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1555794
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Cambodia - President Lon Nol
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1555794
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document
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Cambodia - President Lon Nol
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This file contains material relating to Lon Nol.
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Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders (Ford Administration)
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
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1975-06-30
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1975
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1974-10-01
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1974
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The original documents are located in Box 1, folder "Cambodia - President Lon Nol" of the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. NSC 4133 IC NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL October 1, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. GEORGE S. SPRINGSTEEN Executive Secretary Department of State SUBJECT: Presidential ltrs to Lon Nol and Um Sim REFERENCE: The attached document is transmitted for additional processing/forwarding as may be required. The Lon Nol letter is to sent to Amb. Um Sim for further forwarding. a FORD for JEANNE W. DAVIS Staff Secretary GERALD Digitized from Box 1 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 1, 1974 Dear Mr. Ambassador: Thank you for your letter of September 16 transmitting President Lon Nol's letter of September 8. I would appreciate your sending my reply to him at your earliest opportunity. May I also express my appreciation for your kind words regarding my country's assistance to Cambodia. Sincerely, Herald R. Ford FORD LIBRARY & GERALD His Excellency Um Sim Ambassador of the Khmer Republic 4500 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D. C. 20011 4133 1 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 1, 1974 Dear Mr. President: Your letter of September 8 regarding the Khmer credentials issue at the United Nations General Assembly reached the White House on the day of my address before that body in New York. The kind words you wrote of my country's support for Cambodia were most appreciated. I fully share your concern over the serious effects of the credentials challenge. I wish to assure you of our continuing and full support, not only on this issue but in the search for a peaceful solution to the tragic wai in Cambodia. As I stated at the General Assembly with reference to Indochina, "Peace cannot be imposed from without, but we will do whatever is within our capacity to help achieve it. " In closing, I wish to renew my expression of ad- miration for your leadership and that of your Gov- ernment in the courageous determination of the Khmer people to achieve a just peace. GREATO a. FORD ABRAAT Sincerely, Herald R. 7d His Excellency Marshal of the Khmer Armies Lon Nol President of the Khmer Republic Phnom Penh Dispatched to State 10/1/14 paf II C(c) NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL At September 25, 1974 MEMO FOR: PAUL THEIS FROM: KEN QUINN Please clear the attached draft letters to President Lon Nol of Cambodia and the Cambodian Ambassador Um Sim from President Ford. Thank you. FORD (Please call Pat on x4966 to pick up when cleared) jummin LE PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE KHMERE Phnom-Penh, le 8 SEPTEMBRE 1974 Monsieur le Président, Je voudrais tout d'abord vous remercier tout particulièrement des aimables paroles et déclarations très rassurantes que Votre Excellence a bien voulu prononcer à l'endroit de la République Khmère au lendemain même de la prise de vos hautes et délicates fonctions de Président des Etats-Unies d'Amérique. Qu'il me soit permis cependant, Excellence, de vous faire part, à la veille de l'ouverture des travaux de la 29ème session de l'Assemblée Générale de l'ONU, de mes sérieuses préoccupations sur la perspective et l'issue de la lutte politique et diplomatique très serrée que nous allons mener ensemble pour faire triompher la Justice et le Droit devant cette Haute Instance Internationale Votre Excellence l'a déjà su, et mieux que quiconque, qu'au stade où nous en sommes, l'issue de cette bataille commune serait hasardeuse et pourrait nous être fatale à la moindre erreur ou défaillance de notre part. En effet, Vous en conviendriez avec moi que nos adversaires vont tout mettre en oeuvre, y compris les basses et calomnieuses manoeuvres, pour abattre la République Khmère à l'ONU et installer au siège de ses Représentants légitimes ceux du gouvernement en exil du Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Son Excellence Monsieur GERALD FORD Président des Etats-Unis d'Amérique WASHINGTON 2. 2 Le temps travaillant contre eux, nos adversaires vont certainement multiplier leurs efforts et intrigues de toutes sortes pour en finir avec nous à la présente session. Certes, si le pire était arrivé à notre siège à l'ONU, c'en aurait été fait de la justice, du Droit et de tous les principes fondamentaux de la Charte des Nations Unies sur lesquels s'appuient l'ensemble des Nations démocratiques et libre, et ç'aurait été le commencement de la fin même de l'ONU qui est une noble organisation pour laquelle la puissante et vaillante nation américaine a beaucoup fait pour la mettre sur pied et la consolider depuis bientôt 30 ans. Il serait peut-être superflu de rappeler ici toutes les innombrables activités et interventions que les Etats Unis d'Amérique amis ont entreprises - et vont encore entreprendre, en faveur de la République Khmère, tant auprès de l'ONU qu'auprès des autres pays amis. Le peuple khmer tout entier, par ma voix, leur exprime une nouvelle fois sa très profonde reconnaissance. Mais devant la détermination de l'adversaire et des partisans d'accaparer coûte que coûte notre siège à la présente session de l'ONU, et devant la gravité du désastre qu'aurait entrainé au Droit, à la Sécurité et à la bonne harmonie internationales, l'expulsion éventuelle de notre délégation de cette Haute Instance Internationale je me fais un impérieux devoir de faire appel spécialement à Votre Excellence, Illustre Leader du vaillant peuple américain pour redonner une nouvelle impulsion à nos actuels efforts concertés auprès des pays amis et de ceux qui gardent encore une attitude abstentioniste à l'égard du problème khmer, et ceci, en vue de faire triompher notre cause commune. 3. - 3 - Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le Président, les assurances de ma très haute et cordiale considération. / - Counoe Maréchal LON NOL 4133 3 JE Washington, September 16, 1974 Excellency: I have the honor to present to you the enclosed message, together with our unofficial translation from Marshal Lon Nol, President of the Khmer Republic. Taking advantage of this occasion, may I also express my most sincere thanks for the consideration and assistance you have so kindly extended to my country during this difficult period in our history. Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration. Limoin FORD & LIBRARY GERALD Um Sim Ambassador His Excellency Gerald Ford President of the United States of America White House, Washington, D.C. MEMORANDUM 4133 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON ACTION September 30. 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT FROM: HENRY A. KISSINGER HK SUBJECT: Suggested Replies to Letters to You from Khmer President Lon Nol and Khmer Ambassador Um Sim Khmer Republic President Lon Nol has written to you (Tab C) expressing appreciation for past U.S. assistance and requesting your support in the credentials fight in the United Nations. This letter was forwarded to you by Khmer Ambassador Um Sim who also wrote to thank you for U.S. aid (Tab D). I attach suggested replies from you to President Lon Nol and Ambassador Um Sim. Your reply to President Lon Nol (Tab A) states your concern over the Khmer credentials question, pledges continued U.S. support both on that question and in the search for peace, and expresses admiration for the determination of the Khmer people. Your reply to Ambassador Um Sim (Tab B) thanks him for his kind remarks and asks him to convey your letter to Lon Nol. Paul Theis has seen the draft letters and approves. RECOMMENDATION: That you sign the letters at Tabs A and B. GERALD F. FORD LIBRARY Dispatched fm WB to Pres 9/30/74 (12:25 pm) H MEMORANDUM 4133 NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION September 26, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: SECRETARY KISSINGER FROM: KENNETH M. QUINN Knul SUBJECT: Suggested Replies to Letters to the President from Khmer President Lon Nol and Khmer Ambassador Um Sim Khmer Republic President Lon Nol has written to the President (Tab C) expressing appreciation for past U.S. assistance and requesting his support in the credentials fight in the United Nations. This letter was forwarded to the President by Khmer Ambassador Um Sim who also wrote to thank the President for U.S. aid (Tab D). At Tab I is a memorandum from you to the President transmitting suggested replies to these two letters. The reply to President Lon Nol states the President's concern over the Khmer credentials question, pledges continued U.S. support both on that question and in the search for peace, and expresses admiration for the determination of the Khmer people. The reply to Ambassador Um Sim thanks him for his kind remarks and asks him to convey the President's letter to Lon Nol. Paul Theis has seen the draft letters and approves. RECOMMENDATION: That you sign the memorandum at Tab I. FORD & LIBRARY DERALO W. R. Smyser concurs. Phnom Penh, September 8, 1974 Mr. President: First I wish to thank you for your kind words and the reassuring statement on the Khmer Republic which you made the day following your assumption of the high and delicate functions of President of the United States of America. On the eve of the opening of the 29th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, allow me, Excellency, to bring to your attention my serious concern over the prospect and the outcome of the very tough diplomatic and political struggle which we will undertake together for the triumph of Justice and Right before this World Body. Your Excellency, more than anyone else, are aware that at the present stage the outcome of our common battle would be risky and even fatal for us, if there was the slight- est error or failure on our part. In fact, you would agree with me that our adversaries will deploy all out effort, in- cluding abject and calumnious manoeuvers to fight the Khmer Republic at the United Nations so that they can install in the place of its legitimate representatives those of the government- in-exile of Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Knowing that time is working against them, our adversaries will certainly multiply their efforts and set up all sorts of intrigue in order to finish with us at this present session. Indeed, if the worst were to happen to our seat at the United Nations, that would be the end of justice, right and all fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations on which lie all free and democratic nations, and the end of the United Nations itself, a noble institution which the great and valiant American nation has done so much to help create and consolidate for almost 30 years. Perhaps it would be superfluous to recall here the innumerable activities and interventions undertaken -- and will be undertaken -- by the United States of America in favor of the Khmer Republic at the United Nations as well as with friendly countries. The whole Khmer people, through my voice, once again, express a profound gratitude. However, facing the determination of the adversary and its partisans to take over at all cost our seat at the present session of the U.N., and the gravity of the disaster which might be caused to Right, Security and international good harmony by the eventual expulsion of our delegation from this World Body, FORD & GERALD LIBRARY - 2 - I feel a pressing duty to make a special appeal to Your Excellency, the Illustrious Leader of the valiant American people, to impinge a new impetus on our present concerted efforts to secure support from friendly countries as well as from countries which are still observing an uncomitted attitude toward the Khmer problem, and all this, for the triumph of our common cause. Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest and cordial consideration. OCRAAL F. FORD LIBRARY Marshal LON NOL His Excellency Gerald Ford President of the United States of America White House, Washington, D.C. S/S-7417992 NSC-4133 DEPARTMENT OF STATE Washington, D.C. 20520 September 24, 1974 UNCLASSIFIED MEMORANDUM FOR LIEUTENANT GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT THE WHITE HOUSE Subject: Draft Replies to Letters from Khmer Ambassador and President Lon Nol to President Ford Attached are suggested replies to Ambassador Um Sim of the Khmer Republic and to President Lon Nol. The first thanks the Ambassador for trans- mitting the Marshal's letter and for his kind words regarding US assistance. The second thanks Presi- dent Lon Nol for his letter regarding the forth- coming Khmer credentials issue in the UNGA and as- sures him of our full support. The President also expresses admiration for Lon Nol's leadership and the determination of the Khmer to achieve a just peace. Ambassador Um Sim's letter was a transmittal note with his added thanks for US assistance to Cambodia. Marshal Lon Nol's letter expressed ap- preciation for past US help on the Khmer creden- tials issue in the UNGA, cited this year's expected difficulties at the 29th Session and requested con- tinued assistance. Also attached are incoming letters and a trans- lation of Lon Nol's letter. George S. Springsteen Executive Secretary Attachments: 1. Draft letter to Um Sim FORD & LIBRARY with incoming of Sept. 16 2. Draft letter to Lon Nol with incoming of Sept. 8 and translation Dear Mr. President: Your letter of September 8 regarding the United Nations General Assembly reached the White House on the day of my address before that body in New York. The kind words you wrote of my country's support for yours were most appreciated. I fully share your concern over the serious effects of this challenge. Therefore, I wish to assure you of our continuing and full support, not only on this issue, but in the basic search for a peaceful solution to the tragic war in Cambodia. As I stated at the General Assembly with reference to Indochina, "Peace cannot be imposed from without, but we will do whatever is within our capacity to help achieve it. " In closing, I wish to renew.my expression of admiration for your leadership and that of your Government in the courageous determination of the Khmer people to achieve a just peace. Sincerely, His Excellency FORDO & LIBRARY 07VM30 Marshal of the Khmer Armies Lon Nol President of the Khmer Republic Phnom Penh im SUGGESTED REPLY Mr. Ambassador: Thank you for your letter of September 16 transmitting President Lon Nol's letter of Sep- tember 8. I would appreciate your sending my reply to him at your earliest opportunity. May I also express my appreciation for your kind words regarding my country's assist- ance to Cambodia. Sincerely, GERALO A. FORD CERTON His Excellency Um Sim, Ambassador of the Khmer Republic. Department of State 4133 10 Dear Mr. President: Your letter of September 8 regarding the Khmer credentials issue at the United Nations General Assembly reached the White House on the day of my address before that body in New York. The kind words you wrote of my country's support for Cambodia were most appreciated. I fully share your concern over the serious effects of the credentials challenge. I wish to assure you of our continuing and full support, not only on this issue but in the search for a peaceful solution to the tragic war is Cambodia. As I stated at the General Assembly with reference to Indochina, "Peace cannot be imposed from without, but we will do whatever is within our capacity to help achieve it." In closing, I wish to renew my expression of ad- miration for your leadership and that of your Gov- erament in the courageous determination of the Khmer people to achieve a just peace. Sincerely, FORD & LIBRARY GERALD His Excellency Marshal of the Khmer Armies Lon Nel President of the Khmer Republic Phnom Penh Revised:BS:kt:9/38/74 IL SUGGESTED REPLY Dear Mr. President: Your letter of September 8 regarding the for theoming Khmer credentials issue at the 29th United Nations General Assembly reached the White House on the day of my address before that kody the Assembly in New York. The kind words you wrote of my country's support for yours were most appreciated. Itall are your concern I also serious noted effects your ? justified preocoupation over the outcome of thes challenge. to the Khmer C Republic' credentials and the serious effect that this could have on the United Nations, it self, and on the fundamental principles of its I wish is exhibles clear. "In these Memors Therefore, allow Charter, I share these concerns and can, there- to and full fore assure you of our continuing support, not this issue only in the the context of the United Nations, but in the basic search observer Government t for a peaceful solution to the tragic war in Cambodia. As I stated at the General Assembly with refer- ence to Indochina, "Peace cannot be imposed from without, but we will do whatever is within our capacity to help achieve it." FUND & LIBRARY OF -2- In closing, I wish to renew our expression of admiration for your leadership and that of your Government in the courageous determination of the Khmer people to achieve a just peace. Sincerely, His Excellency Lon Nol, Marshal of the Khmer Armies, President of the Khmer Republic, Phnom Penh. FORD & LIBRARY OFRATO Department of State NSC #4133 THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE 7417992 REFERRAL To: Executive Secretary Date: September 17, 1974 Department of State ACTION REQUESTED X Draft reply for: President's signature. Undersigned's signature. NOTE Memorandum for use as enclosure to reply. Prompt action is essential. Direct reply. If more than 72 hours' delay is encountered, Furnish information copy. please telephone the undersigned immediately, Code 1450. Suitable acknowledgment or other appropriate handling. Basic correspondence should be returned when Furnish copy of reply, if any. draft reply, memorandum, or comment is re- quested. For your information. For comment. REMARKS: Suspense date: September 24, 1974 Description: FORD & LIBRARY GERALD X Letter: Telegram: Other: To: President Gerald Ford From: Marshal Lon Nol, President of Khmer Republic (via Amb. Um Sim) Date: September 8, 1974 Subject: re Cambodia's present position re its seat in the UN By direction of the President: Booth for JEANNE W. DAVIS (Copy to remain with correspondence) THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Dear Mr. President: Your letter of September 8 regarding the Khmer credentials issue at the United Nations General Assembly reached the White House on the day of my address before that body in New York. The kind words you wrote of my country's support for Canabodia yours were most appreciated. I fully share your concern over the serious effects of this challenge. Therefore, I wish to assure you of our continuing and full support, not only on this issue but in the search for a peaceful solution to the tragic war in Cambodia. As I stated at the General Assembly with reference to Indochina, Peace cannot be imposed from without, but we will do whatever is within our capacity to help achieve it." In closing, I wish to renew my expression of ad- miration for your leadership and that of your Gov- ernment in the courageous determination of the Khmer people to achieve a just peace. Sincerely, FORD & His Excellency Marshal of the Khmer Armies Lon Nol President of the Khmer Republic Phnom Penh 1R DOC RECD LOG NBR INITIAL ACTION o NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE Lidy , FROM: MO DA MO DA HR 09 16 9 1711 7404133 REFERENCE: CIRCLE AS APPROPRIATE TO: PRES S/S UNCLAS OG IN/OUT SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION KISSINGER + COLBY, W OTHER LOU NO FORN NODIS SCOWCROFT SCHLESINGER, J C EYES ONLY EXDIS DAVIS S CODEWORD SUBJECT: Cuck lt to June Ln Cantodias Rol TS he SENSITIVE Cambrolin dtd 8 Sept re fresent ST Preg EX SEC position INTERNAL ROUTING re AND DISTRIBUTION it ACTION pert INFO REC in ACTION the REQUIRED UN CY ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/SCOWCROFT FOR MEMO FOR HAK ( ) STAFF FAR EAST SECRETARY Stearman MEMO FOR PRES ( ) REPLY FOR ( ) SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA APPROPRIATE ACTION ( ) DISTRIBUTION/INITIAL ACTION ASGMT MID EAST / NO. AFRICA / so. ASIA MEMO TO ( ) EUROPE / CANADA RECOMMENDATIONS ( ) LATIN AMERICA REFER JOINT MEMO TO State UNITED NATIONS dropt ) FOR: ) ECONOMIC ANY ACTION NECESSARY? ) SCIENTIFIC CONCURRENCE ( ) PROGRAM ANALYSIS DUE DATE: 9-24 NSC PLANNING COMMENTS: (INCLUDING SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS) CONGRESSIONAL OCEANS POLICY Index: Un Sim INTELLIGENCE Downton, D DATE FROM TO S Seel State SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED 7417992 (OR TAKEN): CY TO 9/24 7/24 Stealman Memo for has 10-1 SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS 9/26 Quin S Forward to HAK 9/26 HOK x Thes to sgn lts to ConNol et al (9/30) 9/30 Pres P sgn Has to Los Nol & Um Sim 10/01 F Pus sgd ltrs to Lon nol & Un Sim FORD SPECIAL X DISPOSITION: a DISPATC STATE per Stearmar CY RQMTS: SEE BOVE PLUS: NSC/S DISP INSTR NOTIFY & DATE BY OCT 04 1974 MICROFILM & FILE 10Pm ROMITS CRT ID: SA SF SUSPENSE CROSS REF CY W/ ATTACHED: 1403958 CLOSE OPEN paf ARM HP NS FOLDER: WH EP PA DY ( NBC-74-21 533-147 ) 2c MEMORANDUM 3684 NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL June 6, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: GENERAL SCOWCROFT FROM: Jeanne W. Dav: SUBJECT: Letter to Lon Nol Lon Nol has written the President the letter at Tab B in which he describes the situation in Cambodia and requests that he be allowed to continue medical treatment at Tripler. State Department has prepared the draft response at Tab A in which we concur. I am uncertain, however, as to who should sign the letter on behalf of the President. I do not believe the President should write to a deposed President, yet signature by Roland Elliott on behalf of the President seems too much of a come-down. One solution would be to have someone at State, possibly Phil Habib, answer on behalf of the President. Or, you may wish to sign the letter. Your guidance is requested. RECOMMENDATION: That you indicate your preference as to who should sign the reply to former President Lon Nol. Prepare a letter for the President's signature Prepare the letter for Roland Elliott's signature P. FORD LIBRARY Prepare the letter for my signature Remand to State for signature by Habib BD Other 2A NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506 3864 June 10, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR Mr. George S. Springsteen Executive Secretary Department of State SUBJECT: Reply to Letter from Lon Nol (S/S 7511180) The attached revised reply to Lon Nol has been approved by General Scowcroft. We now believe the reply should be signed by Assistant Secretary Habib. Jeanne Wed Davis Staff m Secretary GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD / Attachment 6/10 SD 2B SUGGESTED RESPONSE Dear Mr. President: GENANO it FORD LIBRARA The President has asked me to reply to your letter of May 12 in which you discussed the situation in Cambodia prior to and since your departure, the lot of Khmer refugees and your own situation and that of your close associates in Hawaii. You also requested continued medical treatment at Tripler for yourself and Mrs. Lon Nol. The President shared your concern and deep personal anguish over events which led to the end of combat on April 17. Like you, we have since been appalled by reports portraying efforts to seriously alter Khmer society. While many of the stories are unconfirmed, enough has emerged to indicate a time of terrible trial and suffering for the Cambodian people. It is difficult to know whether we and other countries can at present exercise any influence upon developments in Cambodia. Nevertheless, we continue to hope and will urge that the pressure of concerned nations be chanelled through all available means to exert a restraining influence on the new regime. I am glad to be able to inform you that many of the Khmer refugees who left Cambodia just before and after April 17 have now reached the United States. They are now in the care of a number of American voluntary agencies which are doing their utmost to find jobs and to -2- FORD resettle them throughout the United States. This effort is being LIBRARY supported in part with governmental funds. One of the guidelines for the agencies is that they should attempt to keep family groups together. It has been particularly gratifying to note that many Americans who formerly served in our Mission in Cambodia and other friends of Cambodia have come forward with offers of help for the refugees they knew. In response to your request that these people be allowed to take American nationality, I can assure you that they can do so, and we very much hope to welcome many of them as American citizens in the future. We would leave this to their choice, however. While we understand your feelings respecting the formation of a Khmer foreign legion, this is simply not possible in the United States. With respect to you, Mr. President, we have been especially happy to learn of the rapid way in which you have settled in Honolulu. We have been assured that there will be no problem with respect to your funds being allowed into the United States from the banks where they have been on deposit. We have spoken to Mr. Walstrom in Hawaii about Major General Kang Keng and Mr. Chhang Song. Mr. Walstrom is fully prepared to assist them. He has already alerted the appropriate voluntary agencies in Hawaii, so that these may be of assistance, too. We would like to respond positively to your request that you and your wife be able to continue to go to Tripler for medical treatment. We regret, however, that this will not be possible due to the regulations governing the use of such facilities. Nevertheless, I know that your - -3- friends at Tripler will be more than ready to recommend to you the best available American civilian doctors in Honolulu. In conclusion, Mr. President, allow me to express in the President's name our best wishes for your continued improvement in health and for the happiness of yourself, Mrs. Lon Nol and your children in the United States. Sincerely, GERALD LIBRARY R FORD His Excellency Lon Nol, Honolulu, Hawaii 2t DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION OF LANGUAGE SERVICES (TRANSLATION) LS NO. 49321 MM/SKP French GERALD LIBRARY THE PRESIDENT OF THE KHMER REPUBLIC Mr. President: The Khmer authorities and our friends arranged my official departure from the country to make it possible for them easily to conduct uncondi- tional negotiations, end the war, achieve peace, and hold popular elec- tions. I was encouraged to leave with the prospect that, while I was away, preparations would be made to reconcile the Khmers in a democratic manner. It was understood that at that future time I would not be an ob- stacle and that I would consequently make all the proper gestures to help achieve national reconciliation. I left on April 1, 1975 and arrived in Hawaii on April 11, 1975. One unexpected development was friends' failure to offer appropriate assistance. The acting President's blunder of leaving without advising anyone in Phnom Penh was a second unexpected development. These two factors did not lead to a democratic end to the war; specifically, the second factor seriously broke the spirit of resistance of our troops and the people of Phnom Penh. Consequently, for lack of means, the fighting had to cease on April 17, 1975. His Excellency Gerald Ford, President of the United States of America. 2 Then, with a savagery repudiated by human conscience, for the first time since Nazism, the unthinkable occurred. The Khmers Rouges do not respect international prisoner of war rules or sacred human and civic rights. It has been reported that combatants who surrendered under the white flag were executed; leaders and many citizens as well; monks also This apparently extended even to notables and people who took shelter in foreign embassies or under the protection of the International Red Cross, who were taken by force at bayonet-point and later executed. This was also a violation of diplomatic immunity. Then followed the orders given by the Khmers Rouges to the people of Phnom Penh to leave for the countryside, either to be executed or to be forced against their will to hard labor in the fields with, naturally, the new regime's concurrent systematic total expropriation of all their property. This expropriation is also a violation of universal human rights. Mr. President, you who represent a great friendly country, how do you view all this and what would you do about it? Are world institutions go- ing to close their eyes to this monstrous holocaust? Our refugees, Mr. President, are in very unfortunate circumstances. I request you to consider the following for them: a. To bring them together if possible in a land where they will be helped to work to produce enough so that they can live while waiting to FORD return possibly to their homeland; & b. To enable the highly educated to rapidly pass an equivalency GERALD LIBRARY examination and to allow them to teach, particularly to the refugees; 3 C. To make it possible for each refugee to be able, at his request, to acquire United States nationality, as an exception; d. To have formed a Foreign Legion unit for refugee Khmer soldiers. For your personal information, we have seven million Khmers inside Cambodia. In South Viet-Nam we still have three million Khmers, not counting the Khmers-Loeu. There are nine million Khmers in Thailand. The Foreign Legion unit could represent all the various Khmers of each A. FORD region. GERALD LIBRARY With respect to myself, since the Khmers Rouges seized power by force, I therefore necessarily remain President of the Republic in accord- ance with our laws. I am describing my case for your information and at the same time requesting your protection and assistance insofar as pos- sible. As regards Mr. Saukam Khoy's statement alleging that I had re- ceived a bribe of $1,000,000 to quit the regime, you know it is not true. I have full written proof on this subject. In fact, mission expenses of $1,000,000 were given to me by letter of credit payable in several instal- ments on the very morning of my departure from Phnom Penh on April 1, 1975. To date, barring some assistance from you, I have so far received only a small amount through Mr. Rives, your representative in Hawaii upon my arrival. Mr. Rives has certainly reported to you. Along the same lines and on the same subject, I can tell you that over my career, since 1956 several times Minister, Chief of the General Staff, President of the Council, and Commander-in-Chief, having at various times visited 37 foreign countries, during those trips and long before March 18, 1970, I deposited some savings abroad. I am currently recovering them in order to meet the needs of about 15 members of my family abroad. I request you to please intercede to prevent any difficulties in my doing SO. 4 In addition, among those who accompanied me on my mission and who are currently also stranded in Hawaii are Major General Kang Keng, physician, former Minister, current Director of Military Health, Doctor of Medicine of France, and my personal physician, and also Mr. Chhang Song, holding a gradua te degree from the United States of America, former Minister of the Khmer Government. Neither of these persons currently has work. I request you to please assist them to find employment in Hawaii near me. Lastly, my wife and I would be very grateful to you if we could continue to receive medical care at Tripler where we have friends. In this spirit, Mr. President, accept, together with my very sincere thanks in advance, the assurance of my very high consideration. Hawaii, May 12, 1975 [s] Lon Nol Marshal Lon Nol GERALD R LIBRARY FORD President of the Khmer Republic LE PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE KHMERE MONSIEUR LE PRESIDENT, Les responsables khmers et nos amis ont arrangé mon départ officiel du Pays pour qu'ils puissent facilement faire réaliser les négociations sans conditions, finir la guerre, arriver à la paix et aux consultations populaires. On m'encourageait à cela avec la perspective que tout en restant au loin, les préparatifs de la réconciliation des Khmers d'une façon démocratique auraient lieu. Il était sous-entendu qu'à ce moment futur, je ne serai pas l'obstacle et je ferais tous les gestes voulus en conséquence pour coopérer à la réalisation de la réconciliation nationale. Mon départ s'est fait le 1er avril 1975, et mon arrivée à Hawaii fut le 11 avril 1975. Une chose non attendue fut le manque d'actions d'entr'aide appropriée de la part des amis. Une maladresse par le Président intérimaire de partir sans aviser personne de Phnom Penh fut une deuxième chose non attendue. Ces deux facteurs n'ont pas donné démocratiquement la fin de la guerre; notamment le deuxième facteur a gravement cassé l'esprit de lutte de résistance de nos troupes et de la popu- lation de Phnom Penh. Ainsi le combat dut-il cesser le 17 avril 1975, faute de moyens. Alors, d'une façon sauvage que renie la conscience humaine, pour la première fois après le Nazisme, cette chose impensable s'est effectuée. Les Khmers Rouges ne respectent pas les règles internationales des prisonniers de guerre, ni les droits sacrés de l'Homme et du Citoyen. D'après les faits rapportés, les combattants qui se sont rendus sous le couvert du drapeau blanc sont exécutés; les dirigeants et de très nombreux habitants aussi; des moines également... il y aurait jusqu'aux personnalités et gens qui -3- -2- En ce qui me concerne, MONSIEUR LE PRESIDENT, le pouvoir s'abritaient dans les ambassades étrangères ou sous la pro- étant pris par la force par les Khmers Rouges, par la force tection de la Croix Rouge Internationale, qui ont été repris des choses je reste ainsi Président de la République de par par la force, au bout des baillonnettes et puis exécutés le texte de nos institutions... ensuite. L'immunité diplomatique fut ainsi violée aussi... Je vous signale ici mon cas pour votre haute information et Puis ont suivi les ordres données par les Khmers Rouge à je vous demande en même temps votre protection et assistance la population de Phnom Penh de sortir à la campagne, soit pour dans la mesure du possible. y trouver la mort, soit pour y effectuer contre leur gré des travaux forcés des champs avec naturellement par derrière si- multanément l'acte systématique d'expropriation totale de tous Concernant la déclaration de M. SAUKAM KHOY comme quoi j'aurai leurs biens au profit du nouveau régime. Cette expropriation reçu un pot de vin de 1 million pour abandonner le régime, vous est aussi une violation des droits universels de l'Homme. savez bien que non pas. MONSIEUR LE PRESIDENT, J'ai toutes les preuves écrites à ce sujet. Vous qui représentez un grand pays ami, comment voyez-vous Au juste, ces frais de mission de 1 million me sont donnés tout cela? Et qu'en feriez-vous? par Lettre de Crédit à plusieurs échéances le matin même de mon départ de Phnom Penh soit le 1er avril 1975. Les institutions mondiales vont-elles fermer les yeux sur cette holocauste monstre? Jusqu'à présent, sauf s'il y aurait aide quelconque de votre part, je n'ai reçu encore qu'une petite somme grâce à l'inter- vention de M. RIVES, votre représentant à Hawaii lors de mon Concernant nos réfugiés, MONS IEUR LE PRESIDENT, ils sont arrivée. M. RIVES n'aurait pas manqué de vous en rendre compte très malheureux. certainement. Je vous demande de bien vouloir envisager pour eux: Dans le même ordre d'idée et sur le même chapitre, je puis vous déclarer que pendant ma carrière, de 1956 plusieurs fois a) de les faire grouper si possible sur une terre où ils ministre, chef de l'EMG, Président du Conseil et commandant seront aidés pour travailler pour la production qui le ur en chef, ayant à différentes époques visité 37 pays étrangers, permettra de vivre en attendant de pouvoir plus tard, si pendant ces voyages et bien avant le 18 mars 1970, j'avais déposé possible, retourner au pays. quelques économies à l'extérieur. Je suis en train actuellement de les récupérer de façon à pouvoir subvenir aux besoins de ma b) de permettre aux hauts diplômés d'avoir un concours con- famille à l'étranger qui est d'une quinzaine de personnes. firmatifs rapide de leur capacité et de leur permettre de professer, notamment au profit des réfugiés. Je vous demanderais de bien vouloir intervenir pour qu'on ne fasse pas de difficultés à cela. c) de permettre à chaque réfugié de pouvoir, sur sa demande, prendre exceptionnellement la nationalité américaine. En outre, MONSIEUR LE PRESIDENT, parmi ceux qui m'ont accom- d) de faire former au profit des militaires khmers réfugiés pagné pour ma mission et qui sont échoués actuellement à Hawaii un corps de Légion étrangère. aussi: il y a le médecin major-général KANG KENG, ancien ministre, Un renseignement pour votre haute information personnelle: nous avons 7 millions de Khmers intérieurs au Cambodge. Au actuel directeur de Santé militaire en titre, docteur de médecine Sud Vietnam, nous avons encore 3 millions de Khmers, sans compter de France, et mon médecin personnel, les Khmers-Loeu. En Thailande, les Khmers sont de neuf millions. il y a en outre M. CHHANG SONG, haut diplômé des USA, ex- ministre du Gouvernement khmer. Le Corps de Légion étrangère pourrait rester un représentant de tous les différents Khmers de chaque région. Ces deux personnes n'ont pas de travail actuellement. Je vous demande de bien vouloir faire aider pour qu'ils puissent trouver du travail à Hawaii, à côté de moi. -4- Enfin, moi-même et ma femme, si nous pouvions continuer à bénéficier des soins médicaux de TRIPLER où nous avons des amis, nous vous en serions très reconnaissants. MONSIEUR LE PRESIDENT; C'est dans cet esprit que je vous prie de bien vouloir agréer, en même temps à l'avance mes très sincères remerciements, l'assurance de ma très haute considération. HAWAII, LE 12 MAI 1975 SON EXCELLENCE MONSIEUR GERALD FORD Counol PRESIDENT DES ETATS-UNIS D'AMERIQUE Maréchal LON NOL PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE KHMERE (CLASSIFICATION) DEPARTMENT OF STATE S/S: 7511180 EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT TRANSMITTAL FORM Date: JUN 1 1975 For: Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft National Security Council The White House Pursuant to referral dated , NSC No. (if any a copy of which is attached, we are enclosing the following: Information copy of direct reply Translation Other Draft reply for: President's signature Other signature We believe no response is necessary for the reason cited below The attached item, which was sent directly to the Department of State, is being forwarded for your attention. We believe no response is necessary for the reason cited below XX A draft reply is attached A draft reply will be forwarded XX A translation is attached Other R. FORD 1 REMARKS: Letter from Lon Nol received from Political Advisor's office, CINCPAC, and reply should go via same channel. DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: To: President Ford From: Lon Nol, former President of Khmer Republic Date: May 12, 1975 Subject: Discussion of Cambodian situation and request for continued medical treatment at Tripler George S Springsteen Executive Secretary 2G SUGGESTED RESPONSE Dear Mr. President: The President has asked me to reply to your letter of May 12 in which you discussed the situation in Cam- bodia prior to and since your departure, the lot of Khmer refugees and your own situation and that of your close associates in Hawaii. Finally, you also requested con- tinued medical treatment at Tripler for yourself and Mrs. Lon Nol. The President shared your concern and deep personal We were much interested in and appreciative of your anguish over description of events which led to the end of combat on April 17. Like you, we have since been appalled by the many reports of what pertraying appears to be an efforts to completely seriously alter remake Khmer society. While many of the stories are un- confirmed, enough has emerged to indicate a time of ter- rible trials and suffering for the Cambodian people. It IS difficult to know whether we and other countries Neither the United States nor any other country, except perhaps the People' 3 Republic of China and North Vietnam, can at present exercise any influence upon developments and will urge in Cambodia. Nevertheless, we continue to hopeAthat the concerned nations pressure of world opinion which is aware of the situation be chanelled through all available means to in Cambodia, may exert a restraining influence on the new regime His Excellency Lon Nol, Honolulu, Hawaii. FORD & LIBRARY QERALD Department of State - 2 - I am glad to be able to inform you that many of the Khmer refugees who left Cambodia just before and after April 17 have now reached the United States. Most are still lodged in camps such as that at Camp Pendleton in California. They are now in the care of a number of American voluntary agencies which are do- ing their utmost to find them jobs and to resettle them throughout the United States. This effort is being supported in part with governmental funds. One of the guidelines for the agencies is that they should attempt to keep family groups together. It has been particularly gratifying to note that many Americans who formerly served in our Mission in Cambodia and other friends of Cambodia have come forward with offers of help for the refugees they knew. In response to your request that these people be allowed to take American nationality, I can assure you that they can do so, and we very much hope to welcome many of them as American citizens in the future. We would leave this to their choice, how- ever. FORD & LIBRARY 074838 While we understand your feelings respecting the formation of a Khmer foreign legion, this is simply not possible in the United States. - 3 - With respect to you, Mr. President, we have been especially happy to learn of the rapid way in which you have settled down in Honolulu, since your arrival in the United States. We have been assured that there will be no problem with respect to your funds being allowed into the United States from the banks where they have been on deposit. We have spoken to Mr. Walstrom in Hawaii about Major General Kang Keng and Mr. Chhang Song. Mr. Wal- strom is fully prepared to assist them. He has already alerted the appropriate voluntary agencies in Hawaii, so that these may be of assistance, too. We would like to respond positively to your request that you and your wife be able to continue to go to Trip- ler for medical treatment. We regret, however, that this 11 not be possible. is impossible due to regulations which reserve such fa- cilities only to members or former members of the United States armed forces. Nevertheless, I know that your P. FORD friends at Tripler will be more than ready to recommend to you the best available American civilian doctors in Honolulu. In conclusion, Mr. President, allow me to express in the President's name our best wishes for your continued improvement in health and for the happiness of yourself, - 4 - Mrs. Lon Nol and your children in the United States. Sincerely, GERALD ANNUSIT P FORD 2H SUGGESTED RESPONSE Dear Mr. President: The President has asked me to reply to your letter of May 12 in which you discussed the situation in Cam- bodia prior to and since your departure, the lot of Khmer refugees and your own situation and that of your close associates in Hawaii. Finally, you also requested con- tinued medical treatment at Tripler for yourself and Mrs. Lon Nol. We were much interested in and appreciative of your description of events which led to the end of combat on April 17. Like you, we have since been appalled by the many reports of what appears to be an effort to completely remake Khmer society. While many of the stories are un- confirmed, enough has emerged to indicate a time of ter- rible trials and suffering for the Cambodian people. Neither the United States nor any other country, except perhaps the People's Republic of China and North Vietnam, can at present exercise any influence upon developments in Cambodia. Nevertheless, we continue to hope that the pressure of world opinion which is aware of the situation in Cambodia, may exert a restraining influence on the new regime. His Excellency Lon Nol, Honolulu, Hawaii. GERALD Department of State - 2 - I am glad to be able to inform you that many of the Khmer refugees who left Cambodia just before and after April 17 have now reached the United States. Most are still lodged in camps such as that at Camp Pendleton in California. They are now in the care of a number of American voluntary agencies which are do- ing their utmost to find them jobs and to resettle them throughout the United States. This effort is being supported in part with governmental funds. One of the guidelines for the agencies is that they should attempt to keep family groups together. It has been particularly gratifying to note that many Americans who formerly served in our Mission In Cambodia and other friends of Cambodia have come forward with offers of help for the refugees they knew In response to your request that these people be allowed to take American nationality, I can assure you that they can do so, and we very much hope to welcome many of them as American citizens in the future. We would leave this to their choice, how- ever. While we understand your feelings respecting the formation of a Khmer foreign legion, this is simply not possible in the United States. LIBRARY - 3 - With respect to you, Mr. President, we have been especially happy to learn of the rapid way in which you have settled down in Honolulu since your arrival in the United States. We have been assured that there will be no problem with respect to your funds being allowed into the United States from the banks where they have been on deposit. We have spoken to Mr. Walstrom in Hawaii about Major General Kang Keng and Mr. Chhang Song. Mr. Wal- strom is fully prepared to assist them. He has already alerted the appropriate voluntary agencies in Hawaii, so that these may be of assistance, too. We would like to respond positively to your request that you and your wife be able to continue to go to Trip- ler for medical treatment. We regret, however, that this is impossible due to regulations which reserve such fa- cilities only to members or former members of the United States armed forces. Nevertheless, I know that your friends at Tripler will be more than ready to recommend to you the best available American civilian doctors in Honolulu. In conclusion, Mr. President, allow me to express in the President's name our best wishes for your continued improvement in health and for the happiness of yourself, GERALD - 4 - Mrs. Lon Nol and your children in the United States. Sincerely, Ford of LIDRARY OLIVED MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL 3864 June 6, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: ROLAND ELLIOTT FROM: Jeanne W. Davis SUBJECT: Reply to a Letter to the President from Lon Nol, Former President of the Khmer Republic Lon Nol, the former President of the Khmer Republic, has written to the President (Tab B) describing the situation in Cambodia and requesting that he be allowed to continue medical treatment at Tripler. At Tab A is a suggested reply from you to Lon Nol on behalf of the President. Bo & FORD LIBRA97 UNCLASSIFIED (CLASSIFICATION) 25 DEPARTMENT OF STATE S/S: 7511180 EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT TRANSMITTAL FORM Date: JUN 4 1975 For: Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft National Security Council The White House Pursuant to referral dated , NSC No. (if any) a copy of which is attached, we are enclosing the following: Information copy of direct reply Translation Other Draft reply for: President's signature Other signature We believe no response is necessary for the reason cited below The attached item, which was sent directly to the Department of State, is being forwarded for your attention. We believe no response is necessary for the reason cited below XX A draft reply is attached A draft reply will be forwarded XX A translation is attached Other THEREY RALD A Follo REMARKS: Letter from Lon Nol received from Political Advisor's office, CINCPAC, and reply should go via same channel. DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: To: President Ford From: Lon Nol, former President of Khmer Republic Date: May 12, 1975 Subject: Discussion of Cambodian situation and request for continued medical treatment at Tripler George $ Springsteen Executive Secretary NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE MO DA MO DA HR 6 4 6 4 20 7503864 2* REFERENCE: CIRCLE AS APPROP TO: PRES FROM: KISSINGER, H 3/3 7511180 UNCLAS LOC IN/OUT KISSINGER COLBY, W OTHER LOU NO FORN SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION SCOWCROF SCHLESINGER, J c EYES ONLY DAVIS ST EX SEC $ CODEWORD TS SENSITIVE SUBJECT: LON NOL LTR DTD 5/12 WiTH TRANSLATION + DRAFT RE SAMBODIAN SiTUATiON + REQUEST SONTINUED MEDICAL TREATMENT AT TRiPLER. INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION REC ACTION REQUIRED ACTION INFO CY FOR ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/SCONCROFT MEMO FOR HAK MEMO FOR PRES STAFF SECRETARY ( FAR EAST X 1 APPROPRIATE ACTION XX DISTRIBUTION/INITIAL ACTION ASCMT SUB.SAHARAN (STEARMAN) AFRICA REPLY FOR MID EAST / NO AFRICA / so. ASIA MEMO TO ( RECOMMENDATIONS ( EUROPE / CANADA JOINT MEMO 1 LATIN AMERICA REFER TO FOR: ,t UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC ANY ACTION NECESSARY? I SCIENTIFIC CONCURRENCE. PROGRAM ANALYSIS DUE DATE: NSC PLANNING COMMENTS: (INCLUDING SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS) CONGRESSIONAL NOTE: STATE DiSPATCH OCEANS POLICY INTELLIGENCE instructions SMYSER XV DATE FROM TO $ SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED (OR TAKEN): C) WW 12 6/6 X 6/9 Scouft Natel Verision (67/3) SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS 16/10 6/9 Drive S Heno of Gringsteen (4-10) C You So Mam D DISPATCH CY ROMTS: 1 SEE ABOVE PLUS: GERALD C/3 DISP INSTR MICHORILM NOTIFY & DATE BY M/F'D PRECIAL DISPOSITION JUI 975 PA CRT 101 SA CROSS RCF w/ CLOSE! OWN Ask HP yes