Cambodia: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

Before 1950, citizens of the United States had very limited interaction with residents of what is today the nation of Cambodia. Relations became more regular only after Cambodia gained its independence from the French Empire following World War II.

Modern Flag of Cambodia

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Cambodian Independence, 1950

The United States recognized the Kingdom of Cambodia on February 7, 1950, when the Department of State made an announcement to that effect. Cambodia previously had been part of Indochina as a Protectorate of France and had become an independent state as part of the French Union in 1949.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1950

Diplomatic relations were established on July 11, 1950, when American Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary Donald R. Heath presented his credentials to the government of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Heath was resident at Saigon.

Establishment of the American Legation in Cambodia, 1950

The American Legation in Phnom Penh opened on November 14, 1950, under Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Don V. Catlett.

Elevation of Status of Legation in Phnom Penh to Embassy, 1952

Following a joint announcement by the United States and Cambodia on June 6, 1952, the United States Legation in Phnom Penh was raised to Embassy status on June 24, 1952, when Ambassador Donald R. Heath received confirmation of his appointment from the United States Senate. Ambassador Heath remained resident at Saigon. The first Ambassador resident at Phnom Penh was Robert M. McClintock, who presented his credentials on October 2, 1954.

Diplomatic Relations Severed, 1965

Cambodia severed diplomatic relations with the United States on May 3, 1965. The Government of Cambodia stated that it held the United States responsible for recent cross-border air attacks by South Vietnam that had killed Cambodian citizens.

Diplomatic Relations Reestablished, 1969

The United States and Cambodia reestablished diplomatic relations on July 2, 1969, according to a Department of State Press Release of that date.

American Embassy in Cambodia Reopened, 1969

The United States Embassy in Phnom Penh was reopened on August 16, 1969, under Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Lloyd M. Rives.

U.S. Embassy Closed and Normal Relations Interrupted, 1975

The United States closed its Embassy in Phnom Penh on April 12, 1975, following the evacuation of all U.S. personnel due to the deteriorating military situation in fighting between government forces and communist insurgents. President Gerald Ford on April 17, 1975, acknowledged the fall of the Government of the Khmer Republic (Cambodia) and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger subsequently explained in a press conference that the new government had refused to establish diplomatic relations with any country.

Establishment of U.S. Mission in Phnom Penh, 1991

The United States established a U.S. mission to the Kingdom of Cambodia on November 11, 1991, with Charles H. Twining as its Representative.

U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh Reestablished and Normal Relations Resumed, 1994

The U.S. Embassy in Cambodia was reopened and normal relations were resumed on May 17, 1994, when Ambassador Charles H. Twining presented his credentials in Phnom Pehn.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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