SOUTHEAST ASIA: Out to Come Back In

Two of the most securely rooted leaders in Southeast Asia have quit their prime ministries—the better to secure their leadership.

¶ In Burma, the paradox was accomplished by General Ne Win, 48, who resigned as Prime Minister and left the decision for the future up to the Assembly. He was quitting, Ne Win blandly explained, because the original six-month mandate given him by the Assembly last October was insufficient to restore law and order and prepare for national elections. After a decorous debate last week, all parties except the Red-lining National United Front agreed with Ne Win and amended...

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