CAMBODIA: Royal Popularity

Of the three fragmented states of French Indo-China, the land of Cambodia (pop. 4,500,000) stands the best chance of survival. It is rich in rice, rubber, tobacco, teak, pepper and well-watered soil, has only a small Communist movement, and its devoutly Buddhist people are homogeneous. But among its most important assets is its young King Norodom Sihanouk.

Swallows in the Palace. At 32, King Norodom is plump, with thick black hair and a taste for black knitted ties. At his palace, an elegant blend of saffron and apricot coloring, King Norodom maintains a stable of thoroughbred horses, ceremonial elephants and...

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