Burma Office facts for kids

Map of Burma (1941)

The Burma Office was a special part of the British government. It was set up in 1937 to manage Burma, which is now known as Myanmar. This office was led by a top government minister called the Secretary of State for India and Burma. This person was a member of the British cabinet, which is like the main decision-making group for the country. After 1947, the office was briefly led by the Secretary of State for Burma, until it closed in January 1948.

What was the Burma Office?

The Burma Office was like a dedicated department just for Burma. It helped the British government oversee how Burma was run. This included things like laws and daily administration.

How the Burma Office Started

Before 1937, Burma was part of British India. But the British government wanted to give more power to local governments in places like India and Burma. This was part of new laws called the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935.

In 1937, Burma officially became separate from India. This was a big change! Because Burma was now separate, a new office was needed in London to manage it. That's why the Burma Office was created on April 1, 1937. Even though it was a new office, it shared the same building and the same main minister (Secretary of State) with the India Office.

When the Burma Office Ended

After World War II, many countries that were part of the British Empire started to become independent. In August 1947, British India was divided into two new independent countries: India and Pakistan.

Burma also became independent soon after. In September 1947, a plan was approved to make Burma an independent republic. This meant it would be its own country, not part of the British Commonwealth. A special agreement was signed in October, giving Burma its freedom.

Because Burma was now independent, the Burma Office was no longer needed. It closed down on January 3, 1948. The last Secretary of State for Burma, William Hare, 5th Earl of Listowel, left the British Cabinet. On January 4, 1948, Burma officially became a foreign country to the UK. The staff from the Burma Office moved to another government department.

Important Dates

• 1937: Burma separated from British India, and the Burma Office was created.
• 1947: India, Pakistan, and Burma were all preparing for independence.
• August 15, 1947: British India was divided into independent India and Pakistan. The India Office closed.
• January 4, 1948: Burma became an independent country, and the Burma Office was closed.

Where to Find Old Records

If you want to learn more about the Burma Office, its old records are kept in a special place. Unlike many other British government documents, these records are not at The National Archives in Kew. Instead, they are part of the India Office Records at the British Library in London. They are stored with other documents about Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. You can search for them online in the library's catalogues.

Related Topics

• Secretary of State for India
• India Office