State Law and Order Restoration Council Secretary (1) Brig. General Khin Nyunt
met with local and foreign journalists at the No. (2) Guest House of the
Ministry of Defence at a special press conference at 9 am on 9 September 1989.
Clarification
At the press conference Brig. Gen Khin Nyunt clarified matters relating to
exposure and arrest of those who have links vfith the underground movement
of the Alliance for Democratic Solidarits Union of Burma led by Thanmarni Bo
Khin Maung; the exposure and arrest of those organizations launching above
and underground movements by making use of students; how some foreign
embassies based in the Myanmar Naing-Ngan; some foreign broadcasting station,
some journalists and some organizations are interfeering in the internal
affairs of the MyanmarNaing-Ngan and the acts of insurgents who are making
contacts with foreign organizadons and as well as of some individuals and
organizationg attempting to disintegrate the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces). He
called for concegted effort against tho danger that would befall the State
and called upon the entire people to participate in the multi party demacracy
general election so that it would be a success.
In his introductions State Law and Order Restoration Council Secretary (1)
Brig-Gen Khin Nyunt said:
Rightist elements
At the Special press conference on 5 August 1989, I presented to you
journalists the developments concerning the Burma Conununist Party's (BCP)
conspiracy to take over State power, or in other words, the infiltration of
the BCP into the various political partics in their attempt to take over
State power by creating unrest in the nation through their underground
movements. In fact, the insurgent ground in the border areas and those
abroad who for various reasons were oppoing the State seized the prevailing
incidents as opportunity and timing they could not doing; miss, and, using
the various word democracy lavishly, formed different kinds of
organizations. Using variuos methods, they instigated the student youths to
flee to the border areas. Using the youths who had arrived in the border
areas as an excuse, they got into the act of seeking funds from abroad. It
was found that in so doing, they worked in collusion and conspiracy with
their contacts within the country, some individuals from foreign embassies
and journalists abroad.
Fifty-two persons including U Ye Htoon, who were in charge of the underground
youth organization and who were trying to cause unrest-in the country were
interrogated land consequently documentary and other evidence seized
Some foreign embassies
What hat I am going to present to you today concerns Thanmani Bo Khin Maung
who, as all of you know spirited himself away in the "ashin-htwet" ruse, Dr
Ba Maw's son Zarli Maw, League for Democracy and Peace Patron U Nu's son
Maung Aung and their Alliance for Democratic Solidarity, Union of Burma, and
Zarli Maw's contact U Ye Htoon; and how they, with the help of a foreign
embassy—help meaning all sorts incluing money and all kinds of assistance how
they used financial influence in the sphere of students and political parties
and how they were engaged in underground activity.
In this connection, I will explain bow some foreign embassies, in
violation of heir diplomatic status, are interfering in our internal affairs,
with evidence.
The subject I am-presenting today is very important for Myanmar Naing-Ngan,
and it is time tor the people to be told. I am presenting the true situation
and factual developments. In so doing, I may have to name some individuals,
organizations and countries. I want to say that I have no animosity toward
any individual and I have no intention of adversely effecting any
Organization or country; the bare facts will be presented just as they are..
Opening scene
The episode opens like this. We received information that a person called U
Ye Htoon, resident at 5/A Po Sein Road, Bahann Township, had been in contact
with an organization called 'Da Nya Ta' (Alliance for Democratic Solidarity,
Union of Burma) led by Thanmani Bo Khin Maung and was aiding and abetting
that group's work from Yangon Since. information was also rceceived that he
had formed the underground youth organization called FFB (National Freedom
Fighters of- Burma) and was striving to cause unrest in the country under his
supervision, the National Intelligence Bureau called in and interrogated 52
persons including U Ye Htoon beginning 31 July 1989.
Documentary and other evidence have been seized, as displayed here. One Tin
Maung Htay, codenamed "Sweet", an underground member of Da Nya Ta' sent as a
courier by Bo Khin Maung and Zarli Maw was also arrested at U Ye Htoon's
residence.
Ye Htoon's background
U Ye Htoon alias Roland Chan Htoon, 52, is the son of former Chief Justice U
Chan Htoon. His wife Onmar Maw is Dr Ba Maw's daughter. U Ye Htoon is BA, BL
and held business repressentation for a total of sixty foreign firms. Called
the "Ye Htoon Group", with office set up at 49/51, 31St Street, Yangon, he
has business connections with the six foreign firms.
U Ye Htoon was under detention for the first time from November 1971 to
July 1972 for his connection withg the exoatriates and action was taken
against him the second time in January 1975 for his complicity in the U Thant
incident, when he was given a 10-year prison term. He was freed in July 1980
under the Governlnent's Amnesty Order No 2180, He was detained in June
l986 for involvement in illegal dollar transaction but was freed two weeks
later under a personal surety.
Connection with students during disturbances
U Ye Htoon came into contact with students such as Min Ko Naing, Aung Kyaw
Soe and Thurein through his son Okkar Maw Htoon August 1988.
Many students went in and out of U Ye Htoon's house, had food and lodging
there, and took part in the disturbances. Also in August 1988, his brother -
in - law Zarli Maw, who was a lawyer and resident in Thailand, came over to
Yangon, to study the prevailing situation and how to undertake underground
activities. He stayed at U Ye Htoon s house and Bo Yan Naing's house in turn.
While he was at U Ye Htoon's house, he met some students including Min Ko
Naing and Aung Kyaw Soe. He assured them that the students would be given
anpropriate help if they fled to Thailand. On return to Thailand, Zarli Maw
often called U Ye Htoon on the phone and asked when Min Ko Naing would be
coming over. Similarly, U Thant's son-in-law Dr. Tin Myint Oo often asked
when Min Ko Naing would be coming over. No definite answer, howevers was
available from Min Ko Naing. While it was thus going on, U Ye Htoon was able
to get into contact 'Ma Ka Da' (Students for Democratic Movement, Burma)
members Win Kywe, Htay Kywe, Hla Myo Naung and Kay Khine. As some of the 'Ma
Ka Da' students approached U Ye Htoon expressing desire to go to the Thai
border, he helped establish contacts with Zarli Maw. It is learnt that U Ye
Htoon helped arrange for the departure to Thaihnd of 'Ma Ka Da' members Hla
Myo Naung, Bo Bo and Pauk Pauk through a meeting with former expatriate Myint
Thein alias Pyay Thein and Kyaw Htoo who once served a prison term for high,
treason. U Ye Htoon gave K 7,000 to the Hla Myo Naung group and K 10,000 to
Myint Thein alias Pyay Thein and sent them off to Thailand.
Numerous patterns
Through his intimacy with 'Ma Ka Da'members he also mingled with Min Zeya. He
rendered assistance and advice to help the 'Ma Ka Da' activities. When the
Tatmadaw assumed all duties of State in September 1988- Min Zeya's 'Ma Ka Da'
group could no longer be active, so they formed a UG group which they called
BLA (Burma Liberation Army) and undertook secret activities. States and
Divisions were demarcated for the BLA, named 14 'divisional commanders' and
their activities were led by 'general' Min Zeya,'general' Win Moe and
'general' Lay Lwin. U Ye Htoon also manipulated that group, rendering them
financial assistance.
Student youths at that time formed various UG groups to oppose and fight the
Government. Like the BLA led by Min Zay Ya, there cropped up a group called
the BRF (Burrna Revolutionary Force) led by youths such as Ba Htoo Maung,
Myint Kyaw, Khaing Min, Ko Ko Thet, Kyaw Min and Win Min. This group was also
manipulated by U Ye Htoon through financial assistance. That group was the
one which actively planned to regroup students and stage demonstration, to
hold courses in small-anns training and hold the Government under coercion
by kidnapping diplomats and Offioials of UN agencies in Yangon. On
information, some leaders of the group were taken in from 18 November 1988
till 25 November 1988 and warned not to engage in acts of opposition and to
cease UG activities of the BRF.
Contact with embabsies, assistance obtained
On learning that an embassy (We have evidence but would not like to mention
it.) in Yangon was offering financial assistance to 'Ya Ka Tha' (Yangon
Tekkatho Kyaungthamyar Thamagga) when studentds were fleeing to the border,
engaging in secret activities after forming UGs in the cities and when sorne
were maintaining the tempo of thamaggas, U Ye Htoon approached that Embassy.
At that time a four-member group from that country was in Myanmar to observe
the situation and when U ye Htoon learned that one of the group was an old
intimate friend, he arranged to meet them. We have enough evidence. The next
day, U Ye Htoon arranged for the group which was on special mission to meet
Min Zeya, Win Moe, Moe Maung Maung and two other student members of 'Ma Ka
Da' . They conferred for about an hour.
Their discussions covered the events of the disturbances, how the 'Ma Ka Da'
was formed and how it might be for med large-scale in the various townships,
the advent of the 'Ma Ka Tha' / 'Ba Ka Tha' and the situation of students,
the 'Ma Ka Da' and its UG activities and how the 'Ma Ka Da' were going to the
Indian and Thai border areas and attending arms training and intelligence
training.
It was also discussed that the 'Ma Ka Tha' would exist both above-ground and
underground and continue its fight politically, that 'Ma Ka Da' was a UG
group, that financial assistance was required for these activities. The
foreigners said necessary financial assistance would be fortheoming, that
they would soon return to their homeland, and, instructing that they contact
the embassy, handed K 7,000 to Min Zeya to spend in the meantime. After that
U Ye Htoon and his group maintained permanent contact with he major embassy
in Myanmar and continually drew money from a diplomat of Second Secretary
rank at that embassy. lnitially, Min Zeya personally went to that embassy and
obtained money, about K 5,000 - K 10,000 time.
Money from embassy Their intention
Later, U Ye Htoon alone maintained direct contact with the embassy,
furnishing accounts to a Counsellor (Political) rank diplomat of the embassy
from whom he drew money in connection with the student organizations. From
November 1988 to June 1989, U Ye Htoon drew from the said embassy K 548,350.
What he actually disbursed to student organizations and some parties was K
405,215. The amount he discovered that he furnished forged accounts to the
embassy and pocketed K 143,135 for personal gain. The accounts that he kept
are furnished among the documentary evidence.
Minipuliation of 'Ma Ka Tha'
The BLA alluded to earlier was initially formed by Min Zeya's group. In
November 1988, he was given K 10,000 and sent to Thailand to meet Zarni Maw.
Similarly, Win Moe was also given K 10,000 and sent to the Indian boreler to
set up a new camp for the students. It is found that the financial assistance
given by the Embassy was utilised to manage student activities from behind.
Some male and female students were given financial asaistance and sent to the
Indian border. When Min Zeya was sent out for the second time at the end of
November 1988, we apprehonded him in Beik. When U Ye Htoon was detained and
intarrogated after initial reports, we obtained from him his promise that
they would not engage in UG activities, that they disavowed armed revolution,
and that they would, with true good will, carry out the students' affairs and
they would help maintain the students on the right path. He was released
after a short while.
In the sune manner, when promise was obtained from Min Zaya that 'Ma Ka Tha'
would be just an ordinary student thamagga, we coordinated and assisted them
in legitimate work. At that time, thore was 'Ma Ka Tha' and 'Ba Ka Tha'. We
don't see 'Ba Ka Tha' and 'Ma Ka Tha' separately. We wished a united student
organization would emerge to work for student affiairs and the affairs of the
State while we would help if it did not interfere with the implementation of
the Four Main Tasks the State Law and Order Restoration Council had
undertaken. With that coordination, we came to an understanding regarding
student activities.
We even allowed the use of office room for the 'Ma Ka Tha'. However, as you
jounalists know, the student Organizations did not function unitedly and
published different kinds of literature. Student meetings were held, but they
had divergent views, they went round various party offices and gave talking
opposition to the Tatmadaw and the SLORC Government, they held press
conferences and said what they liked as you journalists have seen and heard.
Even though we knew what they were doing, we did not tako Government, It was for action but simply warned them not to
engage in Government opposition activities.
Their intention
After U Ye Htoon and Min Zeya were released they formed the 'Ma Ka Tha Pha'
which would seek promotion of student affairs in the public view, and
although in the public view it was understood that the two would simply
pursue studtent affairs, the plan was to transform the 'Ma Ka Tha Pha' into
UG design at an opportune moment. Tnis arrangement was a secret shared only
by the 'Ma Ka Tha' leadership including U Ye Htoon and Min Zeya. The actual
plan was for armed youth organization at the Indian and Thai border area to
work in collusion with insurgents and open two fronts and oppose the
Government. It was for the 'Ma Ka Tha Pha' to cooperate with them internally
in a UG design and to oppose. Their plan was similar to that Burma Communist
Party which was clarified at the press conerene held on the 5th August. The
plans were made by U Ye Htoon in continual contact with his brotber-in- law
Zarli Maw and Maung Aung in Thailand. The correspondence between U Ye Htoon
and Zarli Maw are ovident. The computerised records of U Ye Htoon
substantiate the documentary evidence. How the records were meticulously
computerised will be demonstrated to you by responsible officials.
Connection with 'DaNya Ta'
U Ye Htoon and Zarli Maw have been in constant touch either by telephone or
by correspondence. The letters back and forth were hand carried as personal
mail by a coumsellor; a military attache and a second secratary from the
embassy which had been giving money to U Ye Htoon on their trips to and from
Bangkok. Not only letters but also news of Myanmar intenal devolopements were
conveyed thus to 'Da Nya Ta' Zarli Maw. Letters from Zarli Maw and literature
to be published by insurgents were brought and delivered to U Ye Htoon by
those diplotnats. It is found that when Thanmani Bo Khin Maung formed the
'Da Nya Ta' (Alliance for Democratic Solidarity, Union of Burma-ADSB) in
the Hpayathonzu on the Thai border in January 1989, Zarli Maw emerged as the
Vice Chairman. Accordng to the exchange of corresondence beween U Ye Htoon
and Zarli Maw, it was Zarli Maw's opinion that U Thant's son-in-law Tin Myint
Oo and Tin Maung Win intend to fight till power coulul be gained in Myanmar.
However Zarli Maw, unlike Tin Myint Oo and Tin Maung Win, claims to be not
interested in becoming a President or a Prime Minister, his desire is said to
be merely the removal of the military government. On the other hand, Tin
Myint Oo and Maung Aung are extremely ambitious in their desire for positions
and power," and that they tried to disrupt attempts by the Thai and Myanmmar
Red Cross Societies' arrangement to return stadents at the Thai border camps
to Myanmar and also tried to obtain financial assistance for stuslents from
foreign organizations. They also made plans to (disrupt elections by serding
in guerilla groups at polling time to attack the Government. It was also
found that they planned to coerce the Governent into allowing formation of an
interim government.
Moreover, U Ye Htoon had plans to manipulate Min Zeya and Zaw Myo Aung,
finance 'Ma Ka Tha Pha' and keep it legally active till 31 December 1989. We
have alloweel them to legally carry out their activities. Right after that,
all organized ' Ma Ka Tha Phas' would be transformed into UGs and combined
into action with 'Da Nya Ta' it is reported.
Assistance from the embassy
U Ye Htoon, on receipt of the Da Nya-Ta literature from Zarli Maw through the
Embassy, made copies and distributed them through student and youths. On the
other hand, making contact with Zarli Maw, he helped student and youths
contact Da-Nya-Ta' and sent them over, arrange small-arms and explosives
training. According to plans made by U Ye Htoon, Bo Khin Maung and Zarli Maw,
Myint Thein alias Pyay Thein sent by U Ye Htoon is giving demolition training
for youths with the helps of two foreign instructors at Japan Ye Tedwin Camp
near Hpayathonzu. It is known that two saboteurs toYangon three to Mandalay
have been sent from among these thus trained.
From among the group of three sent on July 12, one, Tin Maung Htwe, was
apprehended at Ye Htoon'8 residence. These are the UG groups of 'Da Nya Ta.'
It is lucky that we were able to uncover the demolition teams. Otherwise the
cities would be booming with explosions. Two student youth group led by Tun
Myint and Maung Maung Thein who are at the border area are now together with
Thanmani Bo Khin Maung's 'Da Nya Ta. ' When arrangernents were made to enable
the two groups to combine, coordination as made through Zarli Maw and Ye
Htoon, and they were accepted by 'Da Nya Ta' on Min Zeya's recommendation .
Money from the embassy
Tun Aung Gyaw (chairman of ABSDF) fled to the border area in early September
1988 with U Ye Htoon's help. He served a jail term for taking a leading role
in the U Thant incident and it was while serving time together that he won U
Ye Htoon's acquaintance. Later, when he was taking refuge with the KNU, he
became Chairman of the ABSDF. He maintains contact with U Ye Htoon. U Ye
Htoon has been giving Tun Aung Gyaw's wife a monthly allowance of K 1,000
which is provieled by the embassy. ABSDF Secretary Ko Ko Lay also maintains
contact with U Ye Htoon. The captured exchange correspondence is exhtbited
here as evidence Alhough Tun Aung Gyaw and Ko Ko Lay are in ABSDF and are
dependent on the KNU. It is known that the are in secret contact with Zarli
Maw, who is in Thailand. According to Zarli Maw's letters, he is making
secret contact and giving assistance. The point is, Tun Aung Gyaw and Ko Ko
Lay, without the KNU's knowledget are maintaining contact with Zarli Maw and
U Ye Htoon, and it is planned for Tun Aung Gyaw to join 'Da Nya Ta' if he
breaks with the KNU.
However, he may not do this if the KNU gets to know about it. Moreover it is
apparent that ABSDF and 'MaKaTha Pha' are maintaining contact tbrough U Ye
Htoon. It is found that all these contacts are being made possible with the
lavish financial and communication assistance provided by a major enbassy in
Yangon. It also known that - contact with Zarli Maw has been made possible
through use of the Diplomatic Pouch by courtesy of a senior diplomat of the
Embassy of a foreign power. Only authorized persons have access to the
Diplomatic Pouch. The said letters were sent through the Pouch.
Formation of NFFB
While various organizations such as UG front were in vogue in student
circles, a group called the National Freedom Fighters of Burma (NFFB) emerged
secretly around the third week of March 1988, with a view to grouping all
those scattered groups. Those who were mainly manipulating the NFFB were
Thura Soe alias Thein Aung and Aung Myo Thein (captured). U Ye Htoon is the
person who has been financing and supporting it. How important a role U Ye
Htoon played can be estimated. lt had been divided into fellowing groups.
- Combat group/ Operation group.
- Finance group.
- Intelligence group.
- Organization group.
In that organization, Tin Myint alias Mutu, Tin Myint (lawyer) is Chairman,
Thura Soe alias Than Aung is Vice Chairman, and General Secretary is Aung Myo
Shein, among a total of eight. In May their name was changed from FFB to NFFB
(National Freedom Fighters of Burma) and organized throughout townships. The
NFFB is controlled directly by Zarli Maw and Myint Thein alias Pyay Thein
through U Ye Htoon, and intelligence is carried out on Tamadaw positions and
activitias of parties in Yangon. NFFB's expenses are disbursed each month
through Ye Htoon.
Their objectives
The objectives of this orzaganization were togathers news within the country
and send it across to Bo Khin Maung, to send members to the border areas and
have them attend explosives trairing, to undertake work of setting off
explosions through,out the country on completion of the courses and thus
create pandemonium. In May 1988, Thura Soe alias Thein Aung made a trip back
to Yangon. He obtained K 76,000 from Bo Khin Maung to undertake UG
activities. He also got a camera with which he photographed prominent sites
in Yangon. While he was back, he sent to Zarli Maw one San Min of Mandalay
Zone 10. It is known that Thura Soe alias Thein Aung has returned to 'Da Nya
Ta' again. Nine youths were sent to Da Nya Ta' on 7 May 1989.
NFFB is divided into two zones, Zone 9 and Zone 10. Zone 9 is Yangon Zone and
is expanded townshipwise as far as Hmawbi, Bago and Pyay Zone l0 is Mandalay
Zone, with activities planned in Pinlebu, Homalin, Afohayin, Kawlin and
Wuntho townships. They are intended for formation of guerilla warfare
zonewise. For upper Myanmar, the 'Da Nya Ta' is to supply arms through the
KIA and to hold training courses within the KIA area. At present, the NFFB [
has been observed recruiting and gathering intelligence. Literature published
by the group and insignia are displayed.
Support for political parties
While U Ye Htoon has been supporting student group such as the ‘Ma Ka Tha
Pha’, he has also been manipulating from behind the scense Ugs such as the
NFFB. It is also found that be providing financial assistance, he has been
trying to influence political parties which were legally formed.
- (Anti-Communists, Anti-Socialists, Anti-Totalitarian Free Democracy League.
He worked for formation of this party from behind the scenses, manipulated it
and disbursed K 50,000 for party expenses. He arranged to have it recognize
him as Patron for life without putting it on record.. He wrote and published
the organizational setun and programme of the party. Later, when he could not
manipulte it as he liked, hr tried to replace the recalcitrants with his own
men, and when that faliled, he stoped financial sopport. Although he had
intended to strengthen the Anti-Communists, Anti-Socialist, Anti-Totalitarian
Free Democracy League with people from Graduates and Old Stuents Democratic
Party, the Chairman of the former, Yan Kyaw quit, thus leading to failure to
execute the original intention.
- Democratic university Graduates and Old Students Organization:
With a view to manipulating stutdent organizations, Chairman Yan Kyaw
(of this organization) was given money to hold ceremonies, to accept students
and hold meetings and Press conferences. Likewise, Vice-Chairman Mya
Aye was given money and asked to take up UG activities. Later, when Mya
Aye was arrested, Yan Kyaw was asked to continue to contact the various
'Fronts'. Specially, NFFB was known to organize and support the 'Ah Ka Tha' in
the Graduates office room. Moreover, it was also observed that the
literature to he distributed by 'Da Nya Ta' was distributed through Yan Kyaw
to students who carne to the Graduate office..
- Rule of People's Democracy League:
He manipulated the chairman lawyer Zaw Myo Win from behind the scene and
gathered intelligence regardling political parties and spread dissension
among the Party members. Lawyer Zaw Myo Win was paid by U Ye Htoon to carry
out his chores and lawyer Zaw Myo Win carried out all instructions given by U
Ye Htoon to the latter. Literature received from the 'Da Nga Ta' was also
distributed through lawyer Zaw Myo Win.
- Scheme to form study group for political, economic and military matters:
Arrangements were made for the formation of such groups according to
instruction from Zarli Maw. Regarding political matters former general
secretary Sithu of the “Leaguo for New Generation ( Union of Burma)” was
paid K 500 for writing a report. It is learnt that Sithu was made twics to
write such reports.
(Abbreviations -
Ah Ka Tha-(Basic Education Students thamagga)
Ma Ka Da-(Students fot Democratiz Movement, Butma)
Ma Ka Tha Hpa- (All Myanmar students thamaga reorganization committee)
Results not up to expectation expectation
U Ye Htoon began to realize that activitics of the 'Ma Ka Tha' students ware
not bringing ,the reults he, expected. And what is more, he did not see much
to be satisfied about concerning the parties which he had been funding and
giving assistance. In particular, Min Zeya was unable to get the support of
the majority of students as expected. This was especially so in Mandalay. The
majority of students at the Mandalay Conference did not support, Min Zeya.
Therefore he assigned Zaw Moe Aung to assume a leadership role in the 'Ma Ra
Tha'. Min Zeya on his part attempted to revived the 'Ma Ka Da' (Myanmar
Naing-Ngan Kyaungthammya Democracy Hlokshahau Asiayone. Eventually, Min Zeya
with drew from the 'Ma Ka Tha' and went back to his village for a rest. U Ye
Htoon asked for K 10,000 from a major embassy and gave it to Min ZeyK It was
found later that after returning from his village he withdrew from student
activities as such and attempted to enter the field of party politics and to
arrange for tho merging of activities of the 'Ma Ka Tha Pha' and the
political parties. Putting it shortty what was found was a definitive attempt
to construct a single monolithic force combining the students and the
political parties according to the wishes and aspirations of U Ye Htoon. We
have now obtained all the documents and evidence in connection with 52
persons.
Black-marketeering in dollars
U Ye Htoon has contacts with six fonign companies and is carrying on business
activities as a regional representative. The salaries which he received as
regional representative were paid through the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank where
the foreign money is changed legitimately into Myanmar Kyats. Howeverw in the
case of the commissions and bonuses and percentage received for successful
business deals, U Ye Htoon did not take payments in a legitimate way through
'the Myanma Forign Trade Bank’ instead he had such incomes deposited ;~ in
the Contral Pacific Bank with the help of one Mr Suneo Miyabgra who lives in
Hawaii. From 1984 to 1987 be received about 30,000 dollars illegaly and
deposited the amount with the Central Pacific Bank. U Ye Htoon sold these
dollars at black market rates to certain people who needed the money for
making transactions abroad for one eason or another. He accepted Myanmar
currency at black market rates and made arrangements for his dollars to be
drawn abroad.
(Abbreviation -
Ma Ka Tha = All Myanmar Students Thamaga)
The link between U Ye Htoon and Bertil Lintner
I have already related how Zarli Maw came to Myanmar Naing-Ngan between
27-7-88 and 3-9-88 to find out about prevailing conditions. Soon after Zarli
Maw left Bertil Lintner to telephoned U Ye Htoon's home and expressed his
desire to meet Min Ko Naing. After about two days, Bertil Lintner's wife
phoned U Ye Htoon at night and reiterated the wish to have contacts with Min
Ko Naing. Since Min Ko Naing was not available, she Ieft the pbone number and
address of Bertil Lintner and asked that contact be made if there is any
special news. In May 1989, Bertil Lintner came, to Myanmar Naing Ngan and
during that time he went and met U Ye Htoon when he is known to have told U
Ye Htoon that he was making, arrangements to publish a book about Myanmar Pyi
that it was expected to be out soon. Bertil Lintner further told U Ye Htoon
that he inttended to donate the proceeds from the book to the students of
Myanmar Pyi. It is knoun that U Ye Htoon and Bertil Lintner discussed the
internal affairs of Myanmar Naing-Ngan, matters concerning narcotic drugs and
matters concerning student activities.
It has been further learnt that Bertil Lintner has been able to write articles
about the Myanmar Naing-Ngan making use of information provided
by U Ye Htoon.
It is ovielont that the book 'Outrage' was written with the news given by U Ye
Htoon.
Computer records
It was found that U Ye Htoon used a computer for keeping records. He used a
programming technique which enabled him to keep secret the file directory
which indicated what kind of records were kept in a diskette. This was the
way in which U Ye Htoon kept secret computer records. It was founded that
secret computer records were hidden under the poems of PB Shelly and about 70
secret records were maitained by the use of an abbreviated and secret
programme. Some of the important items found among the 70 files kept as
secret records are;
a Letters written to Far Eastern Economic Review correspondent Bertil
Lintner in Bangkok. (b) Letters written to Zarli Maw his brother-in law and
son of Dr Ba Maw. (c) Letters to Dr. Tin Myint Oo of Bangkok who is U Thant’s
son-in-law (empyoed with ESCAP). (d) Accounts of the money drawn from a
foreign embassy as funds for student organizations. (e) The organizational
set-up and strength of the BLA ' Burma Liberation Army’ (f) List and
strength of the nurnber of students who would have the right to vote by the
time of election, broken down into individual constituencies. (g) The
organizational set-ups of political parties. (h) English translations of some
the pamphlets and maferials produced and distributed by student
organizations.
Since we were able to uncover the secret documents, we were able to expose the
whole Ring.
According to the computer records it was found that U Ye Htoon wrote to Zarli
Maw in Bangkok about the formation of UG organizations including students. It
was revealed that after the UG organiations had been systematically fotmed,
they intended to make armed attacks against the government beginning December
1989. The computer records also reveal that U Ye Htoon made arrangements for
Zarli Maw in Bangkok to make use of his contacts for procuring funds, medical
supplies and materials while making arrangements for military training to be
given along the Thai-Myanmar border. Another scheme was to make use of such
student leaders as Win Moe who were present in border camps along the Indian
border for organizing the students to mount attacks against the government
from two directions. Futhermore, it was learnt that the so-called OG,
overground legitimate student organizations were to be manipulated and when
the governrnent is confronted with difficulties, these OG organizations were
to be transformed into UG organization members to join in the attacks. The
records also revealed that at the same time, attempts were made to bave tho
'Anti-communist, Anti-socialist, Anti-totalitarian Free Democracy League'
legally registered with the Election Commission so as to enable it to become
involved in party politics. It is also learnt that U Ye Htoon contacted
through Zarli Maw and Tin Myint Oo, foreigners, overseas Myanmars and foreign
orgmizations to procure funds for the student organizations which he was
controlling. The records reveal rumours and fabricated news concerning
Myanmar Naing Ngan being sent to some foreign journalists including Bertil
Lintner. It was also learnt that the rumours and fabrications whlich appeared
during the disturbances were sent to Bangkok. An interesting item among these
fabrications is the report alleging that the government of Myanmar Naing-Ngan
received about 200 million dollars (US) annually from opium trafficker Hkun
Hsa. Hkun Hsa was alleged to have given this money to the government of the
State Law and Order Restoration Council on the understanding that the opium
plantations be left undestroyed. In this case, calculations which appeared in
the fabricated report were made by a high official of a certain foreign
embassy. This little touch seems like a special effect which we see in
foreign movies, added to provide dramatic effect. It was also learnt that U
Ye Htoon carried out extensive correspondence with Bertil Lintner and
exehanged news and information.
Keeps his own children out of trouble
U Ye Htoon funded aided, abetted and encouraged young studonts to undertake
aboveground and under ground activities and it was also found that he
assisted young peoploe to make contact with insurgent organizations. It was
also found that he also gave monetary assistance to young people who
absconded to the border areas during the disturbancec. But it was also found
that when it came to his own son and daughter U Ye Htoon did every thing
possible to keep them out of trouble.
U Ye Htoon made arrangements for his son Okkar Maw Htoon to go abroad to work
via Bangkok in November 1988. At first, arrangements were made for his son to
work in Canada but when this did not materialize efforts were made, to find
work for him In Egypt. Finally, in March 1989, Okkar Maw Htoon arrived in
Israel and is now learning electronics at a company in Lod.
While his son was in Bangkok a month U Ye Htoon was very afraid that his son
would meet Myanmar student organizations which were in Thailand; he was so
anxious that he wrote to Zarli Maw many times to get his son Okkar Maw Htoon
out of Bangkok as quickly as possible. In the case of his daughter Yuzar Maw
Htoon, who is one of the members of the finance committee of the 'Ma Ka Tha
HPha' U Ye Htoon took great care that she was always kept out of trouble in
his own office room whenever there were student activities in Yangon. We
reveal this so that other parents will understand and realize the callous
disregard which U Ye Htoon has demonstrated towards the sons and daughters of
other poople.
The need for law and order nd self-reliance
What I am presenting here are nothing more than actual findings backed up by
firm and undeniable evidence exposed nd discovered through meticulous and
careful investigative operation. This being so, I call upon the prominent
journalists have to place yourselves in the position of the parents of the
students and immagine how you will feel. What is the situration of today’s
youth? Youth are naturally active, they cherish truth, they are highly
motivated, they are willing to make sacrifices...but not everybody knows
positively the real conditions the which are prevailing in the country.
People are believing in rumours and fabrications and furthermore they are
unable to realize objectively, the true conditions of the country due to the
instigations caused by evil influences. It is time that students ponder over,
understand and appreciate what is to be done for tho welfare and benefit of
the nation and the people and also undterstand their own the objectives and
aspirations regarding the activities of numerous organizations bearing
various kinds of names. I wish to underscore the fact that it is time to be
able to think so as not to be victimized by destnuctive elements and to avoid
becoming tainted and contaminated. It is impossible to achieve genuine
democracy without maintenance of law and order and prevalence of peace and
tranquillity. Any body who breaks the law will have action taken against him
or her in accordance with the law, That is why youths and students who are
the leaders of tomorrow should strive to avoid the wrong kind of company,
avoid tbe tendency to pine for the aunt over the shoulders of the mother and
nurture a heightened sense of patriotism in accordance with the motto of the
nation's strength being within the nation.
I wish to present through the prominent journalists a call to all the young
people of today ... let us rely upon our own inner strength and proceed to
build the nation.
to be continued