002/19-09-2007-ECCC-OCIJ ЮŲŠ / No: D427
136.
RAK had a hierarchical command structure that was reflected by its communication structure.
Reports were collected inside the divisions and then transmitted to the Centre level command
bodies, these being the General Staff. Commands were issued via the same lines of
communication. Central command transmitted its orders to the divisions, where they were
further sent to lower level commanders that carried them out.
Communication Between Divisions and Centre
137.
Communication between the divisions and the Centre was continuous, with several contacts
every day.413 The Centre command level regularly communicated with divisions414 and relied
on the divisions to forward its commands to lower-level units. Important decisions on the
division level were to be taken by the Centre command bodies.415 Divisions sent reports to the
Centre command bodies on a regular basis, usually reporting on military engagements,
discoveries of internal enemies and other matters.416
138.
Communication was facilitated by various means. One of the most common communication
lines was via radio and telegraph lines, including oral communication as well as messages.417
To this end, the General Staff418 as well as the individual divisions419 maintained radio and
telegraph units. Messages sent and received by RAK were encoded.420
139.
Messengers were also frequently used to transport messages.421 Individual divisions had
messenger units to provide these services.422
140.
Communication between the General Staff or the Military Committee on the one side, and
individual divisions on the other side, was frequently forwarded to members of the Central
Committee.423
141.
Another common means to communicate between the Centre command bodies and the
divisions was via in-person meetings.424 Meetings ranged from smaller gatherings425 to large
rallies.426 Examples for larger meetings are the meetings conducted before the final attack on
Phnom Penh,427 and before the purge of the Eastern Zone.428 Large rallies often included
speeches by senior CPK functionaries.429 Some witnesses report that military meetings were
held at the Olympic Stadium of Phnom Penh for commanders of units from the battalion level
upwards, chaired by Son Sen.430
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, National Road 4, Choam Chao, Dangkao Phnom Penh
Mailing address: P.O. Box 71, Phnom Penh; Tel: +855(0)23 218914 Fax: +855(0) 23 218941.
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