16. Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency1

RPM 77–10243

SUBJECT

  • Human Rights Violations in Cambodia

1. Our information on the harsh policies of the communist regime in Cambodia comes almost entirely from refugees. While their accounts undoubtedly are somewhat exaggerated, there have been enough reports from diverse groups over a period of time to provide a mosaic we find credible.

2. The death toll from war, executions, and disease is impossible to calculate. It is doubtful that even the Phnom Penh regime has a remotely accurate figure. Estimates by journalists and scholars range from half a million to 1.2 million deaths since the communist take-over in April 1975. Although there were widespread executions among selected sectors of society—members of the former government and armed forces and well educated professionals—most of the deaths were from the extreme privation caused by the massive relocation of the population in initial post-war period.

3. By the end of the first year of communist rule, Cambodian life had settled down into the spartan and rigidly disciplined mold imposed by the new rulers in Phnom Penh. The population shifts appeared to be completed with the populace resettled in agricultural communes. In the past year there have been few reports of executions other than those related to attempted escapes across the Thai border or political discord within the communist organization.

4. Although our information is sketchy, a purge apparently took place in northwestern Cambodia this past spring, the first we have heard of since the communist regime came to power. According to reports from refugees and defectors, there were mass arrests of party and military leaders in March and April. Many officials, accused of being Thai or American agents, were said to have been executed.

5. A wrap-up on conditions in Cambodia after a year of communist rule was produced in CIA about a year ago.2 Since conditions appear to have changed very little since then, we have attached a copy of that article, which you may find useful.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Support Services (DI), Job 80T00071A: Production Case Files, Box 9, Folder 6: Human Rights Violations in Cambodia. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. Drafted in the Directorate of Intelligence.
  2. Attached but not printed is a June 29, 1976, paper entitled “Cambodia: The First Year.”