189. Telegram From the Embassy in India to the Department of State 1

1931. Subject: US-Cambodian Relations. Ref: New Delhi 336.2

1.
Cambodian Ambassador Nong Kimny asked to see me this morning in order, as it turned out, to continue the discussion of US-Cambodian relations described in reftel.
2.
Kimny opened the conversation by commenting he was glad to learn that Ambassador Harriman would be going to Cambodia to visit Prince Sihanouk.3 He volunteered information that Robert Shaplen, New [Page 413] Yorker correspondent, had brought Sihanouk a letter from Harriman when Shaplen was recently in Cambodia, and Sihanouk had replied, warmly welcoming Harriman, not only as a state guest but a personal guest of the Prince himself.4
3.
Kimny then referred to his statement in our previous conversation of three conditions for renewal of US-Cambodian diplomatic relations. He repeated these as:
A.
Recognition by US of Cambodiaʼs territorial integrity and independence;
B.
Cessation of attacks by US-Vietnamese armed forces on Cambodian territory; and
C.
Compensation for victims of past attacks.
4.
Kimny said that Prince Sihanouk was apparently now prepared defer last of these conditions for discussion after relations had been established. (Kimny had gained this impression of Sihanoukʼs new attitude from news reports of the Princeʼs statements to a group of visiting Americans; he had queried Phnom Penh for confirmation, which he hoped to have in the next two or three days and would immediately pass on to Spivack in my absence.)
5.
Questioned as to Cambodiaʼs understanding of what would constitute US recognition of Cambodian territorial integrity, Kimny replied that, in case of Vietnam, this involved recognition by US of land border as it exists de facto at present, and is accepted by people living in border areas. In addition US should recognize as rightfully belonging to Cambodia islands in Gulf of Siam off Kep and Ream.
6.
On Thai side, US should recognize Cambodiaʼs borders as defined in various treaties between Siam and French which were basis of World Court decision in Preah Vihear temple case. Kimny emphasized that Cambodia did not require that US should persuade Thai or Vietnamese Governments recognize these borders, but only that US should do so.
7.
In matter of military incursions into Cambodian territory, Kimny said that, as far as he knew, USSR had not replied to Cambodian request of June 25 for increase in size and scope of Cambodian ICC. Although Cambodia would continue to press for larger and more effective ICC, recent visits by Americans (group of seven observers led by Russell Johnson, forthcoming visits of Harriman and of three senators) would in all probability reduce need for increased ICC as witness to non-use Cambodian territory by Viet Cong; in other words fact of non-use would become clear to world without enlarged ICC.
8.
Kimny said he had wanted to have this talk with me prior to my forthcoming visit to SE Asia so that I could, while I was in Thailand and in Vietnam, judge for myself comparative degree of sincerity between Cambodians on the one hand and Thais and Vietnamese on the other in seeking better relations with each other. He also said that he hoped that Harriman would have benefit of my observations when he came to Cambodia.
9.
I told Kimny I appreciated his calling on me and that I would immediately pass on substance his comments to Washington for Governor Harrimanʼs attention. I added that I looked forward to seeing him after I returned from SE Asia to discuss my impressions.
10.
Comment: While Kimny at no point stated he was calling on me under instructions and, in fact, attributed to press reports his understanding of Sihanoukʼs views as to elimination of the requirement for compensation for past victims as a condition for renewal of relations, I do not believe he would have taken initiative to say what he did without permission from Phnom Penh. I have distinct impression Sihanouk is increasingly disposed seek to rebuild his bridges with US. If Kimnyʼs statement that relaxation of compensation condition is confirmed, I urge we seek some formula to meet Sihanoukʼs desire for recognition by US of his frontiers which will satisfy him and still be acceptable Thais and Vietnamese, even if we have to use a little friendly pressure with latter two.
11.
Having been rebuffed by Soviets in matter of expansion of ICC, Sihanouk seems to be trying to move off that limb and may now be calculating that presence of US Mission in Phnom Penh may provide most effective group of observers he is likely to get to bolster his assertions that no Viet Cong using his territory.
Bowles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 17 CAMB–US. Secret.
  2. See footnote 2, Document 187.
  3. In a memorandum to Rostow, July 18, Harriman reported that according to reports from the Australian Embassy, Sihanouk had reacted well to the letter from Harriman and suggested that he come to Cambodia in September. Harriman thought that the President would be interested since “he asked that we undertake to get in touch with Sihanouk.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt W. Rostow, Vol. IX) Harrimanʼs letter has not been found.
  4. Shaplenʼs report of his trip, which Rostow sent to the President on July 22, was transmitted in telegram 1633 from Saigon, July 22. (Ibid.)