Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 174: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–60472. CINCUNC Adv HNC 684 for info.
“Sub-delegates on item nbr 4 convened at 1100 Dec 30.
1. During morning session UNC concentrated remarks on subject of former ROKA soldiers who became POW’s and subsequently were incorporated in KPA. Lee committed himself further on the principle of individual self determination but gave no indications that the Communists could be persuaded to restore this class of personnel to POW status.
2. In afternoon session UNC raised the question of foreign civilians interned by the Communists and requested that they be exchanged with the POW’s. Lee replied that they would be released after the armistice was signed, but asserted that the matter was beyond the scope of the armistice talks. UNC accepted this assurance that this personnel would be released and stated that this should be stipulated in the armistice agreement. Lee did not directly oppose this, although he did not give his assent. UNC went on to say that it intended to bring up the problem of other civilians, a problem to which Lee had adverted on several occasions during the talks. Lee attempted to extricate himself from any responsibility for having introduced this subject, saying that his remarks had been directed to the fate of the many thousand NK refugees now in ROK. He did not express himself fully on the discussion of civilians under agenda item nbr 4. UNC closed saying it saw no reason why civilians should not be permitted to return to their homes during the armistice.
3. Sub-delegation on agenda item nbr 4 reconvenes at 1100I, Dec 31.
Comment: After further discussion of the civilian problem tomorrow UNC will formally propose its recently approved position on the [Page 1470] basis for the release and exchange of POW’s if time is judged ripe. Since the position embodies the principle of individual self determination regarding repatriation which we feel will be repugnant to the Communists, the proposal will not be introduced at this time unless the Communists have agreed in principle that the repatriation of civilians be permitted under the armistice agreement. Signed Joy.”