victims of this toxic gas experience choking.sensations accompanied by vertigo and then they vomit blood. · On 18, 19, 20 and 24 January, at Romeaing Sar, Ta Sal commune, Kompong Speu province (western region); the Vietnamese aggres­ sors fired poison gas shells on the civilian population. Ten cases of poisoning occurred, including seven very serious cases. From I to 12 February, the Vietnamese occupation forces fired a barrage of poison gas shells on the civilian population of Kranhoung, Samlaut district, Battambang province, causing 12 cases of poison­ ing, four of them serious. The victims suffer first from headaches accompanied by difficulty in breathing. Shortly afterwards, they experience nausea and they vomit blood, after which they suffer from dryness in the throat and swelling of the abdomen. Finally, they experience general debility and convulsions and then lose con­ sciousness. DOCUMENT S/15623 Letter dated 22 February 1983 from the representative of the United States of America to the Secretary-General [Original: English] [24 February /983] I have the honour to transmit the following message from the Secretary of State of the United States, Mr. George P. Shultz, regarding Security Council resolution 525 ( 1982): "In response to your communication of7 December 1982, I would like to report to you that the United States Government, having supported the humanitarian appeal contained in Security Council resolution 525 ( 1982), has communicated to the Government of South Africa its concern regarding the lives of the six South Africans condemned to death. It is our sincere hope that the South African Government will consider expressions of concern in de­ ciding the fate of these individuals." I should be grateful if this letter could be circulated as a document of the Security Council.. (Si,:ned) Jeane J. KIRKPATRICK Permt111ent ReprC'.\'C'ntatil'e ,~r the United States <~/' America to the United Nations DOCUMENT S/15624* 
**Analysis**
The text describes the use of toxic gas by Vietnamese forces on civilian populations in Cambodia, leading to severe health effects and casualties. The focus is on the humanitarian crisis and the harm caused to individuals, rather than on economic or environmental issues. The text also mentions a letter from the US Secretary of State regarding the fate of six South Africans condemned to death, which adds a layer of international politics and human rights to the document.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Health