After Ambassador Huang's call on Secretary Kissinger yesterday he immediately brought the Premier's message to the attention of the President, who directed him to do everything possible to facilitate this humanitarian request. The US side has been in touch with its Embassy in Phnom Penh, and has received a reply.

President Lon Nol will permit Queen Kossamak to leave Cambodia for Peking or any other destination upon receipt of a written request from any authorized member of the royal family. He will permit Air France to evacuate the Queen from Phnom Penh "on its own responsibility." The authorized representative could be Prince Monireth who resides in Phnom Penh, Princess Bopho Devi who is believed to be in Hong Kong, or another member of the royal family.

The U.S. Government will help to assure that the written request is made and accepted, and suggests that arrangements can now be made for the Air France charter flight. If a contact is needed by Air France to facilitate arrangements in Phnom Penh, the American Charge of Embassy, Mr. Enders, will assist. The Queen Mother will need to be accompanied by medical and perhaps a few other persons on the flight. The US will be glad to use its good offices to see that appropriate persons are allowed to leave Phnom Penh with her, or, in the event that the accompanying persons come to Phnom Penh on the charter aircraft, that arrangements are made for their arrival and departure.

INFORMATION

October 15, 1973

MEMORANDUM FOR: SECRETARY KISSINGER

FROM: WINSTON LORD

SUBJECT: Chinese Dinner

Per your instruction I immediately called Mr. Chien Ta-Yung (phonetic), their high-level guy handling the dinner. I said I was calling on your behalf to express your surprise and chagrin that the list had not been given to the Chinese last week and to offer any help we could in preparing for the dinner given the shortness of time now available. I said that you had asked me to call upon them today to these ends.

He was very pleasant and relaxed (I realize this proves nothing), confirmed that they had the list, and said that they had given it to the Ambassador for his final approval. After that they will be in touch with us to assist them in extending the invitations.

I repeated our regrets that the list had gotten to them so late and twice more said that I would like to pay a call on them. Mr. Chien each time said that they would pass on my messages to the Ambassador, and that it was not necessary for me to call, and that they would be sure to call on us for whatever help was needed.

Comment:

In sum, I have conveyed your messages except that I did not specifically offer to have the dinner cancelled. I believe this would compound the problem. I have also not physically called on them since he very politely made it clear that this was not necessary.