REVISED CAMBODIAN STRATEGY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-21-4-5-8
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: August 26, 2010
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: March 16, 1972
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/29: LOC-HAK-21-4-5-8
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
.;~j 570
MR. KISSINGER
RICHARD T. KENNEDY' '
JOHN NEGROPONTE 41
SUBJECT:
Revised Cambodian Strategy,
Existing strategy in Cambodia seeks to defend the area south of routes
six and seven and to establish effective GKR control in the countryside.
The Cambodian Army General Staff has drafted a revised plan for oper-
ations during the rest of the dry season (map at Tab A). The proposal
divides the country into three zones: First call on military resources
would go to heavily populated Zone I which includes Phnom Penh, the
principal LOCs,. and most of the heavy rice-producing areas where
the goal would be to eliminate all enemy forces. Zone 2 would comprise
the rest of the area south of highways six and seven (the "Lon Nol Area")
where the objectives would be defense of major population centers and
maintenance of the present level of security for lines of communication
(This area also is a major rice-producer. ). Zone 3 would be the large,
sparsely settled area north of Zone 2, where the GKR would only try
to maintain pressure on the enemy from the air.
Though it is doubtful that any significant operational changes can be
accomplished during the remainder of this dry season, if Lon Nol
accepts the plan, it may provide a headstart for a more effective dry
season campaign in 1973.
The proposal appears to establish appropriate 'priorities for the limited
GKR resources available. It suggests that at least some leaders are
becoming increasingly realistic and, if the plan is implemented, it may
portend a more effective use of Cambodian forces.
_ No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/29: LOC-HAK-21-4-5-8
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/29: LOC-HAK-21-4-5-8
THAILAND
Phnam
Penh
CIA ., ac '
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/29: LOC-HAK-21-4-5-8
Q Principal city (10,000 or over)
Population over 125 per sq. mi.
SECRET