University of Virginia Library

Sihanouk Sprouts Wings

Taking his cue from a story
reported in The Cavalier Daily
(March 12) Prince Norodom Sihanouk
of Cambodia sprouted wings
and decided to fly back to his
war-torn capital of Phnom Penh some
time this week.

Mr. Sihanouk, who is in Paris on a
tour of Europe, said "The next flight
bound for Phnom Penh from Paris
leaves next week, though if I flew via
Prague I would arrive much sooner."
He added, "I realized the possibilities
were unlimited, and even though my
aides advised me against it, I decided
to sprout wings and fly back to my
squalid people."

If the weather is good, Mr.
Sihanouk will start his flight tomorrow,
but due to an air traffic
controllers' strike he may be delayed.
"I might just call out the army and
have them run the airports," he said.
"That type of thing seems to work
well in the United States, so who not
Cambodia?"

Asked if he thought there was a
chance that U.S. forces would move
into Cambodia and make it another
Vietnam, the prince said, "I certainly
hope so. I could use the money, and
besides things get pretty dull in
Cambodia. Why do you think I'm in
Paris?"