Having been ill for several weeks during September and October, 1992, I didn't have

time to read most of the newspapers I normally read because of their articles on

Cambodia.

This morning, I read an article deliberately opposing Sihanouk and my government

of the Popular Socialist Community (Sanghum Reastr Niyum) signed by Michael Vickery

and published in the Phnom Penh Post, Sept. 25, 1992.

In this article by Michael Vickery there were many "details" that this

gentleman would like to present as historical facts and which were only written to

drag my name unjustly through the mud and to discredit my former party, the Popular

Socialist Community.

Lacking the time before attending a meeting of the Supreme National Council with

UNTAC, I cannot respond sufficiently to all the incorrect and unjust accusations

against me by Mr. Michael Vickery. However, let me re-establish certain truths as

follows.

1. Mr. Vickery wrote that the elections in 1955, "although supervised

by the International Control Commission...and declared 'correct' by the supervisors-were

really Cambodia's first crooked elections."

To accuse me of dishonesty in an election strictly controlled by an absolutely neutral

and vigilant India, Poland-who at this period reflected a pro-Khmer Vietminh and

anti-Sihanouk viewpoint-and Canada, representing the "Free World," non-Sihanoukist

stance and during this period opposed by Sihanouk-is to go too far in the realm of

"fair play."

2. During the 1980s, I never approved the intention or the idea that my cousin

Bour Hell should commercially exploit the rich forests in the FUNCINPEC zone. Quite

the opposite.

3. Mr. Michael Vickery, at the end of his article, expressed the belief that

I might again lead my nation towards disaster as during the years 1955 and afterwards.

Many western writers, having respect only for themselves and not for historical truth

or the ideals of objectivity and justice, have written that the era of the Popular

Socialist Community (my regime during the years 1955 to 1969) were, in all respects,

a "disaster" for Cambodia, when in reality this was the only honorable

and constructive period for Cambodia in the 20th century.

In this regard, the evidence of honest journalists (even western), of objective diplomats

(even western), and very important personalities symbolizing honesty, such as the

former Senator and ex-Ambassador Mike Mansfield of the U.S.A. are not lacking, such

testimonies have confirmed the positive, constructive and beneficial role (for Cambodia

and its people) of the Popular Socialist Community during the years 1955 to 1969.

- Norodom Sihanouk