Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXVII, Mainland Southeast Asia; Regional Affairs

260. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France¹

Washington, December 17, 1968, 2206Z.

288487. Paris for TODEL also. Ref: Paris 25065.² Sub: Presidential Message to Prince Sihanouk.

1. There follows text of a message from the President to Prince Norodom Sihanouk requesting the release of U.S. detainees in Cambodia. Please ask Quai to have it delivered to Sihanouk by French Charge in Phnom Penh.

2. Begin text.

Your Royal Highness,

I have long hoped that we might make some progress towards resolving the problems which have troubled United States-Cambodian relations. It was with this purpose in mind that I asked my Special Advisor on Asian Economic and Social Development, Mr. Eugene Black, to visit Cambodia during his recent Asian tour. Mr. Black has reported to me fully on his visit, and I was gratified by the frankness and cordiality of the discussions which he had with members of Your Royal Highnessʼ Government.

I should like to address Your Royal Highness on a matter which affects relations between our two countries. This matter involves the men on board the LCU 1577 which, because of an error in navigation, entered Cambodian waters on the Mekong River and was detained by the Royal Khmer Navy. It also involves the wounded helicopter crewman who is, I understand, being well cared for in Cambodian hospitals. The release of these men would be welcomed in this country and would, I believe, contribute significantly to an improvement in the atmosphere of relations between Cambodia and the United States.³

I also wish to assure Your Royal Highness of the continuing friendship of the American people for Cambodia and its people. Differences which may exist from time to time in our outlooks on the problems of Southeast Asia and the world will not, I hope, prevent the continued development and strengthening of this friendship.

Lyndon B. Johnson End text.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 33–4 CAMB. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Bennett and Corcoran, cleared with Bromley Smith and Bundy, and approved by Rusk. Repeated to Bangkok, Saigon, and CINCPAC.
2. In telegram 25065 from Paris, December 9, the Embassy reported that French Ambassador to Cambodia Dauge recommended that the United States renew ties with Cambodia and suggested Sihanouk would be receptive. (Ibid., POL 17 US–CAMB)
3. At 11. a.m. Cambodia time, December 23, Sihanouk announced the release of 11 U.S. servicemen and 1 South Vietnamese detained since July 17 when their landing craft entered Cambodia waters and was captured by the Cambodian Navy. The release took place before Sihanouk received this message. Sihanouk announced that he was releasing the detainees as a Christmas gesture. Two hours later, Sihanouk received the Presidentʼs message and subsequently released a U.S. helicopter crewman shot down and captured by Cambodia forces. (Telegram 289828 to Bangkok, December 19; ibid.)