751G.00/8–1954: Telegram
The Chargé at Phnom Penh (Goodman) to the Department of State
[Received 3:13 p.m.]
71. Sent Saigon 87, repeated information Paris 65, Bangkok, New Delhi unnumbered. Today I received two interesting if somewhat conflicting comments on operations of Cambodian, Viet Minh mixed commission now meeting Svayrieng. Acting chief International Control Commission, Indian General Singh, said he impressed by friendliness and goodwill on both sides at opening meeting August 14. They were, he said, “falling on each others necks” and in formal speeches seemed trying outdo each other in expressions their desire for peace and eagerness cooperate. In his turn Singh spoke to them of futility war as evidenced by fact “no one” had won Indochina conflict, and importance of “unique” task they cooperating in—peacefully to liquidate a war. General said that in discussions after meeting he found Viet Minh charming cultured men, high percentage of whom spoke English, and all of whom tried hard give impression their peaceful desires. He feels they are cooperating beautifully, and that cease fire will be successful here.
In contrast this rosy view Prime Minister Penn Nouth told me earlier in day that mixed commission talks now running into snags, with Viet Minh closely examining every punctuation mark in cease fire agreement, and quibbling over every detail. Most irritating demand was for Cambodian, Viet Minh representative to join delegation. Through his representatives Prime Minister answered agreement provides very clearly for equal participation Cambodia and DRV, and he cares not who they have in their delegation so long as they labelled DRV. Although all Viet Minh regular units said now to have withdrawn from country, another point troubling Prime Minister was apparent failure or difficulty Viet Minh thus far to have disarmed provincial troops (so-called Khmer Viet Minh). Since this to have been done within 30 days from beginning of truce, Cambodians yesterday [Page 1961] gave Viet Minh 8 days to accomplish it, after which Royal Armies will resume normal mopping up operations.
Differences in attitudes these two men and in their interpretations of smiling Viet Minh approach, perhaps inevitable results their difference types involvement in truce operation. However, fact Viet Minh are smiling and trying impress international commission undoubtedly indicates their appreciation long-range factors, and perhaps supports General Singh’s thesis (Embtel 62 to Department)1 their desire make cease fire effective in order consolidate their hold on Vietnam before concentrating on Cambodia. At same time they do not intend to let pass any opportunity improve their political or psychological position and would like nothing better than leave strong cadres scattered about this country. However, Cambodians remain vigilant and will very likely foil these attempts. Their firmness is expected but heartening.
- In telegram 62 from Phnom Penh, Aug. 12, not printed, Goodman summarized a conversation of that morning with General Singh. The General contended that the Viet Minh would fulfill all cease-fire terms throughout Indochina because it was in their long-range interest to do so. (751G.00/8–1254)↩