The new Cambodian Ambassador said here today that his government might seek military aid from Israel if American aid ceases after the Aug. 15 deadline agreed to by President Nixon and the U.S. Congress. The envoy, Keo Kimsan. who presented his credentials to President Ephraim Katzir on Monday, said he had made no formal overtures to the Israeli authorities on this subject yet because as long as the Americans are active militarily in Cambodia they would not welcome Israeli aid.
Kimsan, Cambodia’s first resident Ambassador to Israel, said his country would contemplate asking for Israeli military advisors and know-how if the Americans stopped bombing and the Communists continued to attack government forces. He said his government was already negotiating privately with several friendly governments for future military help if needed. He did not name the governments.
He said he hoped that if a cease-fire could not be arranged with the Communists, the U.S. would continue its bombing support for the Cambodian Army beyond Aug. 15. Kimsan said he also hoped for Israeli economic assistance when the war ended to help rebuild his ravaged country.
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