229. Telegram From the Embassy in Cambodia to the Department of State1
1269. Prince Sihanouk is repeating another cycle in his tempestuous governance of Cambodia but this time in descending spiral. Resignation reported Embassy telegram 12672 is for time being definitive and he is going off to Siem Reap as he used to in years past …. However, times are changing even in Cambodia and forces are coming to light which may eventually challenge Sihanouk’s formerly supreme dominance this Kingdom.
Statement in Prince’s communiqué of resignation that his foreign policy “is basis of difficulties which are presently encountered by Kingdom, difficulties caused by certain countries,” is reference current low stage relations with Vietnam and Thailand. Sihanouk received Ambassador Tioulong at noon yesterday immediately after issuance communiqué and said he was resigning because he was fed up with Cambodian people. It was they who had forced him to policy of neutrality which was annoying Americans, but he could not “bend knee” before US because his people were so insistent on neutralist policy. He had sacrificed everything for his people but was rewarded by their ingratitude in even refusing pay taxes. He was fed up and would take long vacation to absent himself from such ungrateful followers.
… It is Prince himself who encouraged his mob to mouth words of neutralism, and it has been Prince who has, with eager fanning of winds here, spread smoke-screen that Cambodia’s present difficulties with its neighbors were instigated by US because of displeasure over his policy neutralism. Now, however, he tells his Ambassadors in private that he would like be closer US but is prevented by his ungrateful yet insistent public….
Fact that after Cambodian Government had agreed on March 9 to unblock counterpart credits for FARK, but as indicated Embassy telegram 12623 yesterday had gone back on decision is intimately related Prince’s resignation and to an intense struggle for power now going on in Palace and restricted political circle. As Department will recall, decision unblock counterpart funds for FARK was expressly ratified by Sihanouk. It is, therefore, astounding find that despite Prince’s directive Governor National Bank Son Sann has thus far succeeded [Page 504] in flouting master’s will. This first time in my experience of Cambodian affairs that Sihanouk’s word has not been absolute.
Evidence reaches us from such disparate sources as Nong Kimny, Tioulong and member Royal Family that behind Son Sann, whose position motivated from purely financial considerations, stands Penn Nouth and that his influence has been exerted against Sihanouk for internal political reasons. One explanation offered is that Penn Nouth is using Son Sann in attempt undermine Sihanouk not only in eyes nation, but likewise in estimate King and Queen. I have made it very clear that if Cambodian politicians and Court Camarilla seek use US military and economic aid as political football they will find that football made of stone and somebody is going break his foot on it.
Sihanouk yesterday plainly intimated Tioulong that whoever is appointed Prime Ministership may expect interim office since he confidently believes his beloved crowd will call him back to power. It possible, however, that he may take this opportunity absent himself on pretext undertaking his new duties as Ambassador to UN. He is tired of his recent exertions, torn between conflicting policies, frightened at storm he has unleashed both here and in his relations with other countries. Believe, as discussed more fully in Embassy telegram 1267, he has deliberately based his present resignation on issue foreign policy and in radio speech to nation this morning strongly implied that he was stepping down because his presence as Prime Minister would embarrass RKG in connection continuance US aid.
It is difficult conjecture what step Their Majesties will take in appointing new government. In order make it absolutely certain that King and Queen know facts US aid and our constant policy toward Cambodia, I have requested immediate audience and asked that Nong Kimny serve as my interpreter.4
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/3–3056. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Saigon, Bangkok, and Vientiane.↩
- Dated March 30, not printed. (ibid., 751H.11/3–3056)↩
- Dated March 29, not printed. (ibid., 751H.5–MSP/3–2956)↩
- See Document 232.↩