National League for Democracy

(97/b), West Shwegondine

Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 119 (12/98)

Contents of two letters dated 7/12/98 from the Chairman of the National

League for Democracy to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development

Council are reproduced and distributed for information.

BEGIN

" Subject: The charitable act of rice donation to the destitute and poor

of Rangoon Division by the General Secretary, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

1. With a pure and upright spirit, the General Secretary of the National

League for Democracy performed the charitable act of donating rice to

the poor and destitute to relieve them from hunger to a certain extent.

2. The circumstances were

(a) The poor and destitute recipients of the charitable act came

individually and as they approached the appointed place (Number 97/b

West Shwegondine Road, Bahan) to receive the rice, the numbers grew.

This was an unavoidable situation.

(b) The recipients of this charity came peacefully to receive the gift

which would be an enabling factor for the donor to gain merit.

receiving the rice it was witnessed that they departed peacefully.

(d) There wasn't the slightest infringement of the laws, rules and

notifications prescribed by the State Law and Order Restoration Council

(now the State Peace and Development Council)

(e) Present in the vicinity where the rice was distributed were persons

in authority from the township, police and military intelligence

personnel also. They saw that the proceedings went smoothly and

peacefully. We so not believe that they would be pretending not to see

or not to hear what was happening.

(f) If one is unable to perform such charities, the occasion should be

one for rejoicing and giving praise.

3. Despite the fact that everything went smoothly and peacefully, the

chairman and some members of the Peace and Development Council of the

area summoned the owner( a widow) of the premises where the distribution

was done and some of her friends and unjustly, illegally and without any

justification whatsoever threatened them in a manner unbecoming of a

public servant. They refused to accept her explanation that she was in

no way involved with the charity and that it was entirely the doing of

the National League for Democracy. They said that she was responsible

for the accumulation of the large number of people assembled on the

road. She is not the owner of the road. This is something that should

never have been said or done by the authorities. As stated in the

subject matter above, only the General Secretary of the National League

for Democracy, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was the donor. The owner of the

premises had no say in this matter.

4. The abuse of authority by the chairman and members of the local

Peace and Development Council against the innocent owner of the premises

is unwarranted and illegal and is strongly objected to. It is necessary

that the persons concerned should be reminded to refrain from acting

inappropriately and to be courteous and polite in their dealings with

the public for a smooth and peaceful outcome. We would like that they be

directed to stop their churlish behaviour. We repeat that the donation

and distribution of rice had nothing to do with the individual."

END

BEGIN

"Subject: The charitable act of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary

of the National League for Democracy towards the poor and destitute

citizens living in the Rangoon Division

Reference: NLD letter Number 104/SEE(CHAN)/98 continuation

1. It has come to our knowledge that the chairman of the SPDC of the

area forced the pitiable owner (widow), who was entirely unrelated to

the donating and distribution of rice to sign (without any legal

authority) a declaration that "rice must not be distributed". Her

explanations of the circumstances were completely ignored. It is a

flagrant example of injustice. Now it appears that any pronouncement by

the authorities has the force of law.

2. The distribution of rice had absolutely nothing to do with the owner

of the premises.

It was entirely the business of the National League for Democracy and

the donor was the general secretary, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The abuse of

power by the authorities is outrageous. Actions that have not been

sanctioned by law should not be resorted to.

3. The actions of the National League for Democracy are in the national

interest for

democracy and human rights. The owner of the premises was not involved

in any way, neither is she involves with the NLD.

4. I wish to repeat that the donation and distribution of rice was

entirely the general secretary Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's personal decision.

5. The meritorious action of donating and distributing rice will relieve

the donor from hunger and thirst in his/her next lifetime is a concept

which is contained in the Buddhist Scriptures.

6. Therefore the owner of the premises who had absolutely nothing to do

with the matter should never have been intimidated and persecuted. This

is most unjust and bullying behaviour. We again strongly urge that

directives be given to the Bahan authorities to cease and refrain from

acting outside the law in future." END

It is hereby publicly declared that we will continue with charitable

acts for merit that can be gained and shared. Blessings will be showered

on all.

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

8 December 1998