Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 144: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–60057. For info, CINCUNC Adv HNC 634.
“This msg in 3 parts.
Part 1. The following is an initial translation of a reply to your msg of 21 Dec to Kim and Peng delivered to the Agenda Item Nbr 4 sub-delegation at noon today:
To: Ridgway: Supreme Commander, UNC.
‘Your ltr dtd Dec 21 has been received. We believe that the most important task at the present for the welfare of the prisoners of war and their families is to make it possible for all the prisoners of war [Page 1436] interned in the prison camps on both sides to return to their homes as promptly as possible and enjoy a reunion with their families from whom they have been long separated and resume their peaceful lives, after the agreement is signed and comes into effect. Several important problems in the present negotiations are approaching resolution. However, the armistice discussions have not reached agreement only because your side maintains in vain its unreasonable demands by striking at side branches (issues) and thus delays the negotiations, so the prisoners of war held by each side cannot be released and the sustained agony and anxiety of the thousands upon thousands of families of prisoners of war continues.
‘Based on our spirit and policy of giving good treatment to prisoners of war including all matters such as food, clothing, shelter or recreation, our side is giving the prisoners of war treatment which is in complete accordance with humanitarianism. The sick and wounded of the prisoners of war are all receiving effective medical care with the medical fac medical personnel prepared for them. Our humanitarian care and concern are amply reflected in the detailed and clear list of prisoners of war submitted by our side, Therefore we deem it unnecessary for the ICRC to visit the prisoners of war camps.
‘However, in order to facilitate the escorting of the prisoners of war of both sides we propose that immediately after the armistice agreement is signed and put into effect, joint visiting group be formed of representatives of the Red Cross of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Red Cross of the Chinese People’s Republic and the International Committee Red Cross, and that, dividing into teams, they go to the prisoner of war camps of both sides and make on the spot visits, and that they assist in the escort work at the place(s) of receipt and delivering of the prisoners of war of both sides. If you agree, we rqst you deliver this proposal to the International Committee Red Cross.
‘Kim Il Sung, Supreme Commander, Korean People’s Army:
‘Peng Teh-Huai, Commander, Chinese People’s Volunteers: 24 Dec 51.’
Part 2. Delivered also was a sealed ltr from Maj Gen Dean addressed apparently in Dean’s handwriting to Mrs Dean, 2518 Eton St, Berkeley, Calif.
Part 3. It is understood Communists also suggested delivery via sub-delegation of Xmas ltrs similar to Dean’s from UNC POW provided UNC would likewise deliver msgs from Communist POW.
Details will follow upon return of sub-delegation and further verification. Signed Joy.”