196. Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Plans of the Central Intelligence Agency (Karamessines) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)1

SUBJECT

  • Further Developments Concerning the Plans and Intentions of the Cambodian Ambassador to the United Nations
[Page 648]
1.
I am forwarding for your attention the following recent information concerning Huot Sambath, the Cambodian Ambassador to the United Nations, whom you have agreed to meet informally.
2.
According to [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] educator with whom this Agency is in touch, Ambassador Sambath returned to New York from France on 25 February 1970. Sambath stated he had several conversations with Prince Sihanouk and his advisers. When informed of your agreement to meet Sambath, the Prince expressed his pleasure and instructed Sambath to proceed. In describing this development, Sambath told [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] educator: “We have diplomatic relations of a sort but we want friendly relations as well.”
3.
On 27 February, Ambassador Sambath prevailed upon [less than 1 line of source text not declassified], to telephone the White House to request an appointment. Although [name not declassified] stressed his personal reluctance to become involved in a governmental affair, Sambath argued that his English proficiency is poor and he did not desire to rely upon members of his office staff for fear the matter would become known at the United Nations and among employees of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [1½ lines of source text not declassified]
4.
When he telephoned the White House, [name not declassified] eventually was put in touch with Mr. Young of your office. It was agreed the appointment would be set sometime during the period 1–6 April2 and that the precise date would be fixed after further consultation on 23–25 March. [2 lines of source text not declassified] During his visit to Washington Sambath will also call upon Senator Mansfield, Senator Fulbright, Congressman Zablocki and Mr. Robert McNamara. The purpose of these visits is not known at this time.

[2 paragraphs (24 lines of source text) not declassified]

TH Karamessines
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 84, Kissinger Office Files, Country Files, Far East, Cambodia, Sambath [Cambodian Ambassador to United Nations]. Secret; Eyes Only.
  2. A marginal note reads: “set lunch 6th April.”