751G.00/6–1754: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation1
priority
Tedul 217. Dulte 193.2 It has for a long time been our basic policy to see the UN more actively concern itself with the situation in Indochina as a whole and also in relation to Thailand. It seems that if Laos and Cambodia act alone, particularly under Chapter VII this might be construed as a writing off of Vietnam and care would be required in this connection. We note, however, that 157 from Phnom Penh3 indicates intention only to seek peace observation commission not Chapter VII action.
In view of the critical nature of the situation we are not disposed to attempt to use pressure to prevent what any one of these governments thinks may be necessary to its own survival. This would be to assume excessive responsibility. We can, however, exert care lest the action of one should unfortunately injure the other.
- Drafted by the Secretary of State. Repeated to USUN as telegram 653, to Bangkok as telegram 2528, to Saigon as telegram 2649, to Phnom Penh (from Saigon) as telegram 78, to London as telegram 6938, and to Paris as telegram 4668.↩
- Dated June 17, p. 1173.↩
- June 17, not printed; the message contained a report on a Cambodian request for a peace observation commission. (751G.00/6–1754)↩