U Thant, Burmese educator and diplomat, 3rd United Nations Secretary-General (d. 1974)

U Thant (Burmese: သန့်; MLCTS: san.; IPA: [θa̰ɰ̃]; January 22, 1909 – November 25, 1974), formally known honorifically as U Thant, was a distinguished Burmese diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. His appointment marked a significant historical moment, as he was the first non-Scandinavian, and indeed the first Asian, to hold this prestigious global office. He served for a remarkable ten years and one month, setting a record for the longest tenure as Secretary-General, a testament to his endurance and diplomatic skill during a period of intense geopolitical tension.

Early Life, Education, and Path to Diplomacy

Born in Pantanaw, a small town in the Irrawaddy Delta region of Burma (now Myanmar), Thant received his education at the National High School, an institution linked to the nationalist education movement that sought an alternative to the colonial British schooling system. He later attended Rangoon University. During the tumultuous pre-independence and early post-independence era in Burma, a period characterized by fervent nationalism and ongoing British colonial influence, Thant maintained remarkably moderate views. He adeptly positioned himself between the extreme nationalist factions advocating immediate and complete separation and those who advocated for continued British allegiance, demonstrating an early capacity for bridging divides.

Thant's calm and unassuming demeanor, coupled with his sharp intellect, earned him profound respect from his colleagues throughout his career. He cultivated a close friendship with Burma's first Prime Minister, U Nu, a relationship that proved pivotal to his rise in public service. From 1948 to 1961, Thant served in various crucial positions within U Nu's cabinet, gaining invaluable experience in national administration and international relations. These roles included:

This extensive background provided him with a comprehensive understanding of both national governance and the intricacies of international diplomacy, preparing him for the monumental tasks that lay ahead at the UN.

Navigating Global Crises as Secretary-General

Thant's ascension to the top UN post came under unforeseen and tragic circumstances. He was appointed acting Secretary-General in November 1961, just six weeks after his predecessor, Dag Hammarskjöld, tragically died in an air crash during a peace mission in Congo. Following a unanimous vote by the Security Council and the General Assembly, he was formally elected Secretary-General on November 30, 1962, and then reappointed for a full five-year term on December 2, 1966.

The Cuban Missile Crisis: Averted Catastrophe (1962)

Perhaps U Thant's most significant achievement during his first term was his pivotal role in de-escalating the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. When the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war, Thant facilitated critical negotiations between U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Operating from the neutral platform of the UN, he proposed a series of measures, including a voluntary moratorium on offensive arms shipments to Cuba and offering his good offices for negotiations. He also personally visited Cuba to engage with Fidel Castro, securing agreements for the withdrawal of Soviet missiles under UN verification. His calm, persistent, and impartial mediation efforts were instrumental in helping the two superpowers find a peaceful resolution, thereby averting a potentially catastrophic global conflict.

Ending the Congo Secession (Operation Grandslam, 1962)

Later in December 1962, Thant demonstrated his decisive leadership in the Congo Crisis. He ordered "Operation Grandslam," a decisive military offensive by the United Nations Operation in Congo (ONUC) forces. This operation effectively ended the secessionist insurgency in Katanga province, a mineral-rich region that had declared independence shortly after Congo gained its own independence from Belgium. Thant's firm action was crucial in preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the newly independent Republic of the Congo, a core principle of the United Nations.

Advocacy and Global Expansion during the Second Term

During his second term, U Thant became widely known for his courageous and public criticism of U.S. conduct in the Vietnam War. He openly called for a halt to U.S. bombing campaigns and a negotiated settlement, often describing the conflict as "one of the most senseless and brutal wars in history." Such public dissent from a sitting Secretary-General against a permanent member of the Security Council was unprecedented and underscored his commitment to peace and non-violence, principles deeply rooted in his devout Buddhist faith. He also oversaw the significant entry of numerous newly independent African and Asian states into the UN, a reflection of the global wave of decolonization. He played a crucial role in integrating these diverse nations into the multilateral framework, ensuring their voices contributed to the evolving global discourse.

U Thant ultimately refused to serve a third term, citing a desire for new leadership at the UN and the immense personal toll of the demanding role. He retired from his post in December 1971.

Legacy and Posthumous Controversy

U Thant passed away from lung cancer in 1974. A devout Buddhist throughout his life, his spiritual principles of compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of peace deeply informed his diplomatic approach and international relations philosophy. He was widely admired and held in immense respect by the Burmese populace, who viewed him as the foremost Burmese diplomat on the international stage, a figure of national pride.

However, his death sparked a significant domestic crisis in Burma. The military government, led by General Ne Win, which had seized power in 1962 and pursued an isolationist policy, refused to grant U Thant any official honors or a state funeral. This snub, perceived as a deliberate effort to diminish the legacy of a globally respected figure associated with the more democratic era of U Nu, ignited widespread public outrage. In Rangoon (now Yangon), spontaneous student-led riots erupted as thousands mourned Thant and protested the government's disrespect. These demonstrations were met with a brutal crackdown by the military, resulting in numerous casualties and solidifying the image of a repressive regime that feared the popularity of a democratic icon. Despite the military's actions, U Thant remains a revered figure in Myanmar and is globally remembered as a compassionate and effective peacemaker who navigated some of the Cold War's most perilous moments.

Frequently Asked Questions about U Thant

Who was U Thant?
U Thant was a Burmese diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. He was the first non-Scandinavian and first Asian to hold the position, setting a record for the longest tenure.
What were U Thant's major achievements as UN Secretary-General?
His most notable achievements include his pivotal role in de-escalating the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, ordering Operation Grandslam to end the Katanga secession in Congo, and his outspoken criticism of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. He also oversaw the admission of many newly independent African and Asian states to the UN.
Why was U Thant's burial controversial in Burma?
The military government in Burma, which had taken power in 1962, refused to grant U Thant a state funeral or official honors upon his death in 1974. This decision, widely seen as a deliberate disrespect to a national hero, sparked widespread student-led riots in Rangoon, which were violently suppressed by the military.
What was U Thant's background before becoming Secretary-General?
Before his UN role, U Thant was a teacher and a close confidante of Burma's first Prime Minister, U Nu. He served in various capacities within the Burmese government from 1948 to 1961, including Permanent Representative to the United Nations.