751G.00/9–2954: Telegram
The Chargé in Cambodia (Colquitt) to the Department of State
122. Sent Saigon 152. During course of month International Control Commission in Cambodia has reached nearly full complement consisting approximately 120 Indians (including military guard, communications personnel, interpreters and secretariat clerks), 40 Poles (half civilian and half military) and 22 Canadians (mostly military).
In personal conversation Ambassador Parthasarthi, Indian chairman of Commission, stated that implementation Geneva agreement [Page 2094] proceeding reasonably satisfactorily, but slowly due to late start and numerous administrative difficulties. In his opinion Viet Minh showing cooperative spirit in abiding by terms of agreement. He admitted that demobilization of Khmer Viet Minh forces had not been satisfactorily completed, but said Commission itself unable determine actual size of forces which “one side did not know and other side would not tell”. He explained failure to disarm demobilized Khmer Viet Minh by saying Geneva agreement did not stipulate their disarming.
Viet Minh have accepted Cambodian declaration that armed forces and military combatant personnel of French Union have been withdrawn.
Liberation of prisoners of war has been completed. Cambodians released approximately 500 but Viet Minh only 50, latter claiming to have previously released 200.
Withdrawal Vietnamese Viet Minh forces expected to be completed by 90 day deadline October 22, although concentration delayed and routes of withdrawal from Cambodia not yet determined.
Indian Ambassador and General Sarda Nand Singh told Embassy they think it physically impossible to supervise frontiers concerning introduction into Cambodia of foreign military personnel and war materials, and they contemplating making request to United States and other powers for assurances that they will respect terms of Geneva agreement in this regard. Considering composition of International Commission, Embassy believes that Commission would probably consider direct introduction American military training personnel and war materials as violation Geneva agreement, despite fact that Cambodian Government has right to solicit foreign aid for purpose of effective defense of territory.
Cambodian Government officials have informed Embassy they are not at all satisfied with manner or degree of implementation Geneva agreement. They maintain that only part of Khmer Viet Minh forces were demobilized and that arms should have been surrendered. Cambodian Government is convinced Viet Minh are playing double game and will continue spread Communist propaganda in country and engage in other subversive actions by infiltration. Embassy considers Cambodian views are justified.
Acting Canadian Commissioner told Embassy that he considers Polish delegation is too large and that it is to be further augmented. He added in off record comment that he believes Poles intend use delegation staff for spreading Communist propaganda and Polish Ambassador thinking of utilizing documentary films for propaganda purposes.
For Department’s information, Indian chairman of Commission . . . . has told Embassy he considers “Cambodian problem is [Page 2095] internal rather than external” and that Commission will eventually consider whether its competence should extend to national elections under general terms of Geneva agreement. Although convinced of Cambodian national independence, he is unfavorably impressed by suppression of legislature, and feels that holding of free elections and reconstitution of representative government is matter of greater ultimate concern than removal of Viet Minh forces, which he does not feel is a great problem.…
Canadian head of delegation Ambassador MacDonnell has not yet arrived Phnom Penh. His presence is badly needed here, to counteract Indian attitude and to keep Polish delegation in hand.