Declassified-State-Department-Telegrams-Related-To-The-Bombing-Of-Neak-Luong

Pages 3-13: Department of State, Electronic telegram, Indochina Press Summary, August 8, 1973 Pages 15-17: Department of State, Electronic telegram, Solatium for Survivors of Accidental Bombing at Neak Loeung [sic], August 7, 1973 Pages 19-21: Department of State, Electronic telegram, Air Attaché and Press on Bombing Incidents, August 11, 1973 Pages 23-26: Department of State, Electronic telegram, Neak Loeung [sic] Aftermath, December 17, 1973 Pages 28-31: Department of State, Electronic telegram, Neak Luong Aftermath, December 11, 1973 DECLASSIFIED STATE DEPARTMENT TELEGRAMS RELATED TO THE BOMBING OF NEAK LUONG

Department of State, Electronic telegram, Indochina Press Summary, August 8, 1973 DECLASSIFIED STATE DEPARTMENT TELEGRAMS RELATED TO THE BOMBING OF NEAK LUONG

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Text UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 01 STATE 156888 15 ORIGIN EA-14 INFO OCT-01 EUR-25 ADP-00 NSCE-00 DPW-01 CIAE-00 DODE-00 PM-07 H-03 INR-10 L-03 NSAE-00 NSC-10 PA-03 RSC-01 PRS-01 SS-15 USIA-15 AID-20 OMB-01 IO-13 COME-00 EB-11 FRB-02 TRSE-00 XMB-07 OPIC-12 CIEP-02 LAB-06 SIL-01 AGR-20 STR-08 /212 R DRAFTED BY EA/P:STAFF:PP/EB 8/73 EXT 22538 APPROVED BY EA/P:AHROSEN --------------------- 042152 R 082248Z AUG 73 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY SAIGON INFO AMEMBASSY BANGKOK AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST AMEMBASSY CANBERRA AMEMBASSY JAKARTA AMEMBASSY MANILA AMEMBASSY MOSCOW AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH AMEMBASSY SEOUL AMEMBASSY TAIPEI AMEMBASSY TOKYO AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE AMEMBASSY WARSAW AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON AMCONSUL BIEN HOA AMCONSUL CAN THO AMCONSUL DANANG AMCONSUL HONG KONG AMCONSUL NHA TRANG USDEL JEC PARIS USLO PEKING USSAG NAKHON PHANOM UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 STATE 156888 CINCPAC

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 UNCLAS STATE 156888 E.O. 11652 N/A TAGS: PFOR, XC, US SUBJECT: AUGUST 8 EA PRESS SUMMARY INDOCHINA 1. CASUALTY FIGURES FOR WORST BOMBING ACCIDENT OF INDOCHINA WAR AT NEAK LUONG GIVEN BY AMEMBASSY PP AS 137 (INCLUDING 56 FANK) KILLED AND 268 (INCLUDING 137 FANK) WOUNDED, BUT KHMER OFFICIALS SAY 189 KILLED AND 315 WOUNDED. SOURCE OF BOMBING ERROR NOT YET PINPOINTED, BUT DOD BELIEVES DUE MECHANICAL OR HUMAN TECHNICAL ERROR (AP CHITRIB, NYDN, WP; BINDER, NYT; SEIDEN, SUN; CSM; MARKS, UPI, PHINQ). KIRK (CHITRIB) FINDS REACTION AT PP ONE OF RESIGNATION. CHARGE ENDERS APOLOGIZES TO GKR AND EXPRESSES PROFOUND CONDOLENCES FOR NEAK LUONG ERROR (MARKS). SUN (AP) BELIEVES DANGER OF MISTAKEN BOMBING OF FRIENDLY AREAS DUE TO US PILOTS' DEPENDENCE ON CAMBODIAN OBSERVERS FOR TARGET INFORMATION AND DANGER IS HEIGHTENING AS INSURGENTS TIGHTEN NOOSE. PHOTOGRAPHER WHO VISITED NEAK LUONG (AP WP, NYT) SAYS HALF OF TOWN DESTROYED OR HEAVILY DAMAGED AND MAIN STREET LINED WITH RUBBLE; CONTRADICTS US AIR ATTACHE WHO STATED DAMAGE NOT EXTENSIVE. CAMBODIAN OFFICERS AT SCENE SAY 2 B-52S STRUCK NEAK LUONG. 2. IN SECOND ACCIDENTAL BOMBING AT SITE ABOUT 6 MI FROM NEAK LUONG IDENTIFIED AS CHUM ROEUNG VILLAGE OR TACHOR ISLAND (KOH TACHOU) IN MEKONG, CASUALTIES VARIOUSLY GIVEN AS 4 OR 8 KILLED AND FROM 8 TO 33 WOUNDED (CSM; BINDER; SEIDEN; MARKS). PENTAGON SAYS ERROR APPEARS DUE TO FAULTY BOMB-RELEASE RACKS ON F-111 (AP NYT, WP). 3. PENTAGON ANNOUNCES NO LETUP IN CAMBODIAN BOMBING (CSM; BINDER, NYT). F-4S BLAST KI 3 MI N. OF POCHENTONG UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 03 STATE 156888 (KIRK, MARKS). 4. SVN AND THAILAND CONSIDERING BLOCKADE OF KOMPONG SOM IF INSURGENTS WIN SINCE USE OF PORT WOULD FACILITATE HANOI RESUPPLY OF VC AND NVA IN SAIGON AREA AND DELTA (UPI, PHINQ). 5. KIRK (CHITRIB) DESCRIBES DAMAGE TO PREK ENG (NEAR

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 PP ON RTE) THAT WAS RETAKEN BY FANK AFTER 3-DAYS INSURGENT OCCUPATION; FANK INSPECTOR GENERAL MG CHHOUN CHHUM WAS BESIEGED IN HOME AT PREK ENG AND DEFENDED BY 10 SOLDIERS DURING PERIOD. GREENWAY (WP) SIMILARLY WRITES OF DESTRUCTION IN VEAL SBAU TOWN ALSO RECAPTURED BY FANK. 6. FORMER AF INTELLIGENCE CAPT. GEORGE MOSES TELLS SASC THAT UNDER ORDERS HE FALSIFIED REPORTS ON FIGHTER￾BOMBER STRIKES IN CAMBODIA FROM MAY 70 TO APRIL 71. RAIDS WERE UP TO 100 MI INSIDE CAMBODIA, BUT WERE RECORDED AS IN VN. HIS TESTIMONY RELUCTANTLY SUPPORTED BY ACTIVE-DUTY AF CAPT. MAURICE O'CONNELL (KELLY, S-N; PHINQ, UPI; HERSH, NYT; CSM; CORDDRY, SUN; CARTER, NYDN; MARDER AND GETLER, WP). 7. MARDER AND GETLER REPORT DISCLOSURE BY FORMER GREEN BERETS OF US MILITARY GROUND OPERATIONS IN CAMBODIA AND LAOS EARLY AS 1966 CLANDESTINE PATROLS WERE FOR RECON, BOMB DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, TO CAPTURE POWS AND IN LAOS OCCASIONALLY TO HIT MILITARY TARGETS. THURMOND SOUGHT TO EMPHASIZE THAT SPECIAL FORCES WERE PRIMARILY RECON UNITS, NOT "COMBAT TROOPS.- BUT HUGHES ASSERTED THAT WHETHER THIS ACTION "LITERALLY" VIOLATED LAW OR NOT, "IT CLEARLY VIOLATED" CONGRESSIONAL INTENT. 8. ISAACS (SUN) OBSERVES THAT SIHANOUK'S STATEMENTS ARE BECOMING STEADILY HARSHER AND MORE UNCOMPROMISING AND THAT HE EVIDENTLY EXPECTS VICTORY AND NO LONGER HINTS ABOUT POSSIBLE PEACE TALKS AND NOW DOESN'T UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 04 STATE 156888 DOUBT THAT REBELS CAN TAKE PP. MANY WESTERN DIPLOMATS AND ANALYSTS BELIEVE THAT MOST FRONT-LINE COMMANDERS AND CIVIL ADMINISTRATORS AMONG REBELS ARE OLD-LINE COMMUNISTS NOT NECESSARILY COMMITTED TO RETURNING SIHANOUK TO POWER. 9. IN S. LAOS, GROUND FIGHTING INCREASES SLIGHTLY WITH 6 RLG SOLDIERS KILLED; BUT INCIDENTS NOT CONSIDERED SERIOUS ENOUGH TO DISRUPT PL-RLG PEACE TALKS (WP, AP). 10. SVN MILITARY ACTION AT HIGHEST POINT IN 7 WEEKS BUT GVN SAYS MOST OF27 INCIDENTS REPORTED ARE INSIGNIFICANT CLASHES, THOUGH MORE SERIOUS FIGHTING GOING ON IN PLEIKU PAST 2 DAYS WITH 28 COMMUNISTS

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 AND 2 ARVN KILLED YESTERDAY (KIRK, CHITRIB; CSM; SUN, REUTER; MARK, UPI, PHINQ). 11. OKA (CSM) WRITES OF RC FATHER CHAN TIN'S STRUGGLE FOR PRISON REFORM IN SVN AND BETTER TREATMENT FOR POLITICAL PRISONERS. TIN CLAIMS GVN NOW CLEANING UP CON SON FOR PRESS VISIT. 12. HANOI REPORTS THAT US AGREES ON SUM FOR 5-YEAR NVN AID PROGRAM BUT CHARGES US DELAYING SIGNING BY MAKING POLITICAL DEMANDS (MARKS). JAPAN 13. CULLISON (JOC) REPORTS JAPANESE INDUSTRIES ARE ENGAGED IN A VAST NEW PROGRAM OF RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION AND ANTICIPATED SHORTAGES. FANTASTIC 81.6 INCREASE IN JAPANESE PURCHASES AND IMPORTS DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS CALANDER YEAR OVER 1972 SEEN CONTRIBUTING TO RAPID INCREASE IN WORLD PRICES. ALTHOUGH MUCH GOING INTO IMMEDIATE PRODUCTION, STOCKPILING AND SPECULATION ARE ABSORBING CONSIDERABLE AMOUNTS. 14. IN SEPARATE ARTICLE CULLISON REPORTS GOJ MOVES TO SPEED UP CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND QUARANTINE PROCEDURES UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 05 STATE 156888 ON IMPORTS AS WELL AS TO PREVENT HOARDING BY MERCHANTS HAVE FAILED TO STOP MEAT PRICES FROM CLIMBING SHARPLY. OFFICIAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY MINISTRY EXPLAINED TO JOC HIGH DUTIES AND IMPORT SURCHARGES ARE NECESSARY TO "ADJUST PRICES OF IMPORTED MEATS" SO DOMESTIC PRODUCERS WILL NOT SUFFER A LOSS OF THEIR MARKETS. CULLISON FEELS AS LONG AS RURAL-BASED LDP CONTINUES IN POWER, DOMESTIC IMPORTERS WILL BE PROTECTED. 15. JOC REPORTS JAPAN'S AUTO EXPORTS CLIMBED 73 OVER FIRST SIX MONTHS LAST YEAR. EXPORTS TO US DOWN, THOSE TO WESTERN EUROPE AND SEA UP. NEVERTHELESS THEY ARE PREDICTING EXPORTS DURING REMAINDER OF YEAR WILL RISE EVEN FURTHER, PARTICULARLY TO NORTH AMERICA AND WESTERN EUROPE. KOREA 16. REUTER (NYT) REPORTS ROK PLANS TO INVEST $737 MILLION (FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC CAPITAL) BY 1980 TO BUILD NINE LARGE SHIPYARDS IN CHUNGMU AREA, ABOUT 200 MILES SE OF SEOUL.

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 17. OBERDORFER (WP) REPORTS KOREAN POLICE TAIL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES DELEGATES FROM US AND JAPAN WHO ARE GATHERING FACTS ABOUT RECENT JAILING OF PROMINENT SEOUL PASTOR, A DELEGATION OFFICIAL SAID. OBFICIAL, WHO ASKED NAME NOT BE USED, SAID DELEGATION WAS FOLLOWED NIGHT AND DAY BY AS MANY AS 15 PLAINCLOTHES OPERATIVES. CLERGYMEN, LAYMEN, AND OTHERS THE DELEGATION CONSULTED WERE SUBSEQUENTLY INTERROGATED BY POLICE AGENTS. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF KOREA HAS SET UP INTERDENOMINATIONAL INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE, AND PREMIER KIM CHONG PIL LAST WEEK ASSURED THREE PROMINENT KOREAN CHRISTIANS THAT EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO EXPEDITE CASE. WHILE IN KOREA DELEGATION CONFIRMED AUTHENTICITY OF A THEOLOGICAL DECLARATION OF KOREAN CHRISTIANS WHICH HAS BEEN CIRCULATING ABROAD. DECLARATION ALLEGES GOVERNMENT OF PRESIDENT PARK IS DICTATORSHIP WHICH IS "DESTROYING FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND FREEDOM OF RELIGIOUS BELIEF", UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 06 STATE 156888 CALLS ON THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH KOREA TO "WITHDRAW ANY FORM OF RECOGNITION OF THE LAWS, ORDERS, POLICIES AND OTHER POLITICAL PROCESSES OF DICTATORSHIP" WHICH HAVE COME INTO EFFECT SINCE PARK DECLARED MARTIAL LAW AND SWEPT AWAY THE CONSTITUTION. DELEGATION OFFICIAL SAID WHILE IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW MANY PEOPLE SUBSCRIBE TO IT, IT IS CLEAR THE DOCUMENT WAS DRAWN UP IN SOUTH KOREA AND IS CIRCULATING WIDELY AMONG CHRISTIANS THERE. PRC 18. REUTER (WP) AND CSM REPORT MAJOR CONFERENCE OF CHINA'S LEADERS MAY BE IN PROGRESS. PRESENCE OF 15 BUSES AND SCORES OF OFFICIAL LIMOUSINES PARKED AROUND PEKING'S GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE LATE AT NIGHT HAS SPARKED SPECULATION AMONG DIPLOMATS THAT 10TH PARTY CONGRESS BEING CONVENED. 19. MCGUIRE (CHITRIB), AND SUN, NYDN, AND PHINQ REPORT ARTICLE BY "I. ALEXANDROV", PEN NAME SOMETIMES USED FOR TOP-LEVEL POLITBURO POLICY STATEMENTS, IN PRAVDA. ARTICLE CONDEMNED PRC FOREIGN POLICY AS IN INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS ALLIANCE WITH "THE MOST REACTIONARY CIRCLES OF IMPERIALISM", AND ACCUSED CHINA OF SEEKING TO DIVIDE USSR FROM ITS EAST EUROPEAN ALLIES AND OF CONSPIRING WITH CAPITALIST STATES. ARTICLE CALLED FOR AN ASIAN COLLECTIVE SECURITY SYSTEM, A PROPOSAL THE CHINESE SAY IS AIMED AT

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 ENCIRCLING THEM. OBSERVERS NOTED THAT STEPPED￾UP ACRIMONY OCCURRED IN WAKE OF FURTHER MILITARY BUILD-UP REPORTED ALONG BORDER, AND DEADLOCK IN BORDER NEGOTIATIONS. MCGUIRE SAYS CHINA FEARS THAT RELAXATION OF TENSION BETWEEN EAST AND WEST IN EUROPE WILL PERMIT MOSCOW TO REDUCE ITS GARRISON THERE AND TRANSFER MILITARY UNITS TO PRC BORDER. PEKING THEREFORE WARNED THE WEST NOT TO LOWER ITS PSYCHOLOGICAL GUARD AGAINST KREMLIN POLICIES SET ON LULLING WEST EUROPEAN NATIONS INTO A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. SUN, HOWEVER, SEES PRAVDA ARTICLE AIMED AT IMPENDING DISCUSSION IN PEKING ON SUCCESSOR UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 07 STATE 156888 TO MAO AND RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP. SUN SEES SOVIET CRITICISM AS ROUTINE, AND SEES SOMEWHAT GREATER THAN USUAL EMPHASIS ON PROSPECTS FOR RECONCILIATION - PROVIDED CHINA MODIFIES ITS POLICIES. PHILIPPINES 20. NYT REPORTS PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT IS GOING AFTER THOSE WHO DID NOT VOTE IN LAST MONTH'S REFERENDUM, GIVING THEM UNTIL SEPT. 8 TO EXPLAIN WHY THEY SHOULD NOT PAY FINE OR BE JAILED, OR BOTH. GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES 3 MILLION OR 13 OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS DID NOT REGISTER OR VOTE. ELECTIONS COMMISSION IS ALSO COLLATING THE OPTIONAL REMARKS SHEETS FILED BY VOTERS IN ORDER TO FIND OUT WHY 9 VOTED "NO" ON REFERENDUM. INDONESIA 21. HAYWARD (CSM) REPORTS SUHARTO IS QUIETLY EMERGING AS STRONG, RESPECTED LEADER; NO COMPETITOR OF SIGNIFICANT STATURE ON HORIZON. "HE IS NO LONGER IN SUKARNO'S SHADOW", A VETERAN WESTERN OBSERVER DECLARES. "THE LAST ELECTION MADE HIM A MAN IN HIS OWN RIGHT". MALIK SAYS SUHARTO HAS TWO MAJOR AIMS, IN BOTH OF WHICH HE HAS REGISTERED SUCCESSES: ONE IS RESTORING INDONESIA'S ECONOMIC POSITION, AND OTHER IS TO STABILIZE ITS INTERNAL SITUATION. ONLY IMPORTANT THREAT TO SUHARTO GOVERNMENT'S POPULARITY HAS COME IN PAST YEAR WITH SEVERE RICE SHORTAGE, WHICH HIS OFFICIALS ARE REGARDED AS HAVING BEEN SLOW TO ANTICIPATE, DESPITE WARNING SIGNS. HAYWARD REPORTS THAT NO ONE HE ENCOUNTERED IN INDONESIA SERIOUSLY THOUGHT THE RICE CRISIS WAS ENOUGH TO BRING DOWN THE GOVERNMENT, HOWEVER.

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 THAILAND 22. NYT'S BROWNE, IN BANGKOK, REPORTS THAT GRUMBLING, UNREST AND DISSENT INSIDE THAILAND -- GREATER THAN UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 08 STATE 156888 AT ANY TIME SINCE WWII -- HAS RTG WORRIED. RULING MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT FACED WITH LABOR MOVEMENT SHOWING REMARKABLE ANIMATION, WITH ANGRY FARMERS WHO HAVE TO RESTRICT CONSUMPTION OF RICE FOR FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIVES AND WITH DISCIPLINED CORPS OF STUDENTS THAT HAS SUDDENLY BECOME POWERFUL POLITICAL BLOC. THAILAND'S NEIGHBORS ARE ALSO CONCERNED OVER CRACKS OPENING IN TRADITIONALLY STABLE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL STRUCTURE, BECAUSE REGIME HAS BEEN CONSIDERED MAIN ANCHOR CONTAINING COMMUNISM SINCE 1950S AND BECAUSE ANY INEPT THAI ADMINISTRATION COULD WRECK COUNTRY'S VITAL RICE PRODUCTION. COMMENT AND ANALYSIS SUN REGARDS SECRETARY ROGERS' BRIEF, WHICH SUCCESSFULLY OVERTURNED JUSTICE DOUGLAS' WEEKEND DECISION, AS BEING IN LINE WITH PRESIDENT'S DETERMINATION TO "HANG TOUGH" UNTIL AUG 15; THEN IF DISASTER COMES, TO BE IN A POSITION TO TRY TO BLAME LEGISLATIVE WAR CRITICS FOR COLLAPSE OF "MISGUIDED" INTERVENTION IN CAMBODIA. THESE MAY BE GOOD POLITICAL TACTICS, BUT ARE SMALL COMFORT TO THE HUNDREDS OF CAMBODIANS BEING KILLED AND WOUNDED DURING THIS FINAL LETHAL FLOURISH OF US AIR POWER. PHINQ REFERS TO BOMBING ERRORS, TO INDICATIONS THAT THE LON NOL REGIME IS IN A "STATE OF CATATONIC COLLAPSE", AND ASKS: "WHY KEEP BOMBING UP TO THE LAST MINUTE?" CSM EXPRESSES VIEW THAT ACCIDENTAL BOMBING WAS ILLUSTRATIVE OF WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE USE OF B-52S. THEY ARE IMPRECISE INSTRUMENTS INCAPABLE OF DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN FRIEND AND FOE, AND GUERRILLAS ARE NOT MASTERED BUT AIDED BY SUCH METHODS. NYT LIKEWISE POINTS OUT LIKELIHOOD OF BOMBING ERROR WHEN B-52S ARE USED IN HEAVILY POPULATED AREAS IN CLOSE COMBAT SUPPORT. NYT FINDS SOME CONSOLATION THAT CONGRESS DECIDED TO STOP THE KILLING ONE WEEK FROM TODAY AND THAT THE COURTS HAVE TAKEN PRELIMINARY STEPS TO DECLARE "THIS PRESIDENTIAL HORROR" ILLEGAL. BUT FOR EACH DAY THE BOMBING CONTINUES, NYT SAYS, ADMINISTRATION WHICH ORDERED IT AND THOSE WHO CONDONED IT BEAR A HEAVY UNCLASSIFIED

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 09 STATE 156888 MORAL BURDEN. CHITRIB'S BOB CROMIE EXPRESSES VIEW THAT CONTINUED BOMBING WILL DO LITTLE OR NOTHING TO AFFECT THE FINAL OUTCOME OF THE CONFUSING CAMBODIA CONFLICT; LAUDS JUSTICE DOUGLAS' MOTIVE IN TRYING TO END KILLING EARLY AND GET OUR FLIERS OUT OF CAMBODIA AHEAD OF "SCHEDULE." 23. JOE ALSOP (WP, SUN) SAYS "SECRECY" OF 1969-1970 BOMBING IN CAMBODIA ONLY CONSISTED IN NOT TELLING THE WHOLE WORLD ABOUT MILITARY OPERATIONS. POINTS TO MIKE RIVES' AUG. 1969 CABLE TO DOS DETAILING SIHANOUK-MANSFIELD CONVERSATION WHEREIN THE PRINCE "POINTED OUT" THAT THERE WERE "NO CAMBODIAN PROTESTS" OF US BOMBINGS IN AREAS POPULATED BY NVA, AND TO ADVANCE NOTICE GIVEN TO DEMOCRATIC LEADERS OF SASC WHEN WH REACHED DECISION TO BOMB CAMBODIAN SANCTUARIES. ALSO CITES SIHANOUK AS HAVING TOLD CHESTER BOWLES IN JAN. 1968 THAT HE WOULD NOT MIND IF US PLANES EXERCISED "HOT PURSUIT" AGAINST NVA IN CAMBODIA. 24. S-N'S BRADSHER (AUG. 7) IN SAIGON EXPECTS APATHETIC AND NON-COMPETITIVE AUG. 26 ELECTION FOR HALF OF SENATE SEATS; NOTES MANIPULATIONS AND PRESSURES APPLIED TO ASSURE OUTCOME FAVORABLE TO THIEU AND DEMOCRACY PARTY. CITES PARTY'S COMMISSIONER￾GENERAL OF PROPAGANDA AND TRAINING, WHO IS ALSO MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AS DENYING WHAT VIETNAMESE SOURCES AND DIPLOMATS SAY IS TRUE, I.E., THAT GVN OFFICIALS ARE REQUIRED TO WORK FOR THE PARTY WHAT IS GALLING TO AMERICANS HERE, SAYS BRADSHER, IS TURNING RURAL DEVELOPMENT CADETS INTO PARTY WORKERS. CADETS WERE TRAINED UNDER AN AMERICAN-SPONSORED PROGRAM TO COUNTER VC POLITICAL WORKERS WITH VILLAGE￾LEVEL ACTIVITIES THAT COULD STRENGTHEN ALLEGIANCES TO SVN NATIONHOOD, REGARDLESS OF WHO IS IN POWER. BUT THIEU SEEMS TO EQUATE THE NATION WITH HIS LEADERSHIP - A VIEWPOINT WITH WHICH MANY SENIOR AMERICANS HERE ARE SYMPATHETIC. THESE AMERICANS EXPLAIN THAT SVN NEEDS A STRONG POLITICAL FORCE TO RESIST VC, AND ONLY WAY TO GET IT IS BY USING THE ADMINISTRATIVE UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 10 STATE 156888 APPARATUS. THIS IS AN ARGUMENT THAT OTHER AMERICAN OFFICIALS ELSEWHERE IN ASIA HAVE MADE MANY TIMES BEFORE AS THE US CONTINUED ITS SUPPORT OF INCREASINGLY

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 DICTATORIAL REGIMES, IGNORING ONE LITTLE STEP AFTER ANOTHER AWAY FROM WHATEVER DEGREE OF DEMOCRACY EXISTED AT FIRST. ALSOES SPECULATION THAT SVN WILL UNDERGO CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS NEXT YEAR TO ALLOW THIEU THIRD TERM. 25. MICHAEL MALLOY (NAT. OBSERVER, AUG 11) CONCLUDES THAT SHORT-TERM GOALS OF JANUARY PEACE AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN MET: NVN GOT THE AMERICANS TO STOP BOMBING, CLEAR MINES, PULL ITS TROOPS OUT. US POWS RELEASED AND US COMBAT ROLE DIMINISHED. BUT LONG-TERM GOAL OF PEACE IS STILL DISTANT. THIEU REGIME IS STILL FUNCTIONING, BUT SO DO 170,000 NVA TROOPS. ANY SETTLEMENTS IN LAOS OR CAMBODIA WILL PROBABLY BE ON TERMS THAT LEAVE MORE THAN 100,000 NVA TROOPS IN UNMOLESTED CONTROL OF SVN'S ENTIRE LAND BORDER. AND GVN-PRG HOSTILITY SHOWSNO SIGNS OF ABATING. 26. WSJ SUSPECTS THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE WAR POWERS BILL IS TO REWRITE HISTORY TO ABSOLVE CONGRESS OF ANY BLAME FOR VN, NOTING THAT THE CONSTANT IMPLICATION IS THAT IF ONLY SOME SUCH LEGISLATION HAD BEEN ON THE BOOKS, EXECUTIVE BRANCH NEVER COULD HAVE CARRIED US INTO VN. IN ASSESSING WAR POWERS BILL, CRUCIAL THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT FULBRIGHT AND CONGRESS ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. FULBRIGHT'S VIEW OF VN DID NOT PREVAIL, BUT THE REASON WAS NEVER THAT CONGRESS LACKED THE LEGISLATIVE POWER TO ENFORCE THAT VIEW. FACT WAS THAT FULBRIGHT COULD NEVER SELL HIS VIEW TO CONGRESS. INSTEAD, CONGRESS REPEATEDLY VOTED APPROPRIATIONS AND DEFEATED ANTIWAR PROPOSALS, OR WATERED THEM DOWN. FINALLY, AFTE 10 YEARS, CONGRESS PASSED A BILL CUTTING OFF FUNDS FOR BOMBING CAMBODIA AS OF AUG. 15. NO ONE DOUBTS THAT THE BOMBING WILL END AUG. 15, YET CONGRESS WORRIES ABOUT WHETHER IT HAS ENOUGH LEGISLATIVE POWER TO STOP A WAR WHEN IT WANTS TO. UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 11 STATE 156888 27. PHIL BULL (AUG. 5), REFERRING TO TANAKA COMMENTS AT NATIONAL PRESS CLUB, OBSERVES PM STRIKING A NOTE OF INDEPENDENCE AS DID WHITLAM THE DAY BEFORE IN SPEECH TO SAME BODY. NOTES, HOWEVER, THAT WHEN WHITLAM SPOKE OF HIS COUNTRY'S NEED TO FOLLOW ITS "INDEPENDENT INTERESTS," IT WAS IN THE CONTEXT OF MAINTAINING FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH US, WHEREAS CONTEXT OF INDEPENDENCE MENTIONED BY TANAKA WAS FAR LARGER, I.E.,

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 A THREE-WAY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE US, JAPAN AND EUROPE. SEES SIGN OF INCREASINGLY MATURE JAPANESE SENSE OF INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN TANAKA REMARKS CONCERNING HIS COUNTRY'S READINESS TO PLAY A ROLE IN HELPING RESOLVE WORLD PROBLEMS. 28. LAT'S LAMB (AUG. 7) WRITES FEATURE ARTICLE ON WHAT WAS ONCE THE PENAL COLONY OF PORT ARTHUR, RELATING CURRENT AUSTRALIAN ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TO ITS HISTORY. 29. LAT'S JACQUES LESLIE (AUG. 7), NOW IN CAMBODIA, DESCRIBES RELAXED (TO SAY THE LEAST) ATTITUDE OF FANK UNIT AFTER IT HAD MANAGED TO DISLODGE KI FROM POSITION ON HWY 1, THREE MI E OF PP, AND HAD RETAKEN A MI OF ROAD IT HAD GIVEN UP EARLIER. ROGERS UNCLASSIFIED NNN

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Attributes Automatic Decaptioning: X Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 Channel Indicators: n/a Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Concepts: n/a Control Number: n/a Copy: SINGLE Draft Date: 08 AUG 1973 Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960 Decaption Note: Disposition Action: n/a Disposition Approved on Date: Disposition Authority: n/a Disposition Case Number: n/a Disposition Comment: Disposition Date: 01 JAN 1960 Disposition Event: Disposition History: n/a Disposition Reason: Disposition Remarks: Document Number: 1973STATE156888 Document Source: CORE Document Unique ID: 00 Drafter: STAFF:PP/EB Enclosure: n/a Executive Order: N/A Errors: N/A Film Number: n/a From: STATE Handling Restrictions: n/a Image Path: ISecure: 1 Legacy Key: link1973/newtext/t19730849/aaaabkfo.tel Line Count: 509 Locator: TEXT ON-LINE Office: ORIGIN EA Original Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Original Handling Restrictions: n/a Original Previous Classification: n/a Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Page Count: 10 Previous Channel Indicators: Previous Classification: n/a Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Reference: n/a Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED Review Authority: willialc Review Comment: n/a Review Content Flags: Review Date: 06 AUG 2001 Review Event: Review Exemptions: n/a Review History: RELEASED <06-Aug-2001 by reddocgw>; APPROVED <20-Aug-2001 by willialc> Review Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Review Media Identifier: Review Referrals: n/a Review Release Date: n/a Review Release Event: n/a Review Transfer Date: Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a Secure: OPEN Status: NATIVE Subject: AUGUST 8 EA PRESS SUMMARY INDOCHINA TAGS: PFOR, XC, US To: SAIGON Type: TE Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005

Department of State, Electronic telegram, Solatium for Survivors of Accidental Bombing at Neak Loeung [sic], August 7, 1973 DECLASSIFIED STATE DEPARTMENT TELEGRAMS RELATED TO THE BOMBING OF NEAK LUONG

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Text SECRET PAGE 01 PHNOM 08103 070750Z 10 ACTION EA-14 INFO OCT-01 ADP-00 CIAE-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 SSO-00 USIE-00 SS-15 NSC-10 INR-10 RSC-01 PM-07 L-03 PRS-01 INRE-00 RSR-01 /063 W --------------------- 022658 O 070735Z AUG 73 FM AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2443 SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE INFO CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE CINCPAC CP SMITH HI IMMEDIATE COMUSSAG NKP THAI IMMEDIATE S E C R E T NOFORN PHNOM PENH 8103 E.O. 11652 GDS TAGS: MARR, CB SUBJ: SOLATIUM FOR SURVIVORS OF ACCIDENTAL BOMBING AT NEAK LOEUNG 1. AT APPROXIMATELY 0435 HOURS, 6 AUG. 1973, THE TOWN OF NEAK LOEUNG, KHMER REPUBLIC, WAS ACCIDENTALLY BOMBED BY A YET UNDETERMINED USAF AIRCRAFT. AN INVESTIGATION IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AT USSAG TO DETERMINE THE AIRCRAFT INVOLVED AND THE CAUSES OF THE INCIDENT. 2. THE EXACT CASUALTY FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN DETER￾MINED AT THIS TIME. THE NUMBER OF KILLED COULD APPROXIMATE 130 AND THE NUMBER OF WOUNDED 600 OR MORE. IT IS BELIEVED THAT MOST CASUALTIES WERE KHMER MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. PRECISE CASUALTY TOTALS WILL BE REPORTED WHEN AVAILABLE. 3. INVESTIGATION BY THE AIR ATTACHE ON THE MORNING OF 6 AUG. 1973 SHOWED THAT CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO NON￾PERMANENT STRUCTURES AND SURFACE AND FRAGEMENT DAMAGE SECRET SECRET PAGE 02 PHNOM 08103 070750Z OCCURRED. HOWEVER, ONLY ONE PERMANENT STRUCTURE, WHICH

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 WAS A MILITARY CP, WAS OBSERVED TO BE DESTROYED. OVERALL, THE EXTENT OF PROPERTY DAMAGE APPEARED TO BE LESS THAN EXPECTED. 4. THIS MORNING (7 AUG.), CHARGE CALLED ON PRESIDENT LON NOL TO EXPRESS SORROW FOR THE INCIDENT AND CHMEDTC OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES TO CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF. CHARGE CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER IN TAM THIS AFTERNOON. 5. DUE TO THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THE INCIDENT, WE BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD BREAK WITH TRADITION HERE, AND PROVIDE SOLATIUM PAYMENTS. THIS IS IN KEEPING WITH LOCAL TRADITION (LON NOL HAS ALREADY PROVIDED ONE MILLION RIELS), AND THE GESTURE WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE KHMER LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC TO ACCEPT WHAT IS INEVITABLY A SERIOUS BLOW COMING AT A CRITICAL TIME. 6. IN VIEW OF THE NUMBER OF VICTIMS AND THE CIRCUM￾STANCES, WE PROPOSE TO MAKE PAYMENTS THROUGH APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OF THE KHMER GOVERNMENT. RECOMMENDED AMOUNTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: DEATH: 50,000 RIELS - $218.00 SERIOUS INJURY: 35,000 RIELS - $153.00 MEDIUM TO SLIGHT INJURY: 6000 RIELS - $27.00 PROPERTY DAMAGE: AS DETERMINED TO BE APPROPRIATE. 7. REQUEST PAYMENT OF THIS SOLATIUM BE APPROVED BY RETURN CABLE AND A FUND CITATION BE PROVIDED. ENDERS SECRET NNN

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Attributes Automatic Decaptioning: X Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 Channel Indicators: n/a Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Concepts: ACCIDENTAL ATTACK, CASUALTIES, INDEMNIFICATION Control Number: n/a Copy: SINGLE Draft Date: 07 AUG 1973 Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960 Decaption Note: Disposition Action: RELEASED Disposition Approved on Date: Disposition Authority: elyme Disposition Case Number: n/a Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004 Disposition Event: Disposition History: n/a Disposition Reason: Disposition Remarks: Document Number: 1973PHNOM08103 Document Source: CORE Document Unique ID: 00 Drafter: n/a Enclosure: n/a Executive Order: GS ENDERS Errors: N/A Film Number: n/a From: PHNOM PENH Handling Restrictions: n/a Image Path: ISecure: 1 Legacy Key: link1973/newtext/t19730853/aaaabmyv.tel Line Count: 90 Locator: TEXT ON-LINE Office: ACTION EA Original Classification: SECRET Original Handling Restrictions: n/a Original Previous Classification: n/a Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Page Count: 2 Previous Channel Indicators: Previous Classification: SECRET Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Reference: n/a Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED Review Authority: elyme Review Comment: n/a Review Content Flags: Review Date: 21 NOV 2001 Review Event: Review Exemptions: n/a Review History: RELEASED <21-Nov-2001 by shawdg>; APPROVED <03-Jan-2002 by elyme> Review Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Review Media Identifier: Review Referrals: n/a Review Release Date: n/a Review Release Event: n/a Review Transfer Date: Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a Secure: OPEN Status: NATIVE Subject: SOLATIUM FOR SURVIVORS OF ACCIDENTAL BOMBING AT NEAK LOEUNG TAGS: MOPS, CB, US To: STATE Type: TE Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005

Department of State, Electronic telegram, Air Attaché and Press on Bombing Incidents, August 11, 1973 DECLASSIFIED STATE DEPARTMENT TELEGRAMS RELATED TO THE BOMBING OF NEAK LUONG

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Text CONFIDENTIAL PAGE 01 PHNOM 08339 111253Z 50 ACTION PRS-01 INFO OCT-01 SS-14 ADP-00 EA-13 PM-03 CIAE-00 INR-10 NSAE-00 RSC-01 NSC-10 NSCE-00 RSR-01 /054 W --------------------- 064842 R 111135Z AUG 73 FM AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH TO SECDEF WASHDC SECSTATE WASHDC 2542 INFO USIA WASHDC C O N F I D E N T I A L PHNOM PENH 8339 LIMDIS USIA FOR IEA SECDEF FOR ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FRIEDHEIM FROM AMBASSADOR SWANK E.O. 11652 GDS TAGS: MOPS, CB SUBJ: AIRA AND PRESS ON BOMBING INCIDENTS 1. I WOULD LIKE TO CLEAR UP ANY POSSIBLE MISUNDERSTAND￾ING OF THE ROLE OUR AIR ATTACHE COLONEL OPFER PLAYED IN BRIEFING THE PRESS ON THE BOMBING ACCIDENT AT NEAK LUONG. HE WAS ASKED BY THE CHARGE TO BACK UP THE PAO IN BRIEFING A VERY DEMANDING AND HOSTILE PRESS CORPS ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 6 (A) ONLY AFTER RECEIPT OF SECSTATE 154257/061333Z AUG 73 FLASH WHICH INFORMED US THAT QTE STATE AND DOD AGREE EMBASSY SHOULD BE AS FORTH￾COMING AS POSSIBLE RE ITS ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGE, INJURIES AND NUMBER OF LIVES LOST UNQTE AND (B) BECAUSE HE WAS AT THAT TIME OUR ONLY EYEWITNESS TO THE DESTRUCTION AT NEAK LUONG. HE GAVE AN OBJECTIVE APPRAISAL OF WHAT HE SAW. 2. THE NEW YORK TIMES CORRESPONDENT'S ACCUSATION CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL PAGE 02 PHNOM 08339 111253Z THAT THE AIR ATTACHE OFFICE ATTEMPTED TO BLOCK

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 JOURNALISTS' ACCESS TO NEAK LUONG HAS BEEN DISCUSSED IN DAO 1148/091102Z AUG 73 AND I NEED ONLY ADD HERE THAT MANY MEMBERS OF THE MISSION HAVE SUFFERED FROM SUCH DISTORTIONS ON THE PART OF THE PRESS CORPS, WHICH IS ACUTELY AWARE OF THE HEADLINES THEY CAN COMMAND WITH SUCH STORIES. 3. PRESS REPORTS THAT THE EMBASSY HAD CONFIRMED A THIRD BOMBING INCIDENT WAS A COMPLETE DISTORTION OF A REMARK MADE BY THE PAO. 4. IN SHORT, COLONEL OPFER HAS DONE WELL IN TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES. WE HAVE IN THE PAST AND WILL EVEN MORE SO IN THE FUTURE ATTEMPT TO PROTECT OUR ATTACHES FROM CONTACT WITH THE PRESS. RARE OCCASIONS MAY ARISE, HOWEVER, WHEN THEY WILL BE CALLED UPON. SWANK CONFIDENTIAL NNN

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Attributes Automatic Decaptioning: Z Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 Channel Indicators: n/a Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Concepts: BOMBING, PRESS COMMENTS, PRESS CONFERENCES, ACCIDENTAL ATTACK, MILITARY ATTACHES Control Number: n/a Copy: SINGLE Draft Date: 11 AUG 1973 Decaption Date: 28 MAY 2004 Decaption Note: 25 YEAR REVIEW Disposition Action: RELEASED Disposition Approved on Date: Disposition Authority: elyme Disposition Case Number: n/a Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004 Disposition Event: Disposition History: n/a Disposition Reason: Disposition Remarks: Document Number: 1973PHNOM08339 Document Source: CORE Document Unique ID: 00 Drafter: n/a Enclosure: n/a Executive Order: GS SWANK Errors: N/A Film Number: n/a From: PHNOM PENH Handling Restrictions: n/a Image Path: ISecure: 1 Legacy Key: link1973/newtext/t19730843/aaaabfjv.tel Line Count: 78 Locator: TEXT ON-LINE Office: ACTION PRS Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL Original Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS Original Previous Classification: n/a Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Page Count: 2 Previous Channel Indicators: Previous Classification: CONFIDENTIAL Previous Handling Restrictions: LIMDIS Reference: n/a Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED Review Authority: elyme Review Comment: n/a Review Content Flags: Review Date: 19 NOV 2001 Review Event: Review Exemptions: n/a Review History: RELEASED <19-Nov-2001 by kelleyw0>; APPROVED <03-Jan-2002 by elyme> Review Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Review Media Identifier: Review Referrals: n/a Review Release Date: n/a Review Release Event: n/a Review Transfer Date: Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a Secure: OPEN Status: NATIVE Subject: AIRA AND PRESS ON BOMBING INCIDENTS TAGS: MOPS, CB, US To: STATE Type: TE Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005

Department of State, Electronic telegram, Neak Loeung [sic] Aftermath, December 17, 1973 DECLASSIFIED STATE DEPARTMENT TELEGRAMS RELATED TO THE BOMBING OF NEAK LUONG

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Text CONFIDENTIAL PAGE 01 PHNOM 14057 171139Z 15 ACTION EA-14 INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 CIAE-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 SSO-00 USIE-00 INRE-00 PM-07 H-03 INR-10 L-03 NSC-10 PA-04 RSC-01 PRS-01 SPC-03 SS-20 AID-20 OMB-01 DRC-01 /099 W --------------------- 020286 O R 171105Z DEC 73 FM AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4203 INFO SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE JCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE CINCPAC HONOLULU HI COMUSSAG NKP TAHI AMEMBASSY BANGKOK AMEMBASSY SAIGON AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE C O N F I D E N T I A L PHNOM PENH 14057 E. O. 11652: GDS TAGS: EAID, CB SUBJECT: AFTERMATH OF NEAK LOEUNG INCIDENT REF: SECSTATE 241161/102015Z DEC 73 B. AMEMB PHNOM PENH 13786/111230Z DEC 73 C. SECSTATE 245454/150100Z DEC 73 1. IN RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS POSED BY REF C ABOVE, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED: (A) HOW MANY CAMBODIANS WERE ACTUALLY GIVEN SOLATIUM PAYMENTS AND WHAT WERE CATEGORIES FOR DIFFERENT AMOUNTS PAID? NUMBERS OF CAMBODIANS PAID SOLATIUM BY CATEGORY: (1) TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE (273) WERE PAID FOR DEATH OF REALTIVE (50,000 RIEL). (2) FORTY EIGHT (48) WERE PAID FOR MUTILATION CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL PAGE 02 PHNOM 14057 171139Z (50,000 RIEL).

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 (3) THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE (385) WERE PAID FOR SERIOUS WOUNDS (35,000 RIEL). (4) FORTY SIX (46) WERE PAID FOR SLIGHT WOUNDS (6,000 RIEL). IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF CASUALTIES IS HIGHER THAN OFFICIAL COUNT GIVEN BY GKR TO THE PRESS AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED. NUMBERS AND IDENTIFICATION OF CASUALTIES WERE PROVIDED AND CERTIFIED BY GKR OFFICIALS AND THIS PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR SOLATIUM PAYMENT. US MISSION HAD NO MEANS OF VERIFYING GKR PROVIDED CASUALTY LISTS. CHMEDTC DECIDED TO MAKE PAYMENTS BASED UPON THE GKR LISTING RATHER THAN CREATE A DIFFICULT POLITICAL SITUATION. TOTAL AMOUND PAID OUT WAS $114,460 DOLLARS, THE EQUIVALENT OF APPROXIMATELY 26 MILLION RIELS AT THE RATE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED OR APPROXIMATELY 33 MILLION RIELS AT THE RATE IN EFFECT WHEN THE LAST PAYMENT WAS MADE. (B) HOW DOES SOLATIUM PAID FOR THIS BOMBING ERROR COMPARE WITH SOLATIUM GIVEN FOR OTHER SIMILAR BOMBING ERRORS? THIS BOMBING ERROR IS THE ONLY SUCH INCIDENT WHICH HAS OCCURRED IN CAMBODIA AND IS THEREFORE THE ONLY ONE FOR WHICH SOLATIUM HAD BEEN PAID. (C) HAVE WE EVER COMPENSATED FOR DESTROYED BUILDINGS IN CAMBODIA? TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE NO COMPENSATION HAS EVER BEEN PROVIDED FOR DESTROYED BUILDINGS IN CAMBODIA. THE VAST MAJORITY OF BUILDINGS DESTROYED IN CAMBODIA HAVE BEEN AS A RESULT OF GROUND ACTION AND THESE PRIMARILY FROM ENEMY GROUND FIRE. (D) HAVE WE EVER BEFORE REQUIRED PERSONS INJURED BY US ERROR TO PAY THEIR OWN MEDICAL EXPENSES? NO PRECEDENT HAS EVER BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THE PAYMENT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR PERSONS INJURED BY US ERRORS AS THE NEAK LOEUNG INCIDENT WAS A UNIQUE OCCURRENCE. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL PAGE 03 PHNOM 14057 171139Z (E) IT SHOULD BE NOTED THA THE SOLATIUM WAS A MONETARY GIFT PRESENTED AS AN EXPRESSION OF REGRET FOR AND INCIDENT THAT RESULTED IN DEATH OR INJURY AND WAS NOT INTENDED AS TOTAL COMPENSATION FOR THE LOSS SUFFERED. 2. AS TO ADDITIONAL RELIEF, THE GKR PAID ONE MILLION RIEL AND PROVIDED RICE AND CLOTHING TO THE AFFECTED FAMILIES IN CEREMONIES ATTENDED BY CHMEDTC AND CINCFANK

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 ON 8 AUG 73. AS NOTED IN REF B, THE CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICE HAS CONSTRUCTED A 200 BED ANNEX T THE RECONSTRUCTED HOSPITAL. 3. SINCE THIS INCIDENT INVOLVES EXPEDITURE OF DOD FUNDS AND INVOLVEMENT BY DOD PERSONNEL, RECOMMEND ANY RESPONSE TO SENATOR HUGHES BE CLEARED WITH DOD. ENDERS CONFIDENTIAL NNN

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Attributes Automatic Decaptioning: X Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 Channel Indicators: n/a Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Concepts: BOMBING, ACCIDENTAL ATTACK, PROPERTY WAR CLAIMS, COMBAT CASUALTIES Control Number: n/a Copy: SINGLE Draft Date: 17 DEC 1973 Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960 Decaption Note: Disposition Action: RELEASED Disposition Approved on Date: Disposition Authority: elyme Disposition Case Number: n/a Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004 Disposition Event: Disposition History: n/a Disposition Reason: Disposition Remarks: Document Number: 1973PHNOM14057 Document Source: CORE Document Unique ID: 00 Drafter: n/a Enclosure: n/a Executive Order: GS Errors: N/A Film Number: n/a From: PHNOM PENH Handling Restrictions: n/a Image Path: ISecure: 1 Legacy Key: link1973/newtext/t19731221/aaaaaozr.tel Line Count: 123 Locator: TEXT ON-LINE Office: ACTION EA Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL Original Handling Restrictions: n/a Original Previous Classification: n/a Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Page Count: 3 Previous Channel Indicators: Previous Classification: CONFIDENTIAL Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Reference: SECSTATE 241161/102015Z DEC 73 Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED Review Authority: elyme Review Comment: n/a Review Content Flags: Review Date: 20 NOV 2001 Review Event: Review Exemptions: n/a Review History: RELEASED <20-Nov-2001 by shawdg>; APPROVED <04-Jan-2002 by elyme> Review Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Review Media Identifier: Review Referrals: n/a Review Release Date: n/a Review Release Event: n/a Review Transfer Date: Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a Secure: OPEN Status: NATIVE Subject: AFTERMATH OF NEAK LOEUNG INCIDENT TAGS: EAID, CB To: STATE Type: TE Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005

Department of State, Electronic telegram, Neak Luong Aftermath, December 11, 1973 DECLASSIFIED STATE DEPARTMENT TELEGRAMS RELATED TO THE BOMBING OF NEAK LUONG

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Text UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 01 PHNOM 13786 111654Z 44 ACTION EA-14 INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 OMB-01 CIAE-00 PM-07 H-03 INR-10 L-03 NSAE-00 NSC-10 PA-04 RSC-01 PRS-01 SPC-03 SS-20 USIA-15 ACDA-19 IO-14 DRC-01 AID-20 ABF-01 TRSE-00 SCSE-00 SCA-01 IGA-02 /151 W --------------------- 097887 P 111230Z DEC 73 FM AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4138 INFO SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY JCS WASHDC AMEMBASSY SAIGON PRIORITY AMEMBASSY BANGKOK PRIORITY AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE CINCPAC HONOLULU HI PRIORITY COMUSSAG NKP THAI PRIORITY UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 13786 E.O. 11652: GDS TAGS: SUBJ: AFTERMATH OF NEAK LOEUNG INCIDENT REFS: SECSTATE 241161/102015Z DEC 73 1. THE NEWS STORY QUOTED REFTEL CONTAINS A NUXTER OF INACCURACIES WHICH ARE DISCUSSED PARA 3 BELOW. 2. ANSWERS TO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS POSED BY SENATOR HUGHES ARE AS FOLLOWS: A. DID WE AGREE TO COMPENSATE FOR BUILDINGS DESTROYED? NO RPT NO. U.S. GOVERNMENT DID AGREE TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF NEAK LOEUNG HOSPITAL. THIS HOSPITAL WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED DURING THE BOMBING INCIDENT. IT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY DAMAGED BY ENEMY FIRE DURING ATTACK ON NEAK LOEUNG. HOSPITAL RECONSTRUCTION WILL BE COMPLETED ON UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 PHNOM 13786 111654Z 15 DECEMBER 1973 PROVIDING A 200 BED CAPACITY. THE USG

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 ALSO PROVIDED SURGICAL AND OTHER EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO OPERATE THE HOSPITAL. ADDITIONALLY, THE CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICE HAS BUILT A WOODEN ANNEX BEHIND THE HOSPITAL WHICH HOLDS ANOTHER 200 BEDS. THE TOTAL COST TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR THE HOSPITAL WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000 DOLLARS IN COUNTERPART FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND 75,000 IN DOLLARS FOR THE HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT. B. DID WE PAY FOR ANY MEDICAL EXPENSES INVOLVED? THE U.S. GOVERNMENT DID NOT PAY DIRECTLY FOR ANY MEDICAL EXPENSES INVOLVED. HOWEVER, AS STATED IN SUBJECT ARTICLE, SORBUIUM MONEY MAY HAVE BEEN USED BY RECIPIENTS FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES. C. DID WE AGREE TO COMPENSATE FOR DEATH? THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AGREED TO PAHCSOLATIUM TO THE SURVIVING VICTIMS AND TO THE NEAREST RELATIVE OF THE DECEASED VICTIMS. SOLATIUM PAYMENTS WERE MADE IN THE AMOUNT OF 50,000 RIELS FOR DEATH WHICH EQUATED TO 217 U.S. DOLLARS AT THE TIME OF AGREEMENT OR ABOUT 2 YEARS EARNINGS FOR THE AVERAGE RURAL CAMBODIAN; 35,000 RIELS FOR SERIOUS INJURY WHICH EQUATED TO 152 U.S. DOLLARS OR 17 MONTHS EARNINGS FOR A RURAL CAMBODIAN; AND 6,000 RIELS FOR SLIGHT INJURY WHICH EQUATED TO 26 U.S. DOLLARS OR 3 MONTHS EARNINGS FOR A RURAL CAMBODIAN. D. WHERE DID MONZQ FOR EXPENDITURES COME FROM? MONEY FOR EXPENDITURES CAME FROM DOD FUNDS. 3. CERTAIN INACCURACISE APPEAR IN THE STORY AND THEY ARE DESCRIBED BELOW: A. QUOTE: THE UNITED STATES STILL HAS NOT PAID FOR THE DESTROYED HOUSES AND OTHER PROPERTY NOR DOES IT INTEND TO ALTHOUGH NO ONE HAS COMMUNICATED THAT TO THE PEOPLE HERE WHO ARE STILL WAITING HOPEFULLY. END QUOTE. THIS IS INACCUYJTE SINCE THE GOVERNOR OF PREY VENG AND THE BA PHNOM MILITARY SUBDIVISION COMMANDER (RESPONSIBLE LOCAL OFFICIALS) HAVE BOTH BEEN THOROUGHLY BRIEFED ON WHAT COMPENSATION, I.ZNMN SOLATIUM WILL BE PAID TO THE PEOPLE OF NEAK LEOUNG, AND WHAT CONSTRUCTION THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WILL UNDERTAKE, I.E. THE HOSPITAL. WE WERE ASSURED BY BOTH THE LT. DOVERNOR OF PREY VENG PROVINCE AND THE MILITARY SUB￾DIVISION COMMANDER OF BA PHNOM THAT THIS HAD BEEN UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 03 PHNOM 13786 111654Z COMMUNICATED TO THE PEOPLE OF NEAK LOEUNG. IN ADDITION, THE FACTS ON U.S. COMPENSATION HAVE BEEN BROADCAST OVER THE KHMER NATIONAL RADIO AND HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE KHMER PRESS. HLB. QUOTE. MEMORIES OF AN AMERICAN COLONEL IN DARK GLASSES WHO CAME AROUND AND PAID WHAT THEY CONSIDER A GROSSLY INSUFFICIENT FUND IN COMPENSATION FOR THE CASUALTIES. END QUOTE. THE SOLATIUM WAS PAID DIRECTLY

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 BY CHECK BY AN AMERICAN MAJOR ACCOMPANIED BY GKR OFFICIALS. IT WAS PAID A FSOLATIUM AND WAS IN NO WAY BILLED AS TOTAL COMPENSATION FOR LOSSES RECEIVED. C. QUOTE. IN AN AGREEMENT SIGNED AUGUST 22D BY THE CAMBODIAN AND AMERICAN GOVERNMENTS THE UNITED STATES AGREED TO REBUILD A DESTROYED HOSPITAL AND PAY THE SAAVIVORS OF THE 140 DEAD THE EQUIVALENT OF ABOUT 400 DOLLARS ACCORDING TO NEWS REPORTS AT THE TIME. END QUOTE THE UNITED STATES, AS STATED ABOVE DID AGREE TO REBUILD A DESTROYED HOSPITAL. THE UNITED STATES ALSO AGREED TO MAKE A SOLATIUM PAYMENT OF 50,000 RIELS TO A SURVIVOR OF EACH ODBTHE DECEASED. THE SOLATIUM PAYMENT WAS THE EQUIVALENT OF ABOUT 217 DOLLARS AT THE TIME OF AGREEMENT. HOWEVER, AT NO TIME DID THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AGREE TO PAY ALL SURVIVORS OF THE DECEASED NOR WAS THE SUM OF 400 DOLLARS EVER MENTIONED. 4. CONSIDER STORY UNFORTUNATE AND THAT THE ABOVE WILL BE HELPFUL IN ANSWERING QUERIES AND PUTTING THE SUBJECT IN PERSPECTIVE. ENDERS UNCLASSIFIED NNN

Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Message Attributes Automatic Decaptioning: X Capture Date: 01 JAN 1994 Channel Indicators: n/a Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Concepts: PRESS COMMENTS, BOMBING, ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION, ACCIDENTAL ATTACK Control Number: n/a Copy: SINGLE Draft Date: 11 DEC 1973 Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960 Decaption Note: Disposition Action: n/a Disposition Approved on Date: Disposition Authority: n/a Disposition Case Number: n/a Disposition Comment: Disposition Date: 01 JAN 1960 Disposition Event: Disposition History: n/a Disposition Reason: Disposition Remarks: Document Number: 1973PHNOM13786 Document Source: CORE Document Unique ID: 00 Drafter: n/a Enclosure: n/a Executive Order: N/A Errors: N/A Film Number: n/a From: PHNOM PENH Handling Restrictions: n/a Image Path: ISecure: 1 Legacy Key: link1973/newtext/t19731232/aaaaaxeo.tel Line Count: 137 Locator: TEXT ON-LINE Office: ACTION EA Original Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Original Handling Restrictions: n/a Original Previous Classification: n/a Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Page Count: 3 Previous Channel Indicators: Previous Classification: n/a Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a Reference: SECSTATE 241161/102015Z DEC 73 Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED Review Authority: collinp0 Review Comment: n/a Review Content Flags: Review Date: 26 OCT 2001 Review Event: Review Exemptions: n/a Review History: RELEASED <26-Oct-2001 by williadt>; APPROVED <04-Feb-2002 by collinp0> Review Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005 Review Media Identifier: Review Referrals: n/a Review Release Date: n/a Review Release Event: n/a Review Transfer Date: Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a Secure: OPEN Status: NATIVE Subject: AFTERMATH OF NEAK LOEUNG INCIDENT TAGS: MOPS, US, CB To: STATE Type: TE Markings: Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 30 JUN 2005