795.00/11–650: Telegram
The Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief, Far East (MacArthur)
flash
JCS 95949. From JCS. The situation depicted in your C–683961 is considerably changed from that reported in last sentence your C–682852 which was our last report from you. We agree that the destruction of the Yalu bridges would contribute materially to the security of the forces under your command unless this action resulted in increased Chinese Communist effort and even Soviet contribution in response to what they might well construe as an attack on Manchuria. Such a result would not only endanger your forces but would enlarge the area of conflict and U.S. involvement to a most dangerous degree.
[Page 1076]However in view of first sentence your 68396 you are authorized to go ahead with your planned bombing in Korea near the frontier including targets at Sinuiju and Korean end of Yalu bridges provided that at time of receipt of this message you still find such action essential to safety of your forces. The above does not authorize the bombing of any dams or power plants on the Yalu River.
Because of necessity for maintaining optimum position with United Nations policy and directives and because it is vital in the national interest of the U.S. to localize the fighting in Korea it is important that extreme care be taken to avoid violation Manchurian territory and airspace and to report promptly hostile action from Manchuria.
It is essential that we be kept informed of important changes in situation as they occur and that your estimate as requested in our 958783 be submitted as soon as possible.4