(Phnom Penh): Under the leadership of the Royal Crusade for Independence led by the Father of National Independence, King Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodia achieved full independence from the French Republic on November 9, 1953. After gaining independence, Cambodia entered a period of peace and national progress in all sectors. During the early years of King Sihanouk’s Sangkum Reas Niyum era, the Kingdom of Cambodia was even referred to as an “Island of Peace” in Southeast Asia.

*Royal Efforts Toward Cambodian Independence

The fight for independence was not an overnight event. The King had first declared Cambodia’s independence in March-April 1945 during the Japanese occupation. However, in 1946, France returned and reasserted its protectorate over Cambodia, citing the treaties of 1863 and 1884. Despite this setback, the royal campaign for independence continued with determination.
On February 7, 1950, the French Parliament granted autonomy to the three Indochinese states—Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos—though they remained under the French Union. In Cambodia, a new government was formed under the leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk.
According to His Majesty’s Royal Message to the nation on October 14, 2003, the struggle for independence was a long and arduous process that began well before 1952. The message stated that by 1953, the Cambodian people, under his leadership, had compelled France to transfer all remaining administrative, judicial, military, diplomatic, and political powers to Cambodia.

*The Initial Struggles: 1945 to 1953

In 1945, taking advantage of Japan’s ousting of French forces, King Sihanouk proclaimed Cambodia’s independence and requested official recognition from the Japanese Empire. However, Japan refused. When France reestablished control in 1946 after winning World War II, it insisted on reinstating the treaties of 1863 and 1884. The King firmly rejected these, declaring that the protectorate had ended in March 1945, and that France had failed to protect Cambodia’s territorial integrity as promised.

*Modus Vivendi of 1946 and Treaty of 1949

On January 7, 1946, Cambodia and France signed the Modus Vivendi Agreement—a Latin term meaning a "temporary practical arrangement." It was a transitional agreement that granted Cambodia more autonomy while full independence was negotiated. Sisowath Monireth, Cambodia’s Prime Minister, signed on behalf of the King. Though it marked the end of the French protectorate, King Sihanouk expressed dissatisfaction and vowed to continue the struggle.

The 1949 Treaty of Independence, signed by King Sisowath Monipong in Paris, officially annulled the earlier treaties of 1863, 1884, and the 1946 Modus Vivendi. This treaty became the legal foundation for Cambodia’s future full independence. That same year, France returned the provinces of Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, and Stung Treng to Cambodia, which Thailand had annexed during WWII with Japanese support.

*Convincing Cambodian Youth and the Philosophy of Strategic Patience

In Paris in 1946, the King met with Cambodian students who were unhappy with the 1949 Treaty, claiming it didn’t ensure full independence. His Majesty explained that full independence couldn’t be achieved overnight. Even the construction of schools or embassies took years, and wars would bring more harm than good, especially given France's superior military might. He stressed that only through diplomacy and international legal recognition could true independence be achieved.

*U.S. Recognition and Progressive Power Transfers

The United States established diplomatic relations with Cambodia on June 29, 1950, becoming one of the first countries to officially recognize Cambodia's independence. Gradual transfers of power occurred between 1950 and 1953, culminating in the departure of the last French troops on November 9, 1953.

*The Royal Crusade of 1953

In 1953, King Sihanouk launched a global diplomatic campaign to gain support for Cambodia's full independence. He traveled to France, the U.S., Canada, Thailand, and Japan, securing international backing. French President Vincent Auriol initially declined to negotiate directly with Cambodia, but international support pressured France to change its stance.

By mid-1953, negotiations between Samdech Penn Nouth and French representative Mr. Risterucci led to an agreement to transfer all remaining powers to Cambodia. These included civil, judicial, military, and foreign affairs. On November 9, 1953, General de Langlade and the last French troops officially left Cambodia.

*The Brave Men and Women’s Militia Movement

The Brave Men, Women and Militia Movement, with over a million participants, symbolized the unity and patriotic spirit of the Khmer people. Though mocked by some for lacking modern weaponry, the movement proved vital in pressuring France to grant independence, particularly as France was already struggling in Vietnam.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s independence on November 9, 1953, was not a gift, nor the result of luck. It was the culmination of strategic diplomacy, patient negotiation, and national unity under King Norodom Sihanouk's visionary leadership. The Modus Vivendi Agreement of 1946 and the Treaty of 1949 provided the legal foundations, while the courage of the Cambodian people ensured its realization.

Independence is not merely the end of colonial rule—it is the rebirth of Khmer identity and the cornerstone of Cambodia’s path to progress. It must be remembered that independence was won through sacrifice, dedication, and royal determination—not handed down freely. The heroic leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk will forever be engraved in the nation’s heart as the architect of its freedom and dignity.