Editors:

I express my gratitude to Mr. Leo Dobbs for his fairness on my behalf concerning

my efforts to develop and embellish the city of Phnom Penh between 1954 and 1969,

in his article entitled "City Grapples With Urban Growth" (Phnom Penh Post,

July 10, 1992).

However, I must ask you to please publish in the next issue of your esteemed newspaper

the following correction concerning the date on which Cambodia obtained complete

independence: the year was 1953 and not l954.

In effect, it was in 1953 that the French government agreed to give me complete satisfaction

in officially transferring to the Royal Khmer government all the powers which the

French authorities were holding in Cambodia and the units of the armed forces of

the French Union evacuated the Cambodian Monarchy.

You can request confirmation of these historic facts from the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs of the Republic of France.

I could, as well, give you the details and precise dates of the transfer of power

in 1953. But I think that your newspaper would not agree to publish a lengthy correction.

It is for this reason that I am requesting a short one.

With my gratitude and best wishes for your important newspaper, please accept the

assurances of my highest and cordial consideration.

 

- Norodom Sihanouk

The Post stands corrected. We also reiterate our willingness to receive and

consider for publication letters and guest commentaries from our readers, length

notwithstanding.