Xihanuke qin wang shi cha Jianpuzhai jie fang qu [Samdech Sihanouk's inspection tour of the Cambodian Liberated Zone] 西哈努克亲王视察柬埔寨解放区专辑 Supplement to Renmin huabao [China Pictorial] no. 6, 1973

Beijing: China Pictorial, 1973. 44p., photo-illustrated wraps very good with light handling wear, 10x14 inches, thoroughly illustrated with photos in black and white with a color centerfold, text in Chinese. Stand-alone special issue of the pictorial magazine celebrating the tour by Sihanouk, exiled Cambodian prince and ally of China, to the parts of Cambodia then controlled by the Khmer Rouge. Photos show Sihanouk fording streams with pants legs rolled up, eating humble meals with guerrillas in the jungle, and posing for group shots at Angkor Wat with Khmer Rouge leaders, including Saloth Sar (later better known as Pol Pot). Text (in Chinese) celebrates (truncated) the achievements of the guerrillas in forcing back the US-backed Lon Nol government's troops. After the Khmer Rouge victory in 1975, Sihanouk returned to Cambodia (then called Kampuchea) to serve as a symbolic figurehead leader, though he actually lived under house arrest. This is one of the most visually arresting examples of China's diplomatic support of the Khmer Rouge. (Inventory #: 170302)