Office of the Historian

141. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand1

Washington, June 24, 1960—10:06 p.m.

3136. Phnom Penh’s 1656 being repeated Canberra by Department.2 For Bangkok and Saigon.

Suggest you approach host government soonest along following lines, unless you perceive objection:

a.
US believes RKG’s confidential circular reported reftel warrants serious consideration all interested governments, irrespective whether accusations therein well-founded, particularly view diplomatic nature approach in lieu usual publicized charges. Failure of RTG and GVN to respond with positive assurance, or possible occurrence minor border incident, might be taken by RKG as excuse invoke formal expression [Page 372] ChiCom protection, e.g. military assistance or border guarantee pact. US regards situation Cambodia as extremely delicate and meriting utmost care and discretion of all countries with stake in area to guard interests of free world in SEA.
b.
We believe this represents opportunity for RTG (GVN) again officially to disassociate itself from any Cambodian rebel activity that may be taking place its territory.
c.
Accordingly we urge RTG (GVN) reiterate to RKG in dignified and firm manner its disapproval any such activity directed against Cambodia and its readiness cooperate in suppression any illegal activity especially in sensitive border areas. This might be accompanied by renewed expression of opposition to any activities tending threaten peace, of wish to continue friendly relations with Cambodia and of readiness discuss in diplomatic channels any problems in such relations. RTG (GVN) may wish add it deplores position taken by RKG that such activity, which RTG (GVN) does not condone, should constitute aggression. Suggest you urge that despite admittedly offensive tone of RKG circular, RTG (GVN) reply not be used as vehicle engage in polemics which might provoke RKG further or detract from dignified tone of response.
d.
US proposes inform RKG that US strongly disapproves of any rebel activity against RKG from foreign territories.

Subject your concurrence Department proposes inform UK, French, and Australian representatives Washington of foregoing US approaches and suggest their governments may wish make similar representations to Thai and Vietnamese. Advise soonest. See separate Deptel re proposed démarches to RKG.3

For Bangkok:

Believe discussion reported your 35284 constitutes appropriate prelude for démarche suggested above.

For Vientiane:

Believe RLG response to circular also would be desirable. Accordingly suggest your discretion you discuss subject with RLG noting we perceive considerable value in reassuring Cambodians and suggesting RLG might wish, while not acknowledging charges in circular applicable to Laos, reassure Cambodia of its good will and readiness take any necessary steps preclude use its territory for rebel activities.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/6–2260. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Askew; cleared by SEA, BNA, WE, and SPA; and approved by Steeves. Also sent priority to Saigon and Vientiane and repeated priority to Phnom Penh and to Paris, London, Canberra, and CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
  2. See footnote 3, Document 139.↩
  3. In telegram 1147 to Phnom Penh, June 24, the Department instructed Moore to assure the Cambodian Foreign Minister “in most categoric terms of firm US opposition to any rebel activities directed against RKG from foreign countries.” The United States was prepared to consult with Cambodia on the nature of such an alleged threat. Less formally, Moore was to express surprise that Cambodia felt endangered as the United States was unaware of any threat; furthermore, Moore should state that Cambodia’s neighbors might consider the June 20 circular “offensive.” (Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/6–2260)↩
  4. In telegram 3528, June 23, the Chargé in Bangkok reported that he had discussed the Cambodian circular of June 20 with Acting Foreign Minister Boon Chafoenchai. (Ibid., 751H.00/6–2360)↩