90. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Denmark and the Philippines1
165750. Copenhagen for Asst Sec Holbrooke; Manila for DAS Negroponte. Subject: Vietnamese Attack Across Thai/Kampuchean Border.
Following is memo that was sent to the Acting Secretary early morning June 232 on the Vietnamese attack across Thai/Kampuchean border:
We have talked to Mort Abramowitz on the telephone this morning about the reported Thai border crossing by Vietnamese troops early Monday3 morning, Bangkok time. He confirms early reports that approximately 200 Vietnamese soldiers, perhaps a company, came into Muk Mun, one of the border Khmer refugee encampments, and were subsequently repulsed by Thai troops. A half dozen or more soldiers were reportedly killed on both sides and perhaps also some of the refugees and Thai civilians. There are a number of reports that Khmer refugees in the border encampments have moved into Thailand to escape shelling.
Mort said that there are also reports of an attack at another border encampment, Nong Chan, where there has been a major cross border feeding operation for some months, and where in recent days the Thai have begun voluntary repatriation to Kampuchea of several hundred Khmer. Details regarding this attack are very sketchy. Some Vietnamese may remain in this area.
Mort emphasized that the situation is very unclear and that reports he is getting from Thai military sources and our own Embassy people in the vicinity of the border are conflicting. He could not judge Vietnamese [Page 329] motives as yet, but speculated that the Vietnamese may be seeking to eliminate some Khmer Seri units, with whom they have had a number of recent skirmishes. Alternatively, the attack may be designed to halt voluntary repatriation efforts. Interestingly, there have not as yet been any cross border attacks south of Aranyaprathet where Khmer Rouge units are located.
Mort reports that Bangkok is calm and that the Thai are saying it is all over. He is not himself sure of this, however. He will be telephoning us again later in the morning and we will keep you up to date on any important developments.