AIR AMERICA HELICOPTER DETAINED BY BURMESE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP74B00415R000300070039-6
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 2, 2001
• Sequence Number: 39
• Publication Date: November 3, 1971
• Content Type: NSPR

Approved For Release 2001/11/01 : CIA-RDP741300415R000300070039-6
ASIIINGI'ON POST
ir
menca
By D. E. Ronk
special to Ths Withltagton Post
VIENTIANE, Nov. 2? U.S.
spokesmen have confirmed
that an American helicopter
was detained by Burmese au-
thoritiei when it was found to
Xis operating inside their bor-
.,' ders ground the end of May of
this year.
According to the U.S.
spokesmen, the Air America
elicopter Detained by Burmese
helicopter apparently violated
Burma's air space during "bad
weather."
However, Michael Morrow
of Dispatch News Agency, who
reported on the incident in
late September, said. the
"best" sources in Bangkok,
from Bangkok as well as at
least one U.S. intelligence
agent.
Air America is described as
a private charter airline. It
provides aircraft for several
U.S. missions throughout
Southeast Asia and has close
Thailand, told him the craft links with the Central Intent-
was on a clandestine mission gence Agency.
into Burma and was carrying Morrow said the sources in
a Burmese military attache Bangkok said the mission. of tor to Rangoon described as a
the white, unmarked helicop-
ter detained in Burma as to
visit CIA camps within that
country. The craft, according
to Morrow's sources, was as-
signed to the deputy com-
mander of the Joint U.S. Mili-
tary Advisory Group in Thai-
land.
Burma is currently en-
gaged in what one recent visi-
"multi-headed civil war" with
several opposing forces, some
of them politically motivated
but some no better than eth-
nic bandit gangs.
One group of insurgents is
led by former Prime 1Vinister
U Nu who was ousted in 1962
by the current military regime
of Prime Minister Ne Win.
Morrow's report about the
Burmese military attache being
on board the detained helicop-
ter would indicate clandestine
U.S. assistance to the Ne Win
government.
Recent visitors to Burma re-
port increasing evidence there
of clandestine American pres-
ence and describe it as approx-
imating the earlier presence
and operations in Laos. Most
areas of the country are of f-
limits to foreign visitors.
Approved For Release 2001/11/01 : CIA-RDP74B00415R000300070039-6
Approved For Release 2001/11/01 : CIA-RDP74600415R000300070039-6
On 10 November, Air America H-34D helicopter (H-62) wade
a forced landing at Tachilek Airport, Burma, due to weather and a low fuel
supply. A three hour SAP mission was conducted by Vientiane Station prior to
being notified by Rangoon U.S. Embassy through Bangkok Embassy and Uciorn
Air Force Base that the aircraft had made an emergency landing and the crew,
one american and one Thai, were safe, but in Burmese military custocty. The
pilot and Thai mechanic are experienced personnel and Air America is convinced
the emergency procedures were inadvertent. While being questioned by Burmese
officials, the crew reported they were on an air drop mission with tins of beef
for refugees. 'Release of aircraft and crew was delayed by bureaucratic function-
ing of Burmese Government in spite of pressure from Laotian, Thailand and
Burmese Embassies. In addition to evasion, there was unusual secrecy
exercised by the Burmese Government and military. The American Embassy
reported that perhaps some of the delay was due to two "sten type" weapons
being found on board, although it was presumed they were normal survival
equipment. Also, Rangoon reported an unconfirmed overflight by another heli-
copter of similar type approximately 26 hours after the forced landing. On
180100 November, the American Embassy at Rangoon advised the release would
take place promptly, and three and one-half hours later the helicopter arrived
at Udorn Air Force Base.
Per an Intelligence report and information from the American
Embassy, Vientiane, the Burmese Executive Secretary of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs feels that the Air America helicopter which landed in Burma
on 10 November free November monthly report) was controlled by the Central
Intelligence Agency. Also, he alleged that possibly the cargo on board the
aircraft (fins of beef) was for IT. Nu insurgents vice Laotians refugees. This
hypothese was apparently discarded as a Burmese general, who is very touchy
on the subject, granted release of the aircraft, caro and crew. Prior to
release, the pilot was requested to sign a statement that he landed due to low
fuel and bad weather; that his aircraft had been returned in perfect condition;
that there had been no loss to the documents, arras and ammunition, currencies,
personal belongings, and all adscellaneous items relevant to the aircraft; (This
statement could be a source for misrepresentation, but Embassy officials do not
envision any.) and that he extended his gratitude for his friendly treatment and
succor,. No repercussions directly relating to this incident are anticipated, but
in the event of a recurrence, it is anticipate( that GOB may not be quite so
cooperative.
Approved For Release 2001/11/01: CIA-RDP741300415R000300070039-6