Ever since General Ne Win tossed bumbling Premier U Nu out of office last March, the only thing that has kept him from rushing headlong into a program of industrial nationalization and farm collectivization has been the influence of tough, handsome Brigadier Aung Gyi. Last week the brakes were off. After a long feud with leftist members in the 17-man Revolutionary Council, Aung Gyi "most respectfully" asked Strongman Ne Win "to relieve me of the various duties to which I have been assigned."
As Army Vice Chief of Staff, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Chairman of the Burma...