Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, East Asia-Pacific Region; Cambodia; Laos, Volume XVI

110. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cambodia¹

Washington, April 24, 1959—12:57 p.m.

916. Department’s 2231 to Bangkok, repeated Saigon 1615, Phnom Penh 862.²

1. Cambodian Ambassador April 22 gave Robertson Sihanouk’s reply dated Paris April 13³ to President’s letter March 28. Following is summary substantive portion reply:

a) Notes improvement domestic situation with death Dap Chhuon but states “Khmer rebels who have taken refuge in neighboring countries and who may at any time attack our people thanks to the support they have received and the weapons distributed to them, claim openly—but wrongly, I am sure—that your great country is backing them in their struggle against our monarchy and our government. Perhaps, Mr. President, in your great wisdom you will find the means of making such a claim impossible or more difficult”.

b) Reiterates desire reach mutually profitable understanding with Thailand and Viet-Nam and expresses appreciation for US consultations with TG and GVN on this subject. Refers to détente with Thailand, but states relations with Viet-Nam still far from satisfactory.

c) Discusses GVN’s proposal for combined operations on border control, mentioning RKG’s refusal owing to neutrality, but affirms willingness take action against Vietnamese rebels and pirates crossing border into Cambodia and readiness receive GVN information on movements rebel bands to facilitate efficient operations. Hopes in return that open support of certain Vietnamese elements for Cambodian rebels will stop.

d) Notes President’s assurance re importance placed on proper use of US military aid and trusts neighbors will observe their obligations on this score.

e) Comments at length on election proposal noting it evoked by Thai and Vietnamese claims Sihanouk’s policy contrary to popular will.

f) In closing notes US can do much to conciliate allies and friends to end troubled situation which benefits only communism.

2. Tone of letter generally cordial and respectful. Recommendations for acknowledgement now being formulated. Complete text follows by air pouch to all addressees except Vientiane.

3. Request Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Saigon comments soonest on sub para 1 a) above re rebels’ claim of US support.⁴

Observe Presidential Handling.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/4–2459. Confidential; Presidential Handling. Drafted by Askew, cleared with SEA and in draft at the White House by John Eisenhower, and approved by Robertson. Repeated to Bangkok, Saigon, and Vientiane for Parsons.
2. In this telegram, April 6, the Department informed the Embassy in Bangkok of Sihanouk’s disappointment with Eisenhower’s letter. (Ibid., 751G.00/4–659)
3. The translation of the original French letter is in Eisenhower Library, Project Clean Up, Cambodia DDE. A copy is also attached to a memorandum from Robertson to Herter, May 4. (Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/5–459)
4. The Embassy in Saigon reported that it had no knowledge of claims by Khmer rebels of U.S. support, and the Embassy in Bangkok stated that no elements of the mission had any contact with Cambodian dissidents in Thailand. (Telegrams 2258 from Saigon and 2669 from Bangkok, both April 25; both ibid., 751H.00/4–2259) The Embassy in Phnom Penh’s response is in telegram 1435, May 5. (ibid., 751H.00/5–559; included in the microfiche supplement)