Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume X, Vietnam, January 1973–July 1975

215. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cambodia ¹

Washington, April 10, 1975, 1629Z.

81634. Subject: E&E. Ref: Phnom Penh 6105 and 6093.²

1. On the basis of your recommendation you are instructed to evacuate without delay (early am April 11 if possible) all Americans and others for whom we are responsible, including as many Khmer as possible under the circumstances. You should try to do so by use of fixed wing aircraft in manner you judge best. You should not rpt not call for Eagle Pull phase III unless in your judgment there is no other way to protect American lives.

2. As you know your first priority is to get Americans out safely, and then as many Khmer as possible. The latter of course have numerous GKR aircraft at their disposal.

3. We have noted your latest conversation with Saukham Khoy and his plans for ending the war in a humane way.³ If you believe that you and a handful of your staff should stay a while longer in order to help GKR through their last days you are authorized to do so. This should not be done at risk to you, your staff, or those Khmer whom you can get out with you.

4. Please inform us by Flash message of your plans.

Kissinger

1. Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 4, Cambodia, State Department Telegrams, From SECSTATE, Nodis (3). Secret; Nodis; Flash. Drafted by Miller, EA; approved by Kissinger. Repeated to Bangkok, Saigon, CINCPAC, and COMUSSAG NKP Thailand.
2. The Embassy reported on the Cambodian military situation in telegram 6105 from Phnom Penh, April 10. In telegram 6093 from Phnom Penh, April 10, Dean recommended that Operation Eagle Pull be initiated no later than April 12. He then reported on the military situation around Phnom Penh. (Both in National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files)
3. Dean reported on the meeting in telegram 6094 from Phnom Penh, April 10. (Ibid.)