Phnom Penh speech

Since his return to power in 1958, Charles de Gaulle advocated for French sovereignty and independence, aiming to provide an alternative to the two blocs dominated by the United States and the Soviet Union.

On 20 August 1966, Norodom Sihanouk, the head of state of Cambodia, stated in an interview with French journalist François Chalais for the ORTF that "since General de Gaulle's return to power, France has resolutely supported our policy of independence, peace, and non-alignment, as well as the defense of our territorial integrity.

"I declare here that France fully supports Cambodia in its efforts to remain outside the conflict and that it will continue to offer its assistance and backing for this purpose.

Furthermore, it is exemplified by the example it set in North Africa by deliberately ending sterile fighting on territory where, despite its dominance, it had administrated for 132 years and where over a million of its children had settled.

But, as those fights neither engaged its honor nor its independence, and at a time when they could lead only to increased losses, hatred, and destruction, France chose and managed to withdraw without affecting its prestige, power, or prosperity.

According to France, while it is implausible that the American war machine could ever be destroyed on the ground, it is equally impossible that the peoples of Asia will submit to the rule of a foreigner from across the Pacific, no matter their intentions or the power of their weapons.

And France believes that if the U.S., with its current power, wealth, and influence, were to choose to forego a remote expedition with no clear benefit or justification in favor of an international arrangement fostering peace and development, it would enhance its prestige, ideals, and interests.

As the presence of the Viet Cong grew in eastern Cambodia, pro-American elites gained prominence in Phnom Penh, culminating in Sihanouk's ousting in 1970.