Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 126: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
operational immediate
C–59840. CINCUNC Adv HNC 609.
“Subject: Staff Officers Meeting on Agenda Item Nbr Three, 21 Dec.
“1. Morning Session:
“a. Reviewed principles discussed previous afternoon. Full staff agreement reached on principle nbr 1 worded as follows:
“(1) All armed forces under the control of either side, including all units and armed personnel of the ground, naval and air forces shall cease all hostilities within 24 hours after the armistice agreement is signed and becomes effective. Full staff agreement reached on principle nbr 2 worded as follows:
“All armed forces under the control of either side shall be withdrawn from the demilitarized zone within 72 hours after the armistice agreement is signed and becomes effective. Except for such armed forces of a police nature as may be specifically agreed to by both sides, no armed forces of either side shall thereafter enter the demilitarized zone; nor shall the armed forces of either side commit any acts of armed force against the demilitarized zone. Each side shall manage in accordance with the stipulations of the armistice agreement the administrative affairs of that portion of the demilitarized zone lying on its side of the military demarcation line.
“b. Full staff agreement reached on principle nbr 3 reworded as follows:
“All armed forces: Ground, naval and air, under the control of either side shall be withdrawn, within five days after the armistice agreement is signed and becomes effective, from the rear and coastal islands and waters of the other side meaning islands which were formerly controlled by the other side and any others specifically and mutually agreed to. If they are not withdrawn within the stated time limit, and there is no mutually agreed and valid reason for delaying the withdrawal the other side shall have the right to take all necessary action against such armed personnel for the maintenance of security and order.
“c. UN proposed acceptance of principle 5 as reworded. Communists objected stating their original wording sufficient. UN proposed insertion of ‘ground, sea and airports’ in order to clarify enemy term ‘ports of entry.’ Communists objected stated their wording ‘ports [Page 1414] of entry’ was collective and included all types of ports. Stated specific ports could be decided on during discussions of details. Further questions by UN on ‘ports of entry’ clarification avoided by enemy who reiterated their term ‘ports of entry’ was all-inclusive. Communist claimed staff meeting should break deadlock on principle nbr 4 thus no reason to discuss principle nbr 5 which is of minor importance. UN continued discussion of reworded principle nbr 5, proposed substitution of ‘non-combatant’ instead of ‘neutral’. Communists agreed to consider change. UN proposed to continue staff meeting and recess sub-delegation meeting until 22 Dec. Communists agreed.
“2. Afternoon Session:
“a. UN explained necessity for prohibition of airfield rehabilitation, Communists stated they did not intend to rehabilitate all airfields, that it was a question of internal affairs and objected to its inclusion in a military armistice. UN asked why rehabilitation necessary. UN stated it involved sovereign rights. Reiterated that it was question of interfering in internal affairs of a sovereign state. Communists offered revised principle nbr 4 as follows:
“In order to insure the stability of the military armistice so as to facilitate the holding by both sides of a political conference of a higher level, both sides undertake not to introduce into Korea any military units, military personnel, war equipment, and ammunition during the armistice. Such rotation as within the limit agreed upon by both sides shall be reported to the military armistice commission so that the supervisory and inspection organization of neutral nations may be entrusted to conduct supervision and inspection in the ports of entry in the rear, agreed upon by both sides.
“b. Communists stated that unless UN give up insistence on interference in internal affairs Commies would return to original wording. UN explained that this did not solve major problem of insuring an effective armistice. Enemy claimed big concession made, would not discuss airfield rehabilitation further. UN listed our concessions. Communists stated airfield rehabilitation, air reconnaissance and photography, inspection at communications centers, involved internal affairs of a sovereign state; said such demands must be given up. Claimed staff meeting was making no progress. UN stated staff meeting has made considerable progress and recommended continuation at 1000 22 Dec. Suggested sub-delegation recess until 1400 22 Dec; Communists agreed.
“c. Communists reiterated they could absolutely not accept interference in their internal affairs, namely rehabilitation of air fields.” Signed Joy”.