President Mahn Win Maung

HRH Prince Philip's Visit to Rangoon in 1959

This video documents the visit of Britain's Prince Philip to Rangoon over Chinese New Year in 1959. The visit took place under General Ne Win's "Caretaker Government” and Prince Philip is seen being warmly welcomed by General Ne Win upon landing at the airport. The footage of the prince attending a garden party at Government House (beginning at 1:07) offers a glimpse of the now demolished President’s House, a grand old building that was built in 1895 and that became...

Landmark Visit to Burma of David Ben-Gurion, Founder and First Prime Minister of Israel

On 5 December 1961, the founder and first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion made a landmark visit to Burma. Few remember that Burma in the 1950s and early 60s had particularly close relations - including military relations - with Israel. Both countries had achieved independence from the British Empire at the same time, both found themselves immediately at war, and both were governed (initially) by elected socialist governments. Indeed, Burma was the first country in Asia to recognize the...

The Day Democracy Died in Burma

On 2 March 1962 beginning at 2 am units of the Burma Army seized control of the Secretariat, the Windermere Estate, the guest house at Halpin Road, and other important government sites. President Mahn Win Maung, Prime Minister U Nu, all members of the cabinet and many other senior political figures including leading Shan saophas were arrested over the course of the day. Sao Myee Myee, the 17-year-old son of the first President Sao Shwe Thaik was killed before dawn...