The procession of novices at the Mahagandayon monastery underlines the status of Buddhism ito Myanmar's culture. The monastery's reputation for rigorous education, both religious and secular, make it popular among Buddhist families seeking a strong religious foundation for  thei boys. 

Ethnic minorities such as those  in Kachin and Shan states demand recognition for their own religious beliefs and  political autonomy. If Aung San Suu Kyi is to transform the current cease fires with a agreements that meet the aspirations of these minorities she Will put at risk the future of her country as a unitary state. Yet she has to meet such aspiratio. Everywhere  Her pictures are everywhere in Mandalay: Today I managed to buy a canvass bag with her picture and the caption 'Our leader' on it. She carries the hopes  of the people and the weight of their expectations. So, do what she says: visit Myanmar and express solidarity at every opportunity.

Arrived Bangkok from Heathrow 2nd February for onward flight to Mandalay. This coincided with the members of Aung San Kuu Yi's NLD party taking their seats in the Parliament. They are about to form Myanmar's (Burma) first democratic government since the immediathe post war period.

The photograph shows Mandalay Hill, with its pagodas and temples and taken from our hotel gardens. This was one of two trongpoints held by the Japanse garrison in Mandalay early 1945. The assault on the city was lau"nched by the famous Indian 19th 'Dagger' Division on 7th March. The Hill fell after heavy fighting on 1.1th March: after 24 hours  'in which the enemy was only finally destroyed by lighted petrol drums  which were rolled down into the tunnels where he (the Japanese) were holdiing out.

Source - Mountbatten (1951)