Golden Peacock - Two-Tone Pooja

Chapter (1)

The year 1933 was a particularly important year in the history of Burma in connection with the partition of India and Burma, and November of that year was the month in which the members of the lower and upper houses of the legislature were elected. The Indian Blacks, although the issue of partition was a matter that would greatly affect their interests, had contributed in some way to it in terms of men and money, so that the public knew that their purpose had been achieved. Some of the Burmese who participated in the partition were indeed sincere in their belief in the benefits of being in union with India, while others were accused of being influenced by the Indian Blacks. It is certain that both types of persons were present in that matter, but it is not certain who was which.

There is no blame to be placed on the Burmese people who sincerely believed that living together with India would be more beneficial than separation, and on the Indian blacks who saw their economic interests being harmed and acted out of a desire to protect them. However, this kind of person like U Tun Kyaw, who is trying to undermine the nation and the country by hoping for the benefits he will receive from the blacks, is something that all Burmese who love their nation should hate and detest.

On the evening of March 13, 1933, the manager of the Minto Hotel, having received a letter requesting that a dinner for four people be prepared in the best possible room, ordered the chief butler to prepare the best corner room. The manager saw the signature of U Tun Kyaw on the letter and, knowing that it was U Tun Kyaw, who had occasionally entertained the great Bos, and sometimes the Chinese, and the distinguished Burmese, at his hotel, spending over two hundred shillings a night, took special action and supervised the arrangements.

U Tun Kyaw wrote to have the dinner ready at 8 o'clock sharp, and arrived by car at 7:45. The manager personally met U Tun Kyaw, who was a generous spender, and took him to the dining room that had been prepared.

U Tun Kyaw was in his forties, tall and imposing, and if you look at his appearance, you can guess whether he is a mayor or a business owner. The hotel manager, not knowing U Tun Kyaw's position, just guessed by his mannerisms and the way he walked.

“ Okay, Nolin, if my friends come, you can send them to this room. Let's go,” said U Tun Kyaw, and the manager bowed and left. U Tun Kyaw was left alone in the small room, smoking a cigar.

At around 8 o'clock, the black people, who looked like big businessmen, arrived one by one and, following the manager's instructions, entered U Tun Kyaw's room.

The first was a wealthy black man named Haji Ahmed, who imported the most foreign textiles into Burma. He lived in the market square and had established branches in all the major cities of Burma. The second was the largest importer of iron products from India and Bombay. The large iron shops in Theingyi Market and Scott Market were his shops, and he also sent representatives to the towns and cities to expand his business. His name was Lalabin.

The third man was Tejuma, a wealthy rice merchant from Mogo Street (Shwe Bontha Street), who competed with Europeans in the rice export business from Burma.

Whenever a wealthy black man entered, U Tun Kyaw would rise from his seat, shake hands in the manner of Europeans, and then, when everyone was seated, they would sit facing each other at the table.

Kyaw .. Let's talk about what we're going to say later. Let's eat our food first," he said, and to relax , they each drank a glass of cocktail. After that, they ate dinner one after another, as is the custom of Europeans. U Tun Kyaw was a very eloquent and eloquent person, and he would make even ordinary everyday events funny with his gestures and witty remarks. The rich men turned to each other and praised each other from the inside.

The manager had already learned of U Tun Kyaw's intentions, so he had prepared a special, safe room. After dinner, U Tun Kyaw ordered whiskey and soda, told Boy Kala that he didn't want any more, and closed the door. U Tun Kyaw threw away the toothpick and spoke in English.

Kyaw .. We speak to each other plainly and without any pretense. If your people divide India and Burma, we do not want to divide them because we are afraid that it will affect your interests in terms of trade. I am not in harmony with the 21 people, so if they want to divide, I will join them. If they want to join, I will separate them. Now, since they want to divide, I will have to arrange for them to join. So, you and I have the same purpose.”

"Rice farmer ... How did you and 21 others get along?"

Kyaw..This story is very long. In short, I want to be a leader in whatever job I do. If I don’t get the chance to be a leader, I will split up. But let’s put these aside and talk about our issue. As I said, you and I have the same goal. I work to achieve my goal. I have money. You have money. But you can’t work well in this matter. So, if we work separately, we will have a long way to go.”

"San Thu Htay.. How much money do you need?"

Kyaw .. “It will cost four hundred thousand.” Then the three black rich men looked at each other’s faces, and then the leader, the rice rich man,

" Let's consult among ourselves. You stay out of the room for 10 minutes."

U Tun Kyaw immediately went out of the room, went to a window, and stood there staring out. The man's expression was light and cool, as if it were a big deal, even though it was four hundred thousand baht. U Tun Kyaw was a master at striking people's faces, and he seemed determined that the arrow he shot would stick. After looking at the clock, exactly ten minutes later, U Tun Kyaw re-entered the room.

Kyaw .. What's the deal? Have you decided yet?"

"Rice-grower ..' Done. I agree to the four hundred thousand. But I have to make one exception. Three people cannot pay the four hundred thousand. So, to make it four, you must persuade Sein Babu Chatterjee to join you."

Kyaw .. If he joins, you will give him 100,000 each.”

"Htay .. To be honest, we only want to work with him. If he doesn't, we've decided to give up on this idea."

Kyaw .. Okay. Leave it to me to convince him to join.”

After that, the four of them continued to discuss the issue of partition and the attitude of the Burmese people for about half an hour, and then they returned to their cars.

When U Tun Kyaw arrived at his home on Cha Chi Street (U Wisara Street), a beautiful woman, probably in her 20s, ran out to meet him near the car.

" What's wrong, Koko?"

"Shu, where are you? You're welcome, my daughter."