The generals' enemy number one

Reporter: Hawkeye

Rangoon has for the first time semi-publicly named the United States as its main adversary, according to sources in Tachilek.

The stance, long speculated, was disclosed at a meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), the military's mass organization, on 29 June by visiting Deputy Home Minister Brig-Gen Hpone Swe. It was attended by some 60 local officials and USDA members.

"All of our troubles have been brought about by the Americans and their minions," he declared.

He instructed the attendants to be the eyes and ears of the government henceforth. "Watch out for foreign tourists especially those with US passports," he said. "Watch out for the others coming from across the border, because we know the destructionsts have their base in Thailand."

Officials who allow ala 7 May bombblasts and such to take place through negligence could expect well-deserved punishments from the government, he warned.

The United States, through its former ambassador for Thailand Darryl Johnson, has already dismissed any plans for military intervention in Burma, according to Irrawaddy, 27 October 2003.

Rangoon nevertheless is moving ahead with its planned relocation of its command center to Pyinmana in central Burma to be better prepared against potential invasions, according to foreign-based Burma media.