Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 6: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–58512. For info CINCUNC Adv msg HNC 505.
“Report of armistice conference 2 Dec. Convened 1100.
“1. UNC delegation opened in folg vein: Since other side states that it is groundless to say that it opposes the limitation of forces during the period of armistice it is assumed that it agrees to three UNC principles. Therefore UNC proposes acceptance of UNC principles 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 by both sides and continued effort to reach agreement on remaining principles.
“2. Nam Il replied that he agreed with principles 1, 2, 6 and 7 but with respect to the three principle, limitation is not enough; forces should be reduced and withdrawn from Korea. Nam Il went on as fols: There is nothing new in ‘very important statement’ made by UNC yesterday. UNC still insists in its unreasonable proposals. It proposes limitation of military facilities for its own offensive purposes. The true purpose of this is to prevent the Korean people reconstructing their defensive facilities. Yesterday’s statement only confirmed this. The restriction is to be placed on the reconstruction of airfields. The Korean people can never forget the brutal bombing of peaceful towns. They have the right to reconstruct during the armistice their defensive facilities, including aflds. They will do so to secure their forces and prevent further wanton bombing. The UNC stresses the security of trps. How can it seek to prevent reconstruction of aflds? The Korean people will never tolerate the slightest interference with such reconstruction. The UNC seeks to retain coastal islands. All forces including those on the island should be withdrawn from beyond the demarcation line. Retention of islands by UNC would render the armistice unstable. No sophistry on the part of the UNC lifts the obligation which is upon it to withdraw from the islands. As for UNC insistence upon replenishments and replacements, [Page 1218] it is inconsistent with your proposal of limiting forces. If UNC really wants to reduce possibility of resumption of hostilities it cannot propose continue entry into Korea of foreign trps. It can only w/d trps. The true purpose of the inspection principle proposed by UNC is to interfere in the internal administration of the People’s Republic. The authority of the armistice commission should be contingent upon and consistent with the content of the armistice terms. In any case it is inconceivable that during the armistice and while war is still unterminated, one belligerent should seek observation posts in the rear of the other side, freedom of mvmt over its lines of communications and aerial reconnaissance. This is inconceivable. Our side seeks no free access to territory under UNC control for purpose of inspection. Neither will it grant such a right to the UNC.
“3. UNC replies as fols: The other side objects to routine replacement and replenishment yet it asserts the right to unlimited reconstruction of aflds on grounds they are defensive. If there is no intention of building up forces during the armistice why are more aflds needed. The other side seeks to deny UNC right to maintain forces at existing levels, but at the same time wants to increase its own offensive potential by unlimited construction of aflds. UNC can only conclude that other side desires to use armistice to ready itself for resumption of hostilities at a time of its own choosing. If not, there is no reason for refusal to accept UNC three principle. Examination of objections to the four principle strengthens this conclusion. Objections to joint observation on grounds that it is an interference are unconvincing. The UNC welcomes such observation as an indication of its good faith and will accept no less from the other side. To clarify the meaning of ‘free access’ UNC will amplify its explanation. The joint teams shall have authority to observe at ground, sea and air ports of entry and communication centers, as agreed by both sides, and freedom of mvmt over principal lines of communication. It also includes joint aerial observation and photographic reconnaissance. This is the meaning of ‘free access.’ It constitutes no interference in internal administration. The UNC has nothing to hide. What does the other side object to if it does not in fact intend to violate the armistice? The arguments used by the other side to refute UNC three and four principles only reinforces UNC conviction that these must be included in any armistice. UNC retention of the islands is in strict accord with the ltr of the agreement on agenda item 2. By mutual agreement the islands were deliberately excluded from consideration under agenda item 2. The UNC will retain the territory it now holds.
“Nam Il proposed recess until 1500 this date.
“Comment: UNC current position on islands is not necessarily its [Page 1219] ultimate position. Possession of these islands will be a useful and strong bargaining point at a later stage in the discussions. Signed Joy.”