185. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1

2741. On instructions Millet of French Embassy called on Young 31st Re US proposal for US training mission in Cambodia (Deptel 2627 rptd Saigon 3085 Phnom Penh 311 Vientiane 2212). Millet said (1) US proposals raised possibility “serious clash” between our two governments which Paris hoped could be avoided (2) Mendes-France fears new American proposal indicated grave misunderstanding between two governments (3) French Government firmly intends keep complete responsibility for training in Cambodia and maintain French military mission continue training and equipping Cambodia and (4) since this would require US aid and equipment and some form of small US mission his government hoped US would “cooperate” with French training mission. Millet commented understandings reached between France and the US in Vietnam are not applicable to Cambodia or Laos and French had repeatedly told us their intention keep mission in Cambodia which US had never disputed. Accordingly sudden new US proposal startling and hard to understand.

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Millet requested French views be transmitted to appropriate US authorities. His instructions contained no suggestions or counter proposals.

Young acknowledged divergence, outlined US viewpoint and agreed inform appropriate authorities. He pointed out (.1) Gen. Smith in September meetings specifically informed French our intentions3 (2) necessity for operating efficiency and accountability to Congress to have only one training mission with one doctrine and procedure accorded full and single responsibility from Cambodians for supervising use of US funds and equipment in organization, equipping and training of Cambodian army bring about modernization in shortest possible time (3) US could furnish aid directly and in keeping sovereignty and independence Cambodia only by such mission and (4) US is increasingly concerned with security Thailand, rest of SEA, particularly Philippines and offshore island chain, which are immediately affected by present threats to security Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. For all these reasons there must be clear understanding among Cambodia, France and US as to who will and will not assume single responsible authority for improving and modernizing Cambodian security forces in the light of the situation in Southeast Asia and Far East in general.

Millet was reminded of US position on French-US cooperation in Associated States to effect US has no intention of itself supplanting France, we hoped no extraneous question over pride of place would enter into American or French consideration this regard, and in US view it is vital that military establishments Associated States be modernized and improved as matter urgency in face threat of possible subversion or aggression.

In connection French-US cooperation Cambodia Young suggested wide area of opportunity for both France and US in various fields. It would be folly for either try duplicate major effort of other in all fields. Reasonable division of effort with maximum practical results for example would be along economic and military lines. French are proposing build Ream seaport as fast possible, which US endorses and supports. Cambodians intensely interested in this project which has great psychological impact Cambodia. US will assist Cambodian economy in other ways. By same token US could devote its principal effort to training mission with US funds and equipment to build up Cambodian security forces which French instructors could help develop. In view US training operations Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines, [Page 424] facilities are available for training Cambodians along Asian lines thus enhancing rapidity and efficacy urgently required modernization Cambodian forces. End Comment.

Embassies Phnom Penh and Paris should inform appropriate French officials of démarche and points made by Young emphasizing Cambodians have requested US training assistance for their security forces and we believe it reasonable that if US furnishes bulk of aid for forces US should train forces.4 Department believes this matter could be worked out with French and Cambodians along above lines. Department sees no conflict in this undertaking with agreed US-French objectives and cooperation in Associated States as affirmed in SmithLaChambre understanding of Sept. 29 and reaffirmed in November by Secretary and Mendes-France.

FYI This matter must be resolved at Government level. Department will refer issue to Secretary next week. Pending further advice, Phnom Penh should not press negotiation classified declaration on training responsibility.

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751H.5–MSP/2–255. Secret. Drafted by Young, cleared by Merchant and MacArthur; and approved by Robertson. Sent also to Phnom Penh and repeated to Saigon and Vientiane.
  2. Printed as Document 182.
  3. For documentation on discussions among Acting Secretary of State Walter Bedell Smith and Minister for Associated States Guy La Chambre and Finance Minister Edgar Faure, September 27–29, 1954, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. XIII, Part 2, pp. 2078 ff.
  4. Done as reported in telegrams 3290 from Paris, February 5, and 589 from Phnom Penh, February 8, neither printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 751H.5–MSP/2–555 and 751H.5–MSP/2–855, respectively)