Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 129: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–59942. For info, CINCUNC Adv HNC 615.
“There follows summary of Staff Officers meeting on item nbr 3 today.
“1. Morning session.
“(a) Communists stated interference in their internal affairs can not be accepted. Claimed big concession made on principle of rotation even though such rotation would increase UN Military capabilities.
“Communists presented reworded version of their principle number 5.
“(b) As follows: “Outside the demilitarized zone at the ports of entry in the rear agreed upon by both sides and in the places where violations of the Armistice Agreement have been reported to have occurred, representatives of neutral nations shall be entrusted to execute the supervision and inspection.”
“UNC pointed out that since Communists agree that freedom of movement of non-combatant nations inspection teams on the ground is not interference in internal affairs, aerial reconnaissance and photographic flight by these same teams cannot be called interference [Page 1421] in internal affairs. Explained that rotation would not increase UN military capabilities, but enemy’s rehabilitation of airfield definitely would increase his military capabilities. UNC presented revised principle nbr 4 reworded as follows:
“In order to ensure the stability of military armistice so as to facilitate the holding by both sides of a political conference of a higher level, both sides shall under take not to increase the numerical quantities of military personnel, combat aircraft, armored vehicles, weapons and ammunition in Korea after the Armistice Agreement is signed and becomes effective. Any rotation of personnel shall be subject to on-the-spot supervision by the supervisory organ of non-combatant nations and shall be carried out at the ports of entry in the rear agreed upon by both sides. The rehabilitation of a limited nbr of airfields for civil air operations at specified points shall be agreed; such rehabilitation shall not include extension of runways: No other airfields shall be rehabilitated or constructed.”
“UNC stated that the above concession was offered even though such rehabilitation increases greatly Communist military capabilities.
“Communists contended rotation would increase UN military capabilities. Claimed aerial observation and air field rehabilitation a question of interference in internal affairs. Declined to discuss UN revision of principle nbr 4 as it included rehabilitation of air fields. Communist rejected UN revision of principle nbr 4; stated no progress possible unless UN gives up interference in internal affairs. Communists stated that since no further progress was possible, Staff Officer meetings should be terminated, sub-delegations reconvened. UNC stated if that was Communist view, UNC agreed to reconvene delegations, adjourned 1130. Sigd Joy.”