Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 93: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–59464. HNC–568. For info, CINCUNC Adv HNC 568.
“Sub-Delegations on Item 3 convened 1100.
“1. Hsieh opened by illustrating with map what he meant by coastal waters and islands, which he described by extending the demarcation line roughly due east from the east coast and roughly southwest from the west coast. He indicated UNC should withdraw from all islands north of this extended line and waters around them to a distance roughly indicated as approximately 25 miles. Hsieh stated MAC would not control neutral supervisory organ, but would merely entrust this organ with certain functions. Hsieh stated both sides should accord neutral teams the convenience of traveling over lines of communication as agreed upon by both sides. Hsieh stated that rotation requests submitted to MAC must be supported by reasons and data, and must be approved by both sides of MAC. Hsieh stated number of personnel to be rotated must not exceed 5,000 per month. Hsieh stated that the old provincial administrative line should divide Han River [Page 1345] Estuary. Hsieh stated ports of entry meant ports agreed by both sides, dodging question of airports. Hsieh stated aerial observation by neutral teams is not necessary and is not permissible. Hsieh stated both sides should make joint efforts to see that the neutral organ can be formed and ready to operate immediately after the signing of the Armistice Agreement.
“2. UNC responded with a statement refuting Communist positions on islands, rotation and replacement, interference in internal affairs, airfields and inspection of the rear areas; and asserting firm UNC positions on these points.
“3. Hsieh accused UNC of refusing to negotiate. UNC denied. Hsieh stated UNC rotation program was needed by UNC to raise morale of its troops. Recessed 1240.
“4. Reconvened 1400. UNC delivered statement emphasizing its insistence on prohibiting increase in military capabilities during Armistice. (This will be dispatched verbatim in separate msg).1 Hsieh complained of victor attitude taken by UNC saying UNC refused to negotiate. UNC stated it was always ready to give serious consideration to any proposal which provided for effective supervision of adherence to Armistice terms and for prohibition of increase of military capabilities during Armistice, Hsieh asked why 5,000 per month rotation was not enough. UNC stated categorically it would continue rotation and replenishment during Armistice and would accept no restrictions except those imposed by requirement not to increase level of forces. Hsieh denounced rotation as de facto increase in forces. Recessed 1600.
“5. Plan to continue tomorrow to press for UNC proposal of 12 December.
“Signed Joy.”
- Infra.↩