It was however, too late. By December, the political balancing act that the prince had conducted for two decades, collapsed around him. In March 1970 Sihanouk lost control of the government. Contrary to expectations, the American bombing effort had not pulverized the base areas and had only tended to drive PAVN/VC deeper into the Cambodian countryside. This series of events began to pose questions for Hanoi. The North Vietnamese had been willing to maintain the status quo in Cambodia as long as their supply lines and sanctuaries were secure. But with the expansion of the war across the border they might have to take further steps to maintain their position.