Original: U Thant ( ; MLCTS : u : san/O. ; ; vintage news video ; January 22 , 1909 -- November 25 , 1974 ) was a Burmese diplomat and the third secretary-general of the United Nations , from 1961 to 1971 .
Simplified: U Thant 22 January 1909 25 November 1974 ) was a Burmese diplomat and the third Secretary-General of the United Nations , from 1961 to 1971 .