137. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Steeves) to the Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- Recent Developments in Cambodia
Prince Sihanouk’s public attacks on Viet-Nam, Thailand and US “imperialist milieux” for allegedly attempting to encircle neutral Cambodia have mounted to a level of bitterness, unusual even in comparison with periodic Cambodian tactics of this nature in the past. Although he has specified publicly, in response to a letter from our Ambassador, that he did not intend to indict the President, Government or people of the US,2 he has left no doubt of his resentment of US aid to Cambodia’s anti-Communist neighbors and his critical views on US policies in Asia. These outbursts have followed the Chou En-lai visit to Cambodia in May and Viet-Nam’s earlier abrupt reiteration of claims to several small islands off the Cambodian coast. While flaying certain free world nations, Sihanouk has described Communist China as a sincere friend. Recent British and French intelligence reports note the possibility that Cambodia may break with the United States and accept renewed Communist offers of military aid, including jet aircraft.
Internal Crisis
Sihanouk’s emotionalism in the international sphere has coincided with mounting internal strains over the question of succession to the Throne.3 This crisis, which entailed serious opposition to Sihanouk from members of his family and other influential palace circles, appears now to have culminated in steps to have Sihanouk assume supreme formal leadership. The Regency Council, appointed following the King’s death in April, has resigned and the Constitution has been amended to provide for the appointment of a “Chief of State”, presumably with implied powers to “rule” as well as “reign”. Following demonstrations and official petitions, Sihanouk, whose popularity with the masses was overwhelmingly ratified in the June 5 popular [Page 365] referendum, is scheduled to accede to this office June 20. The move does not necessarily imply the end of the monarchy or of parliamentary government, at least in form.
Western Proposals
The French have informed us that they intend to warn Sihanouk of the dangers in his current anti-free world tendencies when he visits France for medical treatment, presumably in the near future. The British have discussed with us a proposed personal message from Mr. Selwyn Lloyd to Sihanouk by which they would hope to reassure him of free world support and check any further moves toward the bloc. They have suggested we convey similar expressions of our friendship for Sihanouk.
We are inclined to believe that in Sihanouk’s present emotional state, [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] he would continue to ignore any but the most extravagant US praise and assurances, which in turn would carry at this juncture unfortunate implications in the face of his immoderate criticism of the US. Nevertheless, we are seeking an opportunity effectively to bolster his confidence in the US. Sihanouk’s reassertion of his domestic political power as the new “Chief of State”, a recently reported reconciliation with his family, and his forthcoming rest cure in France may serve to calm his emotional agitation.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/6–1860. Secret. Drafted by Askew and cleared in draft by Cleveland, Anderson, and Sidney Sober.↩
- See footnote 3, supra.↩
- Reported in telegram 1626 from Phnom Penh, June 16. (Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/6–1660; included in the microfiche supplement)↩