Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXVII, Mainland Southeast Asia; Regional Affairs

141. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk¹

Washington, July 29, 1964.

SUBJECT

• Mr. McConeʼs Letter to you of July 23, 1964

Discussion

Mr. McConeʼs letter (Tab B) states that it would be worthwhile to follow up on the channel to Sihanouk which [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] has developed and therefore suggested that he call upon you, Governor Harriman or me and that he be authorized to report on such a meeting in a letter to Sihanouk. Mr. McCone suggested further that in his letter to Sihanouk [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] could convey his “impressions” as being views derived from this meeting and other contacts since his return to Washington. Although we agree that [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] might provide a useful second channel of communication, we should avoid developing what might turn into an alternative channel of communication outside the normal diplomatic framework. If Ambassador Kidderʼs mission is to be a success, the Prince should be convicted that his contacts with Ambassador Kidder provide the best means of contact with the US Government.

Although we see considerable merit in providing Sihanouk with an occasional channel of communication through [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] we do not favor the development of an alternative channel to Ambassador Kidder.

Recommendation

1. That I see [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] and that his contacts in the Department be confined within the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs.²

2. If you approve, that you sign the attached letter to Mr. McCone. (Tab A)³

Tab B

Washington, July 23, 1964.

Letter From Director of Central Intelligence McCone to Secretary of State Rusk

[2 pages of source text not declassified.]

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL CAMB–US. Secret. Drafted by Hirschfeld and cleared by Trueheart.
2. See Document 144.
3. In this brief draft letter, attached but not printed, Rusk thanked McCone for his letter of July 23 and the “useful proposals.” He welcomed William Bundy speaking with [text not declassified] in the expectation that the results of their talk would be transmitted to Sihanouk.