751H.11/6–1553: Telegram
The Chargé at Phnom Penh (Montllor) to the Department of State
74. Sent Paris 41, Bangkok unnumbered, Tokyo unnumbered, Saigon 241. In dramatic and unexpected move King yesterday went into self-imposed exile in Thailand while touring Siem Reap. In strong statement he accused French of not wanting to grant Cambodian independence but said die is cast and he will not return Cambodia until French agree full and complete independence.1 Negotiations which had taken place with French now voided and Cambodia will not settle for less than demands King made in memo to Auriol last March.2
In view sudden nature of move it seems likely that King inspired to action by Dap Chhoun3 or Son Ngoc Thanh. Country perfectly normal. Will continue reporting.
- For text of the statement, June 14, see Denise Folliot, ed., Documents on International Affairs, 1953, Royal Institute of International Affairs (London, Oxford University Press, 1956), p. 470. For the texts of several statements issued by King Norodom Sihanouk between June 12 and June 28, see Cambodia, Livre Jaune, I, pp. 113–130. For the text of the statement issued by Jean Letourneau, French Minister for the Associated States, on June 14, regarding the flight of the King, see L’Année Politique, 1953, p. 578. In telegram 6459 from Paris, June 15, Ambassador Dillon reported that according to an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French Government was at a complete loss to explain the King’s action, especially in light of recent progress in French-Cambodian negotiations. (751H.00/6–1553)↩
- Regarding the King’s letters to President Auriol of France, see footnote 4, p. 476.↩
- Adviser to King Norodom Sihanouk; former dissident nationalist.↩