Burma from the Inside
Page 30
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D OAD transport conditions in Burma IN-are described in a report which "The Commercial Motor" has received from Mr. R. E. Hancock, who is at present in the Far East on behalf of F. Perkins, Ltd.
Mr. Hancock says that British and Americaa commercial vehicles can be purchased from stock without delay. He saw six-or so Austins in one showroom, 40 to 50 American Fords in another, and 50 to 60 Bedfords in a third, all available for immediate delivery, but, apparently, not wanted.
He explained the poor business in commercial vehicles in the following way:— " The Government thought that after the evacuation of the Japanese there a28 would be no transport, so it formed the Road Transport Board and purchased up to 5,000 trucks, to be hired out, to contractors at eight rupees (12s.) per day. Unfortunately, Burma was one of the last places to be recaptured by the Allies, and it became the dumping ground for .much American and British ex-Army material.
" A great quantity of these stores has been purchased very cheaply by the inhabitants of Burma, with the result that the Road Transport Board, with its 5,000 trucks, is bankrupt and a big liability to the Government. The roads are flooded with bad vehicles, many without brakes, lamps. horns and other equipment necessary to preserve public safety.