Office of the Historian

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

Washington, July 21, 1958—8:22 p.m.

69. Your 106.2 You should seek immediate appointment Sihanouk and referring to persistent reports from several sources RKG diplomatic recognition Red China ask him whether reports correct. If he fails deny, you should express this Government’s concern, drawing once again on such portions Deptel 363 as you desire. You should in addition remind Sihanouk decision affects whole area Southeast Asia and is of concern to all his neighbors as well as friends elsewhere, including US. You should add that we fear his action would foreclose possibility early settlement Cambodia–Viet-Nam border and other outstanding problems. Viet-Nam has had to fight for its life against Communists to north and Diem who has faced great odds in past could hardly be expected to come to terms with Cambodia just after latter’s recognition its mortal enemy.

If subsequent this conversation you believe Sihanouk persisting in decision to recognize you should seek audience with King and Queen to insure US viewpoint thoroughly understood at Palace. We leave to [Page 240] your discretion extent to which you should also inform other leading Cambodians.4

If you are queried as to what steps US will take in event Cambodian recognition ChiComs you should state that in view gravity this problem and repercussions for area in general, US will not precipitate action without considering all relevant factors. US thoroughly conversant with and fully understands Cambodia’s policy of neutrality and has no desire interfere in policy of genuine neutrality which Cambodia considers calculated preserve its independence. Recognition ChiComs at this time appears step away from such neutrality and likely create new controversy without settling old ones in which Cambodia involved with neighbors.

Department will consider possibility consultation depending on developments but inclined believe value your presence Phnom Penh likely be overriding.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793.02/7–2158. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Parsons, cleared by SEA, and approved by Robertson. Repeated niact to Saigon, priority to CINCPAC for POLAD, and to Bangkok, Vientiane, Hong Kong, and Taipei.↩
  2. In telegram 106, July 21, Strom reported he had asked to see Sihanouk urgently in an attempt to “head off” Cambodian recognition of the People’s Republic of China. He noted that rumors abounded in Phnom Penh of the imminent recognition of China. (Ibid.,)↩
  3. Supra.↩
  4. According to telegram 117 from Phnom Penh, July 22, Sihanouk announced during his Kampot speech of July 21 before the Cabinet, half of the National Assembly, and 1,000 local residents, that Cambodia would recognize China. (Department of State, Central Files, 793.03/7–2258) In light of this information, the Department instructed the Embassy in Phnom Penh, in telegram 73 to Phnom Penh, July 22, to cancel the meeting with Sihanouk. “Appears here nothing can be gained by providing Sihanouk opportunity expound RKG recognition Red China at meeting you requested in effort prevent such action.” (Ibid., 793.02/7–2258)↩