Scope and Content Note
The records of Robert R. Nathan Associates span the years 1950-1966, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1950-1957 while the organization, first under contract with the Agency for International Development and subsequently supported by the government of Burma (now Myanmar), formulated an economic development plan for that country. Centered in Rangoon, a team of Nathan Associates economists assisted the Burmese government devise economic and social development plans, establish a tax system, and institute efficient public services. The collection consists of correspondence, memoranda, journals, reports, statistical materials, technical and legal documents, speeches, writings, printed matter, and miscellaneous subject files documenting the work of the organization. Also included are travel diaries of Robert R. Nathan, founder and chairman of the organization, and materials relating to a book on Robert R. Nathan Associates by Louis J. Walinksy, director of the project.
Among the main tropics treated are Burmese agricultural development, trade and industry, transportation and communications, mineral development, political relations and social services, technical assistance, and economic progress. Individuals represented as correspondents or subjects include economist H. W. Singer and Burmese leaders Mahā Chve, U Ne Van, and U Nu.