Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXIII, Southeast Asia

107. Telegram From the Embassy in Cambodia to the Department of State⁰

Phnom Penh, July 2, 1963, 6 p.m.

9. Embtel 4.¹Sihanouk’s July 1 statements on neutrality proposals indicate they have been indefinitely and perhaps permanently shelved. Action may have resulted from fruitless attempts to weave objections and “counter-proposals” of potential signatories into original document. This analysis shared by British Chargé, who states he had earlier obtained from independent source confirmation Cambodians have been engaged in reworking draft. (Sambath intimated to me last night he had no foreknowledge of Prince’s July 1 speech and avoided comment on subject.) In view foregoing we see no need for US, UK and French counterdrafts designed forestall fresh Cambodian initiative on neutrality proposals.

Points worth noting in Sihanouk’s remarks on proposals were continued praise of French (despite fact objections he described as gutting proposals were advanced in de Gaulle letter), obvious identification of US and India as chief obstructionists, and specific reference to RDVN “guarantee” of Cambodian frontiers. Sihanouk evidently still pursuing policy of seeking commit Hanoi to respect Cambodian borders through his own statements in absence clear-cut commitment from RDVN itself. Renewed emphasis on frontier issue, in respect both Thailand and Vietnam indicative of importance Sihanouk attaches to it. “Counter-proposals” cited by Sihanouk must refer de Gaulle’s substitution of “consultations” for “guarantees” and possibly included paper passed to Nong Kimny by French last February (Paris 4122 to Department).²

We still convinced over course of events in Laos and South Vietnam primary factor shaping Sihanouk’s assessment of threat to Cambodia. His concern over Cambodian borders reinforces this view. With abandonment neutrality proposals (which justified as having served purpose of distinguishing true friends from false) stepped-up effort to assure Cambodian survival by means different formula not unlikely. Renewed appeal for Asian conference, stressed by Sihanouk in different section July 1 speech, one possibility.³

Sprouse

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27–13 CAMB. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Bangkok, London, Moscow, New Delhi, Ottawa, Paris, Saigon, Vientiane, USUN, and CINCPACPOLAD.
1. In telegram 4, July 1, the Embassy sent a translation of remarks by Sihanouk to the National Congress on July 1 concerning his neutrality proposal. (Ibid.)
2. Not found.
3. The Department agreed in telegram 9 to Phnom Penh, July 2, that Sihanouk’s statement obviated the need for any further Western effort on neutrality proposals. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 27–13 CAMB)