Office of the Historian

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 98: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff

secret   priority
Tokyo, 16 December 1951—8:55 p. m.

C–59529. For info CINCUNC Adv msg HNC 576.

“Report of sub-delegation on agenda item 4. Convened 1100. UNC pressed during entire session for exchange now of POW data. Communists did not acquiesce and sought answer to question ‘is UNC going to release all POW or not?’ At close of session UNC placed its own POW lists on table and formally proposed exchange then and there saying if Communists not ready UNC would return with its lists at 1100 tomorrow. Meeting recessed at 1310 to reconvene at 1100 tomorrow.

“Comment: Since it clear that any effort to engage in substantive discussion will only open the door to discussion of release and exchange rather than other matters relating to exchange, program for tomorrow involves no change from present procedure. ICRC issue will be kept alive but in a subordinate position. Signed Joy”.1

  1. The report on the succeeding meeting, held on the following day, read as follows:

    “Report of sub-delegation meeting on item 4 convened 1100. Discussion followed pattern set yesterday. Recessed 1300 after Communists indicated they had nothing new to present. Program for tomorrow no change. Signed Joy.” (Telegram C–59560; Black Book, Tab 101)

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