795.00/12–551: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Korea
458. Reur 532 Dec. 5 Gen Ridgway is being instructed to introduce question return of UN and ROK civilians at appropriate time during discussion agenda item 4, using whatever bargaining position we have because of large nr POWs we hold in comparison with communist holdings. He has been supplied list of UN civilians (totals 54 principally [Page 1342] Am, Fr & Brit) presumably captured by Commies and informed that State is consulting with you to develop comparable ROK list. He is also being instructed to make a similar effort, though of lesser priority, to obtain return all remaining internees and refugees in Commie hands and to consult with you on all phases of exchange of ROK civilians. However, his instructions provide that he is not to pursue question of civilian exchange to breaking point in armistice negots.
In accordance with foregoing and after consultations with Ridgway you shld in your discretion consult with ROK Govt re preparation of list for transmission to Gen Ridgway of ROK Govt officials and other prominent persons thought still to be alive and in hands of Commies whose return is particularly desired by ROK Govt. Although Dept appreciates difficulty set forth penultimate para your 532 this course action, believed desirable ROK Govt understand every effort being made treat question ROK civilians on same basis UN civilians.