prime Minister and Cabinet Officers. (WPD 4/3) - April 8: Departed. (WPD 4/9) French Circus Troupe April 2: French circus and gymnastic troupe led by M. Dominique Toutlemonde, currently performing in Rangoon, was received by Minister for Culture and Information U Aung Kyaw Myint. (WPD 4/3) - April 5: Minister hosted a luncheon for the troupe. (WPD 4/6) P.M. Visits Thailand April 9: Prime Minister U Maung Maung Kha left on a goodwill visit to Thailand at invitation of Prime Minister General Prem Tinsulanonda, accompanied by Foreign Minister U Ye Goung, Industry (No. 1) Minister U Tint Swe, Major General Chit Swe, and others; met by General Prem in Bangkok; called on King of Thailand. Text of speeches by Prem and Maung Maung Kha given. Prem noted the March 1986 visit to Burma of Princess Maha Chakri; his own visit in 1980; "inextricably intertwined" security of two countries; Thailand's readiness "to be supportive" and "promote in any way we can" good relations and Burmese development; instability resulting from continued Vietnamese occupation of Kampuchea and ASEAN's support of a political settlement. Maung Maung Kha stressed growing Burma-Thai friendship and cooperation, and need for mutual economic consultation and assistance. WPD editorial said that "On the path between the homes of friends...grass does not grow," and hailed visit. (WPD 4/10) - April 10: Laid wreath at Victory Monument in Bangkok, and was given dinner by Princess Maha Chakri. (WPD 4/11) - April 11: Departed for Singapore, seen off by Prime Minister Prem. (WPD 4/12) - April 14: Returned to Rangoon (WPD 4/15) West German Rail Project April 11: West Germany formally handed over the Railway Technical Training Centre (Ywataung) to the Burma Railways Corporation. (WPD 4/12) Burma Trade Delegation April 17: Burmese trade delegation headed by Minister for Trade U Khin Maung Gyi returned from China after a visit that began April 3. Talks were held in Beijing with Vice Premier Wan Li and Minister for External Economic Relations Zheng Tuobin. An agreement to sell 100,000 tons of rice to China was signed. The delegation visited Kunming and the Quang Zhou spring trade fair. (WPD 4/19) Burma Information Delegation April 18: Director-General of Information and Broadcasting U Kyaw Min and Director (Administration) of Information and Broadcasting U Win Swe departed for Britain to study mass communication activities. (WPD 4/19) ADB Delegation April 19: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Planning and Finance Thura U Tun Tin departed for an Asian Development Bank meeting in Osaka, Japan; he will also meet with Japanese officials and visit Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore for economic discussions. (WPD 4/20) Korean Soccer Team April 27: A South Korean football (soccer) youth team arrived. (WPD 4/28) - April 28: Was defeated 3-0 by Burma Football Federation Youth selection. (WPD 4/29) WFTU Representative April 29: Alexei Davydov, head of the Asian Regional Department of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), met with leaders of the Workers' and Peasants' Asiayones in Rangoon. (WPD 4/30) BURMA GAZETTE April 11: Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt, Professor of History at Mandalay University, named Director-General, Department of Archaeology, on probation. The following appointments were confirmed after one year probation: Col. Soe Lwin (BC/6159) as Managing Director, Foodstuff Industries Corporation; U Saw Myint as Managing Director, General Industries Corporation; U Kyaw Myint as Director-General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education; Dr. Khin Maung Kywe as Chairman, Burma Educational Research Bureau; Dr. Chit Swe as Rector, University of Rangoon. (WPD 4/11) April 25: Appointments made, on probation: Col. Hlaing Win (BC/8861), former Tactical Operation Comander, Northwest Command, to be Managing Director, Myanma Gems Corporation. Col. Zaw Min (BC/8581), formerly No. 773 Tactical Operation Commander, No. 77 Light Infantry Division, to be Director-General, Fire Services Department, Ministry of Home and Religious Affairs. Confirmed after one year probation is Col. Than Oo (BC/7866) as Judge Advocate General. (WPD 4/25) GOVERNMENT Ne Win Abroad April 4: BSPP Chairman U Ne Win left on a foreign tour, accompanied by his wife Daw Ni Ni Myint, Defense Minister U Kyaw Htin, and Industry (2) Minister U Maung Cho. He was seen off at the airport by President U San Yu, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and United States Charge d'Affaires William E. Spruce. [Note: Diplomats at the sendoff, except for the Dean, are usually those from the countries to be visited.] (WPD 4/4) Sein Lwin Visit April 8: BSPP Joint General Secretary U Sein Lwin gave guidance to Mon State officials in Mudon and Chaungzon stressing need for increased paddy production. (WPD 4/9) San Yu on Pyithu Hluttaw April 23: President and BSPP Vice President U San Yu reported back to his Bahan Township constituents on the Third (Oct. 13-16) and Fourth (Mar. 9-13) sessions of the Fourth Pyithu Hluttaw. The Third Session passed a new Gambling Bill, replacing the 1899 Gambling law, which had no penal sanctions, was written in English, and did not apply to Kayah State and parts of Kachin and Shan States. It amended the Political Pension Law to provide that Pyithu Hluttaw members and others who fail to perform their duties satisfactorily will not be treated in the same fashion as those who do perform satisfactorily. The Fourth Session revised the 1947 law prohibiting the transfer of immovable property to foreigners, because it did not prevent foreigers from transferring property held before 1947 to Burmese citizens and "thus did not say how the houses, land and other immovable property of those who had left the country for good should be managed." Also approved by the Fourth session were the 1987 Bill on Targets of Production and Services of the Economic Plan and the 1987 State Budget Bill. President San Yu reviewed the economic scene as follows: Agriculture. 1986-87 target Ky 6,047 million; provisional actual output Ky 5,866 million or 97%, with 2.5% increase over previous year. State spent Ky 360 million in fertilizer subsidies, Ky 330 million for agricultural research and education, Ky 560 million for dams and flood control, and Ky 76 million in subsidizing mechanized plowing. Livestock and Fisheries. Target Ky l,488 million, achieved Ky 1,412 million or 94.4%, with increase of 4.2%. Forestry. Target Ky 462 million, achieved Ky 440 million or 95.3%, with increase of 5.6%. Mining. Target Ky 361 million, achieved 3l5 million or 87.2%, with increase of 18.9%. Industry. Target Ky 2,547 million, achieved Ky 2,243 million or 91.3%, with increase of 6.9%. State sector was 38.9%, Cooperative sector 6.7% and private sector 54.3%. The state subsidizes urea (fertilizer) at Ky 69.80 per 50-kilo bag of imported urea and Ky 15.50 per 25-kilo bag of domestic urea. Petroleum prices, and air, rail, and water fares, have not been increased despite higher costs. Exports. In l969-70 constant prices, exports increased from Ky 807 million in 1985-86 to Ky 1,037 million in 1986-87, or 28.6%. Rice exports increased from 520,000 to 750,000 metric tons; pulses from 89,000 to 110,000 metric tons; lead concentrates from 1,800 to 7,500 metric tons. But in five years rice prices have fallen from $321 to $142 per ton; pulses from $396 to $300; and lead concentrates from $720 to $431. Thus export income failed to meet targets, and with import prices rising Burma has suffered deficits. Nevertheless, Burma has repaid external debts in timely fashion. The Fourth Session of the Pyithu Hluttaw approved the Maritime Boundary Delimitation Agreement with India. It ordered prompter payment of pension benefits to civil servants retiring at 60 years. It ordered local people's councils to prohibit "decadent dancing" in public places because "foreign video tapes and decadent dancing are contrary to the cultural policies of the State." Rural water supplies: 332 tube wells were sunk in 1986-87, for a new total of 10,312 tube wells supplying 7 million people in 8,803 villages. In response a question, BSPP General Secretary U Aye Ko (speaking for President San Yu) assured that rice distribution systems were being improved. To a question asking how children living in Rangoon's unauthorized "squatter wards" could obtain citizenship papers (as required at age 10 by the 1982 Citizenship Law), U Aye Ko said they should move to an approved place. (WPD 4/24) Aye Ko on Pyithu Hluttaw April 25: BSPP General Secretary U Aye Ko reported back to his consituency on the Third and Fourth Pyithu Hluttaw sessions. In addition to points and statistics covered by President U San Yu (above) he noted the following: The strengthened Gambling Law broadens definitions to include skill and luck, allows all Council chairmen and secretaries to make arrests, and extends arrest warrents from 7 to 14 days. Informers get a minimum of Ky 500, and punishment is extended. The Immovable Property Law requires foreigners to register property, prohibits transfer of it, and provides that when a foreigner dies or leaves the country the government may "scrutinize his immovable properties, permit inheritance and confiscate immovable properties in accordance with the law." Diplomatic missions and UN organizations may be exempted, and "companies formed for mutual benefit" [i.e., joint ventures] are not subject to the law. Economic Targets for 1986-87 provide for a 5% increase in GDP, 5.4% in agriculture, 5.8% in livestock and fisheries, 5% in forestry, 0.8% in mining, and 11% in industry. Exports are targeted at Ky 3,322 million. Per capita net output to increase by 2.9%, income by 2.3%, and consumption by 1.6%. Investment in the public-owned sector is set at Ky 7,485 million, of which Ky 1,966 million in industry, Ky 1,315 million in transport and communications, Ky 1,006 million in electric power, and Ky 858 million in agriculture. Total foreign exchange receipts for 1987-88 are budgeted at Ky 7,522 million and foreign exchange expenditures at 7,566 million, for a deficit of Ky 44 million. With exports at Ky 3,322 million, imports will be Ky 4,843 million, of which Ky 3,481 million will be financed by foreign aid and Ky 1,362 million from State-owned foreign exchange. Foreign visits included goodwill visits to Burma from the President of Malta, parliamentary delegations from Britain and West Germany, and a U.S. Senate delegation. President U San Yu visited Bangladesh. The 24th Gems Emporium realized Ky 45.16 million in gems, jade, pearls and jewellery. In education, new basic education curricula were introduced, and 280 primary and 95 middle and highschools opened. Educational expenses were Ky 1,162 million, up Ky 105 million [but cf. Maung Maung Kha, below]. A planetarium was constructed [see photo, WPD 4/28]. In health, 15 hospitals, 105 rural health centers, 12 maternity and child health centers, and 4 secondary health centers were opened. 8 school health teams were formed. 187 doctors and 1,099 nurses and other health personnel were appointed. Expenditures on health were Ky 616 million in 1986-87. (WPD 4/26) Maung Maung Kha Reports April 27: Prime Minister Maung Maung Kha reported back to his constituents on the world of the Third and Fourth Sessions of the Fourth Pyithu Hluttaw. In addition to statistics, etc., cited by President U San Yu and General Secretary U Aye Ko he noted the following: GDP includes 53.1% in production sector, 26.5% in services sector, and 20.4% in trade sector. The international economic crisis continues. So far Burma has been able to repay foreign debts; if conditions worsen, and Burma's export earnings decline further, "an alternative plan has been drafted ... to ensure that the food, clothing and shelter needs of the working people are fulfilled...." The budget has been revised; regular Ministerial operating surplus has been revised downward from Ky 70 to Ky 30 million; while planned borrowing by State economic organizations has been increased from Ky 3,257 to Ky 3,876 million, and by Development Committees and Organizations from Ky 21 to Ky 58 millions, because of reduced export earnings. However, expenditure in the education, health, and social sectors has been increasing 12.4% annually from Ky 808 million in 1976-77 to Ky 2,606 million in l986-87. In 1987-88 Budget, Ministerial and Departmental receipts are Ky 7,400 million and expenditures Ky 6,323 million (Ky 1,077 million surplus). Capital receipts are Ky 240 million and expenditures Ky 2,258 million (Ky 2,018 million deficit). Financial receipts Ky 1,550 million and expenditures Ky 505 million (Ky 1,045 million surplus). This leaves total surplus of Ky 105 million, but with Ky 100 million earmarked for a reserve fund the surplus is Ky 5 million for Ministerial and Departmental Operations. For State Economic Organizations, current account receipts are Ky 27,085 million and expenditures Ky 26,530 million (Ky 555 million surplus). The capital account has a deficit of Ky 4,958 million and the financial account a surplus of Ky 538 million, leaving a deficit of Ky 3,865 million to be borrowed from the bank. For Developmental Committees and Organizations, receipts are Ky 271 million and expenditures Ky 225 million (surplus of Ky 46 million). The financial account has Ky 63 million receipts and Ky 7 million expenditures (surplus of Ky 56 million). The capital account has expenditures of Ky 119 million, so that Ky 17 million must be borrowed from the bank. Rice paddy production was estimated at 729 million baskets for l986-87, with a purchase target of 337 million baskets (200 million by the state and 137 million by cooperative societies). In education, 46,000 teachers were appointed in 1986-87. State expenditures on education were Ky 1,267 in l986-87, or more than the budgetted figure of Ky 1,162 million [cited by Aye Ko]. (WPD 4/28) MILITARY Pilots Graduate April 4: Twelve pilots received wings after graduating from the Defence Services (Air) pilot training course No. 48 at Meiktila. (WPD 4/4) Opium Poppy Eradicated April 5: During the 1986-87 poppy growing season, 22,630 acres of opium poppy were destroyed by aerial spraying under Operation Taung Yan Shin, and 17,595 acres were destroyed under Operation Nga Ye Pan Phase 7, for a total of 40,225 acres. (Editorial, WPD 4/5) Insurgents Surrender April 8: 27 insurgents from various groups gave themselves up between March 1- 11 (WPD 4/9) - April 9: 23 between March 12-17 (WPD 4/10) - April 10: 26 between March 18-23 (WPD 4/11) - April 11: 14 between March 24-30 (WPD 4/12) [articles give names and details]. Cadets Graduate April 10: 28th Class of the Defence Services Academy at Maymyo graduated, presided by Chief of Staff General Saw Maung. He gave as their mission to "fulfil the economic and social needs of the local indigenous people," to safeguard the socialist system; to observe discipline; to promote economic development; and to "annihilate the insurgent destructive elements." (WPD 4/11) BCP and KIA Insurgents Lose April 28: The Burma Army in December 1986-January 1987 attacked Burma Communist Party and Kachin Independence Army insurgents in the Hsihsiwantapang area and the Kyuhkok (Pansai), Manhio, Kunhai, Namhkek and Sarmadaban areas of Muse and Namhkam Townships. As of April 22, 1,045 insurgents had surrendered, including a deputy batallion commander, company and platoon commanders, etc. (WPD 4/29) ECONOMIC Livestock Statistics April 1: Net output for 1986-87 in the Livestock and Fishery sector (provisional figures) was Ky 1,412.9 million compared with the planned Ky 1,488.7 million, or 94.6%. Growth rate was 4.2% over last year. Meat production was 126.2 million vis in 1986-87, or 3.33 vis per capita. [Note: this assumes a population of 37.9 million.] (WPD Editorial, 4/1) Rail-Truck Service April 1: Rail-truck service opened on the Thazi-Myingyan line "for the convenience of the travelling public." One rail-truck in each direction per day, making all rail stops and charging the same fares as trains. (WPD 4/1) GDP Rises April 4: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 3.7% in 1986-87, or more than population growth of 2%. Target for growth during Fifth Four-Year Plan is 4.5%; target has been set for 5% increase in GDP for 1987-88. (Editorial, WPD 4/4) Jute Prices Increased April 11: Jute Industries Corporation will buy special, first, and second grade jute at considerably higher prices starting with the 1987-88 season, and is relaxing some specifications. (Editorial, WPD 4/11) Agricultural Statistics April 12: Burma's population of 39 million is expected to grow to 50 million by 2000. GDP increased 3.7% this last year. Agricultural area sown is 20.5 million acres, and there are 25.2 million acres that could be cultivated. (Editorial, WPD 4/12) Livestock Statistics April 13: Burmese livestock include (1986): Cattle 9,7l8,000; Buffalo 2,143,000; Pigs 2,955,000; Sheep/goats 1,527,000. Cases of Hoof and Mouth Disease: 20,597 (1982); 43,769 (1983); 34,370 (1984); 33,046 (1985). (Article, WPD 4/13) Irrigation Projects April 17: Status of irrigation projects announced: Sedawgyi Dam begun 1976-77 with ADB loan, 99% completed by 1986-87, will irrigate 110,000 acres. Ngalaikchaung Dam begun 1979-80 with ADB loan and completed in 1986-87, will irrigate 20,200 acres of land and 30,600 acres of cropland [sic]. Shwelay Irrigation project begun 1981-82 with State funds and completed in 1986-87, 5,000 acres will be irrigated. Rakhine State Flood Prevention Project (2) implemented in 1978-79 with State funds and completed in 1986-87, will protect 22,793 acres. Pyingyikyun Embankment Project implemented in 1978-79 with State funds and completed in 1986-87, will protect 4,500 acres. Chaung-U Township flood prevention project implemented in 1980-81 with State funds and completed in 1986-87, will protect 10,000 acres from Chindwin River. Lower Burma Paddy Cultivation Development Project (2) implemented in 1979-80 with an IDA loan and in 1986-87 90% of the earthwork, 74% of the drainage canal, and 92% of the "building for expelling water" was completed, will eventually protect 175,000 acres from floods. Kinda Dam Multipurpose Project was implemented in 1979-80 and by 1986-87 the main dam and minor dams were completed, as was 50% of the irrigation works; when completed it will irrigate 201,500 acres of land and 322,400 acres of cropland, and generate l65 million kilowatt hours of electricity. South Nawin Dam Project was implemented in 1985-86 with funds from the Japanese Overseas Economic Co-Operation Fund and by 1986-87 the access roads, center building, earth dam fill, water control and diversion jobs, and irrigation canals were completed; will eventually irrigate 62,500 acres of land and 94,900 acres of cropland. Project (1) for distribution of water by waterpumps was implemented in 1981-82 with funds from ADB and the EEC, and by 1986-87 97% of the canal earthworks, 51% of the canal edifice construction, 84% of the canal network earthwork, and 54% of the dam construction work were completed; will eventually irrigate 23,800 acres of land and 43,930 acres of cropland. Project (1) relating to small ponds irrigation implemented in 1982-83 with IDA funds and by 1986-87 83% of the Kinmum Taung Dam (Magwe Division) construction, and 26% of the Azinn Dam (Mon State) were completed; will eventually irrigate 7,850 acres of land and 12,350 acres of cropland. Groundwater Irrigation Project (1) was implemented in 1983-84 with IDA funds and to date 73% of tube well construction, 52% of water distribution work, 38% of electrical transmission line installation, and 45% of total work is completed; will eventually irrigate 20,000 acres. (WPD 4/19) CULTURAL Sarpay Beikman Prize April 1: 166 manuscripts (59 of them translations) have been submitted for the 1986 Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award. (WPD 4/2) Literacy in Shan State April 1: In Shan State, literacy work launched in Tachilek Township (WPD 4/3), and Langhko Township (WPD 4/7) - April 3: in Mongnai Township (WPD 4/8) - April 4: in Namhkam Township (WPD 4/7), Hsenwi Township (WPD 4/8), and Kengtung Township (WPD 4/9) - April 5: in Hopang Township (WPD 4/12) - April 7: in Namtu Township (WPD 4/16) - April 8: in Pekhon Township (WPD 4/13) - April 9: in Pinlaung Township (WPD 4/14), and Hsipaw Township (WPD 4/19) Illiteracy Eradicated April 8: Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division, celebrated total (95.08%) literacy (WPD 4/10) Burma Red Cross April 2: 27th Central Council meeting of the Burma Red Cross Society held, presided by President U Kyi and Asst. Sec'y Kyaw Soe. A progress report on the Burma-Sweden Supplementary Extension Project was read. (WPD 4/3) Thingyan April 14-16: Thingyan (Burmese New Year) festival was celebrated with traditional water throwing and dances, and the traditional appeals for moderation, water conservation, and good order. (WPD 4/14,15,16) Year 1349 B.E. began April 17. MISCELLANEOUS Golfers Victorious April 1: Burmese golfers Myint Thaung and Zaw Moe took most prizes, against 144 golfers, at the Mar. 26-29 Malaysian Amateur Open in Kuala Lumpur. They won the team competion, were 1st and 2nd in the scratch competiton and 2nd & 3rd in handicap play. Myint Thaung had best score on opening day and first prize for best two-day total score. (WPD 4/2) Gambler Arrested April 6: Daw Hla Tin (54) arrested as Che-hti gambler in Rangoon; seized were three books of che-hti tables, 2 707-brand che-hti books, 25 voucher books, and Ky 70 in stakes. (WPD 4/7) Report on Sale April 8: The annual Report to the Pyithu Hluttaw for 1987-88 (Burmese language version) went on sale at the Sarpay Beikman Book Shop on Merchant Street, Rangoon. [Note: this is the principal official compilation of Burmese statistics -- an English edition will appear later.] (WPD 4/9) Hole-in-One April 9: Dr. Ba Than Haq [Professor of Geology at Rangoon University] hit a hole in one on the Burma Golf Course 17th hole, with a 6-iron and a Top-Flite XL ball. (WPD 4/20) Riverboat Burns April 11: A double decker riverboat, Saw Thu Zar, caught fire near Moulmein, while it was being searched for contraband. Six people died and 46 were taken to hospital. (WPD 4/13) Flash Floods April 11: Flash floods on the Manchaung River in Magwe Division imperilled 11,000 pilgrims to the Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival; 700 shops, 97 huts, and 19 motor vehicles were inundated; 2 people were drowned. (WPD 4/20) Marathoners Sweep Meet April 19: Burmese runners made a clean sweep of the 1987 International Invitational Marathon in Kuala Lumpur, winning first, second, and third places in both the men's and women's events. (WPD 4/21) - April 22: Returned to Rangoon, after defeating 2,500 athletes from 10 countries. (WPD 4/23) U San Lin Dies April 22: U San Lin, retired General Manager of the Union Bank of Burma, and former International Monetary Fund official, died in Rangoon at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife Daw Soe Soe (Sally) and several children and grandchildren. (WPD 4/23) +++++++ Vol. I, No. 1, April, 1987. Compiled monthly for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall, 32 Elm Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Subscription $25.00 per year, or $2.50 per issue, post paid in the U.S. Burma Press Summary 1, Apr. 1987