Lot 203
Sihanouk, Norodom (1922-) Sihanouk served two terms as king, two as sovereign prince, one as president, two as prime minister, and one as Cambodia's non-titled head of state; he abdicated on Oct. 7, 2004. TLS ("N. Sihanouk") as head of state, 4pp, 10¾" X 8¼", Phnompenh, 1966 July 17. An eloquent letter written in the midst of the Vietnam War, adressing the accusations of an American that Sihanouk has misconceptions regarding the role of the USA in southeast Asia.
He writes, "…It seems to me that…you should be much more 'saddened' at the activities of your country in this area and at the root cause of the 'resentments' of our people…." He examines the motivation of the U.S. in staying aloof for the first years of both World Wars, then discusses the "Cold War," and America's "support for France's colonialist 'dirty war' in Indo-China." He admits to the "generosity" of the American people and regrets that "the present US administratin has turned its back on its own liberal traditions to become the symbol of reaction and oppression. No words of mine on this subject could be half as eloquent as the bombs and napalm with which your planes are daily scarring and burning the fields, homes and bodies of the South Vietnamese people. / … we and our neighbours in Indochina did not free ourselves from French colonial rule only to fall under American or any other foreign rule…." He brings up allegations in the U.S. press against Cambodia "aimed at providing the pretext for systematic bombing of our territory," [which did take place in 1969]. A fascinating letter!
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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