The First administration of Sihanouk from 1954–1970 was an especially significant time in the history of Cambodia. Norodom Sihanouk continues to be one of the most controversial figures in Southeast Asia"s turbulent, and often tragic, postwar history. Admirers view him as one of the country"s great patriots, whose insistence on strict neutrality kept Cambodia out of the maelstrom of war and out of the revolution in neighboring Vietnam for more than fifteen years before he was deposed by his close associate, Lon Nol.



The Geneva Conference and Viet Minh Incursion

Although Cambodia had achieved independence by late 1953, its military situation remained unsettled. Noncommunist factions of the Khmer Issarak had joined the government, but pro-communist Viet Minh and United Issarak Front activities increased at the very time French Union forces were stretched thin elsewhere. In April 1954, several Viet Minh battalions crossed the border into Cambodia. Royalist forces engaged them but could not force their complete withdrawal. In part, the communists were attempting to strengthen their bargaining position at the Geneva Conference that had been scheduled to begin in late April.