Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 100: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–59563. For your info CINCUNC Adv Msg HNC 581.
“Sub-delegates on item no 3 convened 1100 17 Dec. General Ferenbaugh seated vice [delegate?] Hodes relieved. Hsieh opened with restatement of (1) Rotation and replenishment and (2) Rehabilitation of facilities, as crucial points of dispute. UNC reiterated its position on these points. UNC asked for answer to its hypothetical question of yesterday regarding islands. Hsieh said islands was a minor question. Hsieh said rotation and replenishment was reinforcement, argued lengthily against it. Hsieh said restrictions on facilities and aerial observation were interference with internal affairs and his side unshakably opposed them. Hsieh said while his side had made concessions on rotation UNC had made no concessions on rehabilitating facilities. UNC returned to hypothetical question regarding islands. UNC stated rotation and replenishment is not subject to negotiation, is the firm intent of UNC. UNC asked if Hsieh suggested that in return for UNC conceding islands, his side would accept UNC principle 5. Hsieh said UNC withdrawal from islands was obligation of UNC, declined bargain, denouncing as unreasonable. Hsieh said his side absolutely would not tolerate any interference in internal affairs (airfield rehabilitation) and absolutely would not accept such restriction, such interference. UNC returned again to hypothetical question of [Page 1355] islands, asking for clear answer. Hsieh said question already answered, returned to two points, rotation and replenishment, and rehabilitation of facilities. Hsieh said UNC insisted on rotation and replenishment, his side opposed prohibition of rehabilitation of facilities. UNC insisted on solution of island question. Hsieh insisted UNC was obligated to withdraw from islands. UNC denied this categorically. After recess for lunch, argument developed as to who needed more time to study proposals of other side. Hsieh reiterated he had answered question of islands. Recessed 1410. We continue tomorrow to press for UNC principles. Signed Joy.”