CONFIDENTIAL
advises that a second important British visitor within a year would arouse similar, if not greater, expectations which, in current circumstances, we could not meet. Although he accepts that Lord Caithness would find a visit to Vientiane interesting, he recommends against it unless he can bring something substantial with him. I endorse this advice.
Cambodia
8.
The successful meeting of the Supreme National Council (SNC) meeting in Pattaya demonstrated for the first time that the Cambodians could cooperate. Among other things, the SNC agreed to establish its headquarters and Secretariat in Phnom Penh, with the aim of doing this by November. But it is early days yet. The SNC has yet to address the issues which divide its members, a process which could begin when Cambodian leaders meet on 16-17 July in Peking.
9.
Against this background, a Ministerial visit to Cambodia in September could be politically awkward. Ministerial attention towards the SNC as a body and Prince Sihanouk in particular could play a valuable part in encouraging continued conciliation, cooperation and compromise among the Cambodians. But it will not be operational in Phnom Penh when Lord Caithness wishes to go there (although he could and should have contact if he goes to Bangkok). He could not, however, avoid contact with Hun Sen if he went to Phnom Penh. This could all too easily be misinterpreted as a gesture of support which could in turn upset the peace process at a particularly delicate stage. A Ministerial visit to Phnom Penh should, therefore, wait at least until the SNC has established itself there.
10.
According to Mr Melhuish, a trip to Angkor Wat would be feasible, although it would involve flying Air Kampuchea, whose safety standards are doubtful.
MRS
DH Colvin
CA2ACT
CONFIDENTIAL
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