795.00/7–551: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
flash
8. Eyes only Muccio from Rusk. Next fol tel eyes only to you will contain text basic directive to Ridgway on mil talks concerning possible armistice.1 This is furnished strictly for your own info to enable you to deal with top ROK officials in full knowledge of situation. We will keep you currently informed of position during course of negots. We do not believe you shld acquaint ROK with content these instrs since Gen Ridgway must be allowed broad discretion in way in which mil talks are to be conducted and time and circumstances of any disclosure to ROK officials. Ridgway will be acting under directives from US Govt transmitted through JCS. Inter-governmental negots among UN Govts will take place in Wash. Wld greatly appreciate your comments from time to time and, particularly, your anticipation of troublesome questions such as were raised urtel 10 Jul 4. Difficulty of problem with ROK fully appreciated highest levels here and we shall do what we can to help. Cordial regards. [Rusk.]