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

146. Telegram From the Embassy in Cambodia to the Department of State¹

Phnom Penh, September 3, 1960—2 p.m.

270. CINCPAC for POLAD. Department pouch London and Paris.

1. Because of ceremonies incident to King’s cremation and Soviet hospital inauguration, unable have interview with Sihanouk until September 2. He friendly and while nervous at start, gradually relaxed as conversation, which lasted for minute,² proceeded. Opened by expressing pleasure return Cambodia and privilege being present funeral services his father for whom I had great respect and affection. Sihanouk responded by welcoming me back and alluding to late King’s warm regard for me. Continued that I had encountered great interest in Cambodia in Washington,³ recognizing material progress made since independence, and understanding of its foreign policy. Reaffirmed desire USG assist Cambodia in maintaining its independence and national integrity and respect its neutrality policy.

2. Sihanouk replied he convinced sympathetic understanding of President. Regretted however misapprehensions in “certain great Western newspapers” re nature RKG neutrality, which they sought depict as one of oscillation and pro-East bias. This incorrect. RKG desires first and foremost maintain national independence and continue peaceful development of country. Believes this best attained by pursuing course strict neutrality with friendship for all. Facts are what count and progress country has made and its internal stability evidence that RKG on right course. He also fully aware that if Cambodia swung to left, it would lose independence.

3. I then gave Sihanouk President’s letter, which he read with obvious pleasure as indicated by statement he would like immediately release it to press and also read message over radio.

4. I next underscored our desire for good relations between Cambodia and neighbors and continuing efforts bring this about. I expressed satisfaction improvement which appears to have taken place in recent months and prospects further progress. Sihanouk agreed atmosphere better, mentioning forthcoming talks with RTG at UNGA designed to resolve outstanding differences other than Temple dispute, which “not agenda question as now in hands ICJ.” Stated Defense Minister Lon Nol and Cambodian Ambassador Bangkok Ty Kim Sour would assist Son Sann in negotiations. RKG wishes similar rapprochement with GVN and looking forward negotiations at Saigon. He recalled this connection efforts he had made August 1959 during visit there. I said it impression US Ambassadors Saigon and Bangkok that both GVN and RTG sincerely desired improve relations with Cambodia.

5. I expressed gratification Thai-Cambodian press truce and called attention commendable restraint Vietnamese press in recent months. Sihanouk said he aware and appreciated VN attitude. While Vietnam press at times criticizes Cambodia, as indeed Cambodian press does Vietnam, it carefully abstains personal attacks. Unfortunately same could not be said for Thai press which had carried on campaign vilification and lies. I remarked recent improvement in relations with neighbors clearly demonstrated efficacy conducting foreign relations through establishment diplomatic channels and avoiding limelight of publicity. He indicated agreement.

6. Turning subject additional military aid, I said as I previously informed Foreign Minister Tep Phan we prepared initiate discussions any time and therefore only awaiting RKG give signal. Continued that discussions regarding equipment of police had taken place technical level between Ministry Surface Defense and USOM, but thus far in those between Generals Chase and Lon Nol specific equipment requirements had not been introduced. Sihanouk replied police requirements of lesser importance and moreover technical level talks had proceeded satisfactorily. On other hand, it General Lon Nol’s impression Chase awaiting some further authority conduct discussions re military equipment. In circumstances he thought advisable send Lon Nol, together with Son Sann and Nong Kimny, to Washington for talks with Defense and Department.

Comment: (In separate conversation today Lon Nol told Chase he had just received instructions from Prince to proceed to US and expected go within next ten days.) I said there evidently misunderstanding as Chase prepared discuss details FARK needs any time. However if it Sihanouk’s desire Lon Nol visit Washington, I sure he would be welcome there.

7. Sihanouk continued that FARK request would be “modest”. Not RKG’s intention build up large armed forces but merely modernize those already existent, particularly in fields transportation, aviation and communications. RKG obviously has no aggressive designs on neighbors but wishes be in posture defend itself and maintain internal law and order. He cited latter connection need ARV [ARVN?] be in position effectively to deal with Viet Minh and Hoa Hao bands.

8. I stressed importance arms discussions be conducted on confidential basis. Sihanouk said he in full agreement as indicated by fact subject had not been mentioned in Cambodian press in recent weeks.

9. Recalling Prince’s interest public health, I said USOM elaborating plans establish small health center Takeo and also Medico to set up clinic Ratanakiri Province. Added it my impression need even greater now than some months ago as result transfer provincial medical personnel to Phnom Penh to staff Soviet aid hospital.

10. Sihanouk replied I entirely correct and RKG would greatly appreciate additional American doctors. Even more important was need technological school where young Cambodians could be trained in engineering, communications and other scientific and technological subjects. At present RKG forced send students Paris from whence 8 out of 10 return as Communists. Same true those studying Belgium. They present dire danger to country for while professing to be nationalists their allegiance actually lies elsewhere. During period Son Ngoc Thanh/Sam Sary threat they ostensibly rallied to Prince, but now “this no longer meaningful” they attacking him and government and cooperating with foreign elements, including specifically Viet Minh. His efforts win them back unsuccessful and they would like “boot me out” (me foutent). On other hand, Cambodian students who study in US, while pro-American, are first and foremost Cambodians. Indeed of 30-odd who have been there, only one has become more American then Cambodian. Quoting Cambodian proverb to effect that greatest respects of youth are for father, mother, and teacher, Sihanouk said this illustrated great admiration students Kompong Kantuot Teachers’ Training Institute have for American faculty advisors and those at Royal School Medicine for French instructors and professors. Similar good influence on youth would result from US staffing proposed technological institution, a development which would be direct interest both our countries. Malcolm Macdonald, he added, had felt idea a good one. He therefore urged USG, possibly in collaboration with Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, give favorable consideration to project, including assistance to RKG in financing construction costs. Indeed he attached so much importance to idea that he intended mention it in reply to President’s letter.

11. At conclusion conversation Sihanouk said he leaving for France “next few days” and expected be patient in Clinic Grasse for at least month. Did not mention what further travel plans he had in mind, nor did I consider advisable raise matter. Similarly thought best not question him on reports his desire retire from public life.

12. Our comments on various items raised by Sihanouk will follow in separate messages.⁴

Trimble

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/9–360. Confidential. Repeated to Saigon, Bangkok, CINCPAC, and Vientiane.
2. As on the source text; obviously the conversation was longer than a minute.

3. According to the President’s Daily Appointment Book, Trimble met with Eisenhower on July 19 from 2:50 to 2:57 p.m. at Newport, Rhode Island. (Princeton University Library) No record of their conversation has been found, but a briefing memorandum of July 13, prepared in SEA, was sent to Eisenhower by Herter. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.51H/7–1360; included in the microfiche supplement)

   At the Department of State’s suggestion, a proposed letter from Eisenhower to Sihanouk was included with the July 13 memorandum for the President. In the letter, which was approved by the White House and pouched to the Embassy in Phnom Penh on August 3, Eisenhower expressed regret that he was unable to visit Cambodia during his midyear trip to the Far East. The President also assured Sihanouk that the United States respected Cambodia’s decision to be neutral in foreign policy and congratulated Sihanouk on becoming Chief of State of Cambodia.

4. In telegram 318 from Phnom Penh, September 15, the Embassy supported Sihanouk’s idea of a technological institute under U.S. sponsorship. (Department of State, Central Files, 751H.00/9–1460)