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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 33 No. 11. 22 July 1970

Sihanouk corrupt and cooperative with Vietcong

Sihanouk corrupt and cooperative with Vietcong

Prince Norodom Sihanouk was deposed by General Lon Nol, on grounds of corruption and willingness to cooperate with the Vietcong. A popular ruler the prince lent to the left and to the right when the occasion demanded. Perhaps his only fault was that he guarded Cambodia's neutrality too well.

American and South Vietnamese forces have entered Cambodia to block the supply lines and destroy the bases just inside Cambodia's border, which have allowed the Vietcong to prolong the Vietnam war for so long.

President Nixon was certainly influenced by his country's history. Its first defeat under his administration was more than he would acknowledge easily. If the Americans can defeat the Vietcong before the coming of the monsoon the Communists will be forced to retreat and those remaining m Cambodia will be denied the chance to resupply and reorganise. The ruling regime under General Lon Nol will also be able to consolidate its political position, and suppress pro-Sihanouk forces in the country, who have taken up arms with the Communists. If a victory is not won before the monsoon, Richard Nixon will become a two term president.