751H.00/7–153: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy at Saigon1
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8. AP, UP and Reuters press reports state French have reinforced Phnom Penh with African and Vietnamese troops and these units now [Page 627] confront Cambodian forces set by King to guard public buildings. Reports mobilization Cambodia most disturbing. Potentialities this situation obvious and could endanger entire anti-Communist defense Southeast Asia.
If Saigon and Phnom Penh confirm reports and unless Chiefs Mission perceive strong objection on basis unreported facts, Ambassador Heath and Dillon should make earliest inquiries Prime Ministers or Foreign Ministers Cambodia and France, stating concern lest incidents might develop. In addition to natural distaste with which we would view such developments we would expect extensive adverse reaction by United States Congress and press since adversaries largely equipped with arms supplied by United States for anti-Communist purpose. Outbreak hostilities between France and Cambodia would greatly complicate understanding of issues Indochina in this country. Without prejudice to rights either party or merits case, we trust every possible measure prudence will be developed and enjoined by responsible authorities on local commanders.
Should be pointed out that new government France must be allowed make examination of case and negotiations still current. Desirability and feasibility earliest possible conference between Prime Ministers and high level French representative, perhaps cabinet member with full authority, might also be investigated.
Heath authorized at discretion to fly Siem Reap present this argument to King if he feels visit necessary make it register. Inform Department soon as possible in this event as we contemplate release information démarche being made in Paris and Siem Reap.
French authorities Paris-Saigon as well as King should know identic démarche being made both in Indochina and France.
It occurs to us here that possible alleviating measures might be removal African and Vietnamese troops outside Phnom Penh, with prior evacuation French inhabitants if necessary, replacement of troops with white French or non-Vietnamese police, drawn from Saigon if necessary, and conciliatory public statements both sides, including French officials. Views Embassies requested as to value specific recommendation this nature being made by United States Government.
It is view here trend of situation may have gone beyond power of King to control or to reverse; in this situation hope French will demonstrate greatest patience to avoid provocative measures. As for United States, if situation as reported exists, we fear chain reaction which would render vastly more difficult achievement of valid French Union and defense Free World interests Southeast Asia.
- Drafted by John I. Getz of PSA. Also sent to Paris as telegram 15 and to Phnom Penh as telegram 2.↩