Office of the Historian

18. Telegram From the Embassy in Cambodia to the Department of State1

Phnom Penh, September 27, 1958—2 p.m.

401. Reference my G–40,2 Department telegram 216,3 and memorandum conversation Kellogg with Australian Minister Stuart, dated August 12, Part 3.4

I have just received from Stuart extract memorandum conversation Sihanouk with Plimsoll, Assistant Secretary Australian Department External Affairs, dated March 21, 1956.5 Memorandum makes clear that Sihanouk stated specifically he “not anti-SEATO” and that if Cambodia were attacked by Communists “Sihanouk hoped Cambodia would have SEATO help.” Sihanouk and Plimsoll agreed that if SEATO did not make statements re importance SEATO protection to Cambodia, Cambodia would not attack SEATO, and that “less said by either side the better.”

On September 24 Cambodian National Radio broadcast “editorial” attacking Thailand calls Thai government “puppets entirely sold to foreign imperialists which are carrying on ridiculous anti-Communist campaign.” Editorial then refers to foreign imperialists as “undertaking their policy of war in Asia under form of SEATO.” While I still agree probably undesirable to raise question SEATO with SIHANOUK, above information supplied in case matter is raised either with Prince or Son Sann.6

Strom
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.5/9–2758. Confidential. Repeated to Bangkok.↩
  2. included in the microfiche supplement.↩
  3. Not printed.↩
  4. Not found.↩
  5. Transmitted to the Department as the attachment to despatch 113 from Phnom Penh, September 29. (Department of State, Central Files, 790.5/9–2958)↩
  6. Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia.↩