U.S. Families Leave Burma; U Nu Claims Reins

Wives and children of American diplomats were evacuated from Burma today as former Prime Minister U Nu formed a provisional government and about 500 military personnel staged the first armed forces break with Burma’s embattled regime.

The 46 wives and children of U.S. diplomats based in Rangoon were among more than 237 members of the foreign diplomatic community who fled to Bangkok on a special Thai International Airlines flight because the nation’s bloody challenge to socialism has shown no signs of receding.

U.S. officials said an additional 35 dependents of American diplomats are expected to leave Burma this weekend if the Rangoon airport is reopened to regularly scheduled commercial flights.

Nu, 82, ousted as prime minister in a 1962 military coup, announced the formation of a provisional government during a news conference at his home in the strife-torn Burmese capital.

‘Robbed of MY Power’

“I have today informed foreign governments that I am the legitimate prime minister, and only the government constituted by me should be recognized by them,” the opposition leader said.

“Though I was robbed of my power, I am still the legitimate prime minister according to the constitution passed in 1947,” Nu said.

Nu was overthrown in a 1962 military coup headed by Gen. Ne Win, who imposed socialist policies that bankrupted Burma. He resigned in July .

There was no immediate reaction to Nu’s bold move from the military-backed government.