751G.00/10–1254: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cambodia (McClintock) to the Department of State
153. Repeated information Saigon 181, Paris 114, Bangkok, Vientiane unnumbered. This morning Defense Minister Ngo Hou told me he had positive intelligence that numerous Viet Minh elements had crossed border from Cambodia into Vietnam without formal rendition to International Control Commission. He said most serious aspect of this movement was not departure of Viet Minh troops from Cambodian soil which could only be welcomed, but fact Viet Minh had taken with them Cambodian cadres for further indoctrination and training in Vietnam. Minister expressed fear that at given moment these Communist Cambodians would be returned to this Kingdom to conduct subversive activities. He added that, given chaotic conditions now prevailing in Cochin China, it would be possible for Viet Minh to utilize this area as a war base for future operations.
Despite this threat Minister expressed confidence Cambodia’s ability to defend itself with army mounting guard over frontiers and surface defense (civil defense force) maintaining internal security. This would, however, require outside aid, particularly in matériel, and Colonel Ngo Hou warmly welcomed decision of US Government to extend direct aid.