THE CUP TO THE DREGS…

First Part -Chapter 1

Appendix

Telegram dated 20 February 1970 sent from Grasse (France to Phnom Penh):

"Her Majesty the Queen of Cambodia, I have the honour to inform my venerated Mother as well as our very respected Clergy and my most beloved compatriots that my stay in hospital terminates today because, after one month of treatment and the excellent care lavished by Dr. Pathé, my health is restored. Nevertheless, despite my intensive nostalgia for our Country, I must prolong my stay abroad since Président Pompidou wishes to receive me at the Elysée on 10 March next and I must receive compatriots residing or studying in Europe on 7 March. I shall then return home via Moscow and Peking, as the Governments of those great countries wish to have important political conversations with me. I convey my fervent regards to Your Majesty and to all our compatriots (monks and laymen, men and women, young and old, soldiers and civilians) and beg You as I beg them to have faith in my indefectible attachment and my deepest affection, Norodom Sihanouk".

Telegram dated 10 March 1970 sent from Paris to Phnom Penh:

"Her Majesty the Queen of Cambodia, I have the honour to inform Your Majesty and the nation that I have just had a long and very cordial interview at the Elysée with the Président of the French Republic. His Excellency Mr Pompidou was kind enough to describe our country as a "jewel" among the friends of France and to express his congratulations and his admiration, and I quote, "for the manner in which the head of state conducts the affairs of the Kingdom within the concert of nations". The Président of the Republic assured me, also, that our Cambodia can always count on French aid for its development and its national defence and on French diplomatic support whenever we may need it. Norodom Sihanouk”.

Telegram dated 11 March 1970 sent from Paris to Phnom Penh:

"Her Majesty the Queen of Cambodia, with copy to AKP, Press and Radio, Phnom Penh. I have heard with deep sadness the news of acts of violence committed by some compatriots against the diplomatic missions of the DRVN and the PRGSVN. I completely understand the motives which aroused the anger of our compatriots, but, as they are known to me, it is impossible for me to believe that our compatriots could commit such an extremity contrary to our best interests and to the good name of our country. Certainly this country which we love more than our life is in danger. But it is not by sacking embassies that we can avert that danger. We must act as I have always indicated to the nation and the army. I am sure that this grave event was willed and organised by individuals who wish irremediably to destroy the friendship of Cambodia with the socialist bloc and to throw our country into the arms of an imperialist capitalist power. Those persons attach more importance to their personal and family interests than to the future of the Motherland and the fate of the people. They have taken advantage of my absence to carry out their designs. I am, therefore, going to return to the country to speak to the Nation and to the army and ask them to make a choice. If they choose to follow those individuals on the path which will turn Cambodia into a second Laos, they must permit me to resign. Deep respect and affection, Norodom Sihanouk.”