Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Korea and China, Volume VII, Part 1

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 16–A: Telegram¹

The Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway)

top secret
operational immediate

Washington, June 28, 1951—3:40 p. m.

JCS 95174. From JCS for CINCUNC eyes only, personal for.

1. Following is with reference to Malik’s statement and to questions asked by Ambassador Kirk and Gromyko’s replies thereto, copies of which have been transmitted to you.

2. Your comment and recommendations by telecon regardless of hour are urgently requested on the following:

3. General views:

a. Most practicable and desirable action is on military level;

b. Position must be that we are willing to discuss armistice terms and not that we are requesting such discussion.

c. You should initiate action through a message, draft of which is contained herein, expressing willingness to discuss armistice terms.

d. The message must make clear that it is based on instructions from higher authority.

4. Specific points:

a. Draft of message which would be addressed by you to the Commander of the Communist Armed Forces in Korea, and simultaneously publicly announced by you;

b. Place for meeting with representatives of the Communist command. Both Seoul and Danish hospital ship Jutlandia off Wonsan have been suggested;

c. Designation of your senior representative. It appears questionable whether or not you personally should participate in the first meeting.

d. ROK military participation. We believe that your senior representative should speak for the entire United Nations command, including the ROK forces, but we feel that a senior ROK officer should accompany your representative.

5. Draft message follows:

As Commander in Chief of the United Nations Command I have been instructed to communicate to you the following:

I am informed that you may wish to discuss the formulation of armistice terms by which the fighting can be stopped under conditions which will assure against the resumption of hostilities.

I, on my part, stand ready to designate suitable representatives to meet with representatives of your command at a time and place to be mutually agreed.

Upon the receipt of word from you that such a meeting is desired, I will designate appropriate representatives and am prepared to suggest a time and place for meeting.

6. Your present instructions regarding armistice terms will be modified as may be necessary prior to any meeting with representatives of the Communist command in Korea.

1. This Lot File contains the “Black Book on Cease Fire” kept at the time in the Office of Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Dean Rusk. See the Note on Sources, p. vii.