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

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 165: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Advance Headquarters, United Nations Command, Korea

top secret
flash

Tokyo, 30 November 1951—3:33 p. m.

C–58341. Reference HNC 495.¹

1. Your attention invited to para 3 of JCS 88226,² quoted herewith: “If negotiations are broken off over this issue, the decision to cease discussion of an armistice must be made by Communists and not by UNC.” It is believed that your proposed statement as presently worded would place you in a position of having violated this directive.

2. In view of the above it is desired that your proposed statement be reworded as follows: “During the past 3 days, the UNC has stated its position on agenda item 3 and has explained it in full. Everything in our proposal is as fair for one side as for the other. Every specific principle which we have stipulated is designed to enhance the stability of the military armistice and to increase the prospects of an early peace in Korea. All of these principles are strictly military. None are political. We have stated 7 principles upon which the solution of item 3 of the agenda must be based. We have listened to your objections to these principles. We now reject these invalid objections categorically.

You oppose observation by jointly manned teams throughout Korea. You oppose the limitation of forces on both sides, limitations designed to assure that no increase in military capabilities occur on either side during the period of the armistice. You have attempted to force out of consideration joint observation of the manner in which armistice teams will be adhered to. You have sought to avoid limitations on military capabilities during the period of armistice. You have tried to submerge these fair and open arrangements by dragging into the discussion the question of withdrawal of foreign troops from Korea. You have done this, knowing full well that withdrawal of forces from Korea is a subject inappropriate to the Military Armistice Conference. Here is our answer.

First: We will continue to insist, as an element of an acceptable armistice agreement, that neither side will introduce into Korea any reinforcing air, ground or naval units or personnel during the armistice. This shall not be interpreted as precluding the exchange of units or individual personnel on a man-for-man basis, or major items of equipment on a piece-for-piece basis.

Second: We will continue to insist, as an element of an acceptable armistice agreement, that neither side will increase the level of war equipment and material existing in Korea at the time the armistice becomes effective. Such equipment and material will not include those supplies required for the maintenance of health and welfare and such other supplies as may be authorized by the Armistice Commission, nor the vehicles, ships or aircraft used to transport such supplies.

Third: We will continue to insist, as an element of an acceptable armistice agreement, that a Military Armistice Commission of mixed membership on an equal basis, designated by the Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command and the Commander-in-Chief of the Communist forces, shall be established for the purpose of providing for supervision over the execution of an adherence to the terms of the armistice arrangements. This commission and its joint observation teams shall have authority to observe at ground, sea and air ports of entry and communication centers throughout all of Korea as mutually agreed to by the two delegations, together with freedom of movement over principle lines of communication throughout all of Korea. The commission shall likewise have authority to establish joint aerial observation and photoreconnaissance over all of Korea and complete joint observation of the demilitarized zone.

Fourth: We will continue to insist that the question of withdrawal of troops from Korea, as an element of armistice agreement, is entirely beyond the purview of this Military Armistice Conference and subject to ultimate determination by the political authorities concerned.

We shall insist on the inclusion of the foregoing principles as essential of an acceptable armistice. With all the earnestness at my command I urge you to cease raising objections to these fair principles. We, and all who seek peace, await your considered answer with the deepest concern. I recommend we recess until such time as you designate, in order that you may have opportunity to fully study this statement.”

End.³

1. A note on the source text read: “495 not identified”. Presumably it was a message from Admiral Joy to General Ridgway, not repeated to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, dealing with a proposed statement on item 3 by the U.N. Command Delegation.
2. Dated November 28, p. 1193.

3. The following reply was sent by Admiral Joy to General Ridgway in telegram HNC–500, November 30, 8:25 p. m.:

   “Receipt of your C 58341 acknowledged. Since many of the points included in paragraph 2 of your message were covered in today’s proceedings, the statement contained in subject message is being edited here to avoid undesirable repetition. However, the essence and clear intent of your direction will not be modified.” (Black Book, Tab 166)