158. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) to President Johnson1

SUBJECT

  • The Weekʼs Developments in Asia

There follows a summary of significant developments in Asia during the past week. Information classifications are given in brackets.

[Here follows information on Vietnam.]

Cambodia

The departure of Sihanouk from Cambodia for three months will likely mean a lull in Cambodian diplomatic initiatives. However, he will probably continue his soundings in various capitals, notably Moscow and Peiping, regarding international guarantees of Cambodiaʼs territory. He is currently undergoing medical treatment in France. The French report some Cambodian annoyance with the Chinese for frequently ignoring their position and making them feel their small power status. Paris warns, however, that this doesnʼt imply any willingness on the part of the Cambodians to move closer to the West. They still see in the Chinese their only friend in a hostile regional sea.

[Here follows information on Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, Okinawa, Japan, and Chinese representation at the United Nations.]

  • CLC
  • McGB
  1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, McGeorge Bundy, Vol. XV. Confidential. There is an indication on the source text that the President saw it.