Sihanouk back in Phnom Penh

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33944, 10 September 1975, Page 17

Sihanouk back in Phnom Penh

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PEKING, September 9. Cambodia’s titular Head of State (Prince Norodom Sihanouk) flew home to Phnom Penh today after more than five years exile in China.

The former Monarch was given a big send-off on his long-delayed return to the war-shattered Indo-Chinese State. Tens of thousands of brilliantly-dressed children poured into Tien An Men Square in the heart of Peking, for an early-morning farewell rally, and, later, several Vice-Prime Ministers were at a colourful airport ceremony. Clearly moved, Prince Sihanouk said just before boarding his aircraft that he could not find words to express his feelings properly. Communist-led Khmer Rouge forces opened the way for his return last April, when they overthrew the United States-backed Administration that had ousted him in 1970. The Buddhist Prince’s future role is, however, still uncertain: although the Khmer Rouge recognise him as Head of State, he does; not plan to stay long ini Phnom Penh. He is expected to become a roving ambassador, and his aides say that he will return to Peking later this month for China’s “liberation” anniversary, and then address the United Nations in New York. The Prince, who is 52, was accompanied by the ailing Prime Minister, who shared his comfortable exile in the former Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mr Penn Nouth. The party also included the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Khieu Samphan), the Marxist strongman who led the Khmer Rouge during vears of bitter guerrilla war against the now-deposed regime of Marshal Lon Nol. Prince Sihanouk, once regarded as a demi-god by many Cambodians, has repeatedly said that he has no wish to resume Executive

power. Apart from a brief journey in 1973 into areas “liberated” by the Khmer Rouge, he has not set foot in Cambodia since he was overthrown while visiting Moscow in April, 1970. At a banquet last night, Prince Sihanouk paid special tribute to Chou En-lai, the Chinese Prime Minister who, at the age of 72, is suffering from a heart condition. “He exerted himself unsparingly in support of the Cambodian revolution,” the Prince said.