CAMBODIAN OFFENSIVE TO RELIEVE ENEMY PRESSURE ON KOMPONG THOM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-512-1-13-7
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: May 4, 2012
• Sequence Number: 13
• Publication Date: September 10, 1970
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/05/04: LOC-HAK-512-1-13-7
NSITIVE
ARMY, NSS, review
completed.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM: Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: Cambodian Offensive to Relieve Enemy PrcAsure on
Kompong Thom
a" t
You may have noted press reports stating that the Cambddians have
launched a significant operation to clear the road between Phnom Penh
and the provincial capital of Kompong Thorn, which is some 80 kilometers
north of Phnom Penh. The operation is also intended to relieve enemy....,
pressure on the city.
We have received a message from our political-military courxselo!r
in Phnom Penh, Mr. Ladd, which provides more details of the Cain 0 an
operation. Although Mr. Ladcl describes it as "limited, " it emerges afr
very sizeable by Cambodian standards, consisting of the total of 14
battalions organized in two infantry brigades plus a three-battalion
commando force. Naval forces will also be involved, as will support ng
artillery', motor transport, and air support. Significant aspects are:
-- The operation will consist of a ground attack along Route 6
(this began September 7), in which the spearhead is a brigade
made up of six infantry battalions which were evacuated from
northeastern. Cambodia and retrained and reequipped in South
Vietnam. This'force is now known as the "1st Shock Brigade.
Another brigade of five infantry battalions will be attached.
-- An amphibious force of commandos and naval units will advance
on Komphong Thorn up the Tonle Sap Lake and the river system
leading to Koxnpong Thom. It begins September 9, and will rely
both on Cambodian naval vessels and civilian shipping.
-- The Cambodians hope that the ground assault will draw off most
of the enemy strength and leave the way clear for the amphibious
INFORMATION
September 10, 1970
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/05/04: LOC-HAK-512-1-13-7
 No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/05/04: LOC-HAK-512-1-13-7
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TOP SECRL T/SEN'SIT1VE
forces. Mr. Ladd helicoptered over this general area on.
September 2 and found the region almost entirely under water,
thus making access comparatively easy.
- Mr. Ladd believes that the Cambodians have done a good job in
planning and organization. Forces are adequate, and air support
will be provided by Cambodian T--28s and C-47s. Additional allied
air support will probably be needed, though.
- Earlier communication difficulties in the Cambodian armed forces
have now apparently been overcome. Mr. Ladd reports that
communications have been established from FANK Headquarters to
the three major command posts and from each of these to their own
subordinate units and to the air and naval direction centers.
Comment: If this operation succeeds, as Mr. Ladd believes it has a good
chance of doing, it should have a very good effect on Cambodian morale.
Similarly, the morale of the Communist forces might suffer at least some
decline as a result of the increased Cambodian capabilities. We will watch
progress carefully and be especially interested in the performance of the
"Shock Brigade" forces retrained in South Vietnam.
To]P ~q F.C,PT:T /SFNSTTTVT,:
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/05/04: LOC-HAK-512-1-13-7
 Aak
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/05/04: LOC-HAK-512-1-13-7
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TOP SECRET /SEd SITIVE ACT
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Septezer S. 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR DL KISSINGER
dd'ROM: John H. aldridge
SUBIECTs Cam odian Offensive to R etWse Enemy Pressure an
Kong Them
At General Haaig's request, I bravo prepared a brief mamor*nd
peration against arnapoag Thom submitted by Fred Ladd (Tab 2).
reem you to the President covering the appraisal of the Cambodian
ATI.ON:
That you sign the memorandum to the President at Tab A.
Attachment
/c s
HH//sfp/9-8-70
TMp rrr-f ??r i.VsITTVs:
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2012/05/04: LOC-HAK-512-1-13-7