Recognition By U.S.

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32252, 21 March 1970, Page 11

Recognition By U.S.

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright; WASHINGTON, . March 19. The United States said today that its recognition of Cambodia continued unaffected by the overthrow of Prince Norodom Sihanouk as Chief of State, the New York Times News Service reported. The State Department spokesman, Carl Bartch, told reporters: “Our position is that the question of recognition does not arise.” In response to questions, Mr Bartch said that United States recognition of Cambodia continued “for constitutional reasons.” This meant that the new Government headed by the acting Chief of State, Cheng Heng, and the Prime Minister (General Lon Nol) is seen by the United States to be the legal successor to that of the deposed Prince Sihanouk. Mr Bartch’s statement came after a secret high-level

meeting at the White House this morning called by Mr Henry Kissinger, President Nixon’s assistant for national security affairs, to assess the opportunities and risks presented by the sudden turn of events in Cambodia. It was not disclosed who was present or what specifically was discussed, but informed sources confirmed that the meeting had been held to consider courses of action with regard to Cambodia. The President’s Press Secretary, Mr Ronald Ziegler, said that events in Cambodia and Laos might affect the next troop withdrawal from Vietnam. He told journalists that while plans for another announcement or withdrawal were proceeding, “obviously the evolution of events had to be taken into account and must be assessed by the President.” The Secretary of Defence (Mr Melvin Laird) was one of the few officials in Washington who gave a public judgment on the stance of the new Cambodian regime. Mr Laird, in an impromptu news conference at

the Pentagon, said: “I would think that whichever government finally comes out of this present turmoil that’s taking place, there will be a likelihood that they will be somewhat tougher as far as the North Vietnamese influence in Cambodia is concerned.” “I'm sure that there will be some attempts in Cambodia to limit North Vietnamese activity,” he con tinued. “There have been indications over the last few months that they are more and more concerned about this.” Other officials said privately that the assessment of the situation had changed noticeably in the last 24 hours. They said it appeared that the regime led by General Lon Nol was taking hold firmly.