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

227. Telegram From the Embassy in India to the Department of State¹

New Delhi, January 7, 1968, 1649Z.

8080. For Secretary Rusk from Ambassador Bowles.

1. While I recognize that Cambodian border problem is a ticklish question in our relationship with Thailand and Viet-Nam, I believe it is quite possible that success or failure of our mission to Cambodia may hinge on our finding some language, however fuzzy it may be, that is acceptable to Sihanouk and which both the Thais and Vietnamese could be persuaded to live with. If this can be accomplished, a major breakthrough would be possible which could have important implications for all of Southeast Asia. Consequently, I am hopeful that our present position will be carefully re-examined and a genuine effort made to bridge the present impasse. In view of our vast investment in preserving Thailand and Viet-Namʼs independence, I believe that we are entitled to press them to take a less rigid position.

2. Please let me know how far I am authorized to go if, as I expect, this subject is raised. For instance, would it be feasible for us to state that we respect (not recognize) Cambodiaʼs borders and, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, would oppose any efforts to change them by force?²

Bowles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27–14 CAMB. Secret; Nodis. Rostow sent a copy of this telegram to the Johnson Ranch in Texas for the President as CAP 80186, January 8. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, 5E (2)a, 1/68–10/68, Cambodia)1
2. In telegram 94742 to Phnom Penh, January 8, a copy of which was also sent to the Johnson Ranch as CAP 80186, January 8, the Department responded that the position on a declaration on Cambodiaʼs borders “was carefully weighed at all levels.” The Department noted that since Sihanouk already construed the vague Australian declaration as an endorsement of his position, he would certainly do the same with a U.S. statement. Furthermore, the Department believed Sihanouk did not really expect the United States to make such a declaration. (Ibid.)