253. Information Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson1
SUBJECT
- Cambodia
This morning we had an interesting—and possibly significant—development in our relations with Cambodia. A young officer of the Cambodian Foreign Ministry officially informed the Australian Embassy which represents our interests in Phnom Penh that Prince Sihanouk has appointed him as “custodian” of the Cambodian Embassy building here in Washington. The young officer gave to the Australian Embassy a note from the Cambodian Foreign Ministry requesting that the American Embassy in Tokyo issue visas for the Cambodian diplomat, his wife, and one servant.
For the several years since the break in our relations with Cambodia the protection of the official Cambodian real estate in Washington has been left to the French, who represent the Cambodians here. We are not aware of any reason why the Cambodians should become dissatisfied with this arrangement. It is possible, therefore, that Sihanouk is taking a hesitant and tentative step toward establishing communications with us.
The young officer being assigned to Washington is named Thay Sok. He has not, in the past, been known as a person of any particular influence or significance. It is worth noting, however, that he is married to a princess of the royal line and is a relative of Prince Sihanouk.
[Page 555]Thay Sok is expected to arrive in the United States at the end of the first week in November.
There have been no new developments on the crew of our LCU, who continue to be held prisoners by the Cambodians.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Cambodia, Miscellaneous Cables and Memos, 1/67–12/68. No classification marking. There is an indication on the source text that the President saw this memorandum.↩