What happens
This program traces the rise of the Burma Patriotic Front and the nationalist movement in Burma from the early twentieth century through World War II. It follows the Dobama Society, the shifting alliances with Japan and Britain, and the leaders Aung San, Thakin Soe, and Ba Maw. Discussion covers the British head man system of local government, the Atlantic Charter's application to Burma, and Japan's broken promises of independence. The program then examines Britain's Blue Print for Burma, including its proposals on industry, agriculture, and dominion status, and the criticism it drew from Burmese and Indian voices. The Pacific Story series was presented by the National Broadcasting Company as part of its United Nations series. The episode is narrated by Gaine Whitman.
Burma during the early twentieth century through World War II, including Rangoon and the Japanese occupation.
Characters: Aung San, Thakin Soe, Ba Maw, Colonel Naewyn, Thakin Than Tun, Sokin's soul
Listen for: Aung San's switch from the Japanese to the Allied side and the debate over Britain's Blue Print for Burma.
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.