149. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cambodia1
318. Taking account of outcome of Delhi talks and array of evidence RKG anti-American attitude (Embtel 398)2 we reluctantly conclude that there is no reasonable prospect of resumption normal operation of US mission in Phnom Penh for foreseeable future. It is likewise clear, we believe, that essential US requirements in Cambodia can be met by more modest staff, and that US mission of present size is positive irritant in RKG/US relations. It has therefore been decided that mission be reduced drastically with object of retaining only sufficient staff to carry out essential functions and to provide a cadre around which mission could be rebuilt when conditions permit. Insofar as is consistent with this, we [Page 337] wish to make US presence in Phnom Penh as inconspicuous as possible and to eliminate all but essential reporting and operations. In considering what follows, you should have in mind our willingness to accept a very markedly reduced level of reporting and related activity by all elements of mission.
We conclude, subject your views, that following staff would meet this requirement: Bergesen, Perry, Pinckney, Arnold, Sherry, Birrer, Thomas, Wolfe, Ochs, Lewinsohn, plus two C and R personnel and personnel operate receiving/transmitting equipment. This staffing is predicated on use of off-line communications, transfer of Marine Guards, and transfer to Bangkok of responsibility for budget and fiscal servicing.
As to timing, we would like to see staff reduced as above within 60 days, but would be prepared to have you retain administrative personnel beyond that date if they are required in connection with shipment of household effects, consolidation of US property in chancery building, etc.
We do not plan to inform the RKG officially of this reduction but we would wish you to make our intentions clear in informal conversation with diplomatic corps and RKG officials. Object would be to make sure that action is not thought to be beginning of complete close-down of mission, with possibility that this might prompt some unpredictable reaction by RKG.
Request your comments soonest.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL CAMB–US. Confidential. Drafted by Trueheart, cleared by Marshall P. Jones, Director of FE/EX, and approved by Green. Repeated to Bangkok, Saigon, Vientiane, and CINCPAC.↩
- In telegram 398, December 15, the Embassy described what it called a “flood tide of anti-Americanism which more and more has become principal element RKG foreign policy.” (Ibid.) For an account of the talks in New Delhi, see Document 150.↩