Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Korea, Volume XV, Part 1

795.00/5–3152: Telegram

The Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief Far East (Clark)¹

top secret
operational immediate

Washington, May 17, 1952—11:48 a.m.

JCS 909104. From JCS reur CX 68567.²

1. Procedure you suggest of informing Communists that approx 80000 individuals will be returned to their control not considered desirable here. Believed here that submission of 80000 figure would not increase likelihood of Communist agreement, and on other hand might have folg disadvantages:

A. Strengthen Communists allegation that initial screening by UNC was improper

B. Encourage them to delay agreement further in anticipation possible addl increase round figure by UNC, thereby weakening present firm UNC position.

C. Jeopardize strong general support UNC now has on POW question by casting doubt on validity of initial screening opn.

2. Without revising round figure previously announced to Communists, UNC del could reiterate to Communists that 70000 figure is best estimate UNC can make at this time, that UNC has no desire to retain any POWs who desire to return to Communists, that any POWs who indicate at any time desire to return to Communists will be permitted and assisted to do so, that in furtherance of this UNC has repeatedly offered to rescreen POWs after an armistice on impartial basis, but that under no circumstances will UNC become party to any agreement which requires UNC to use force to return POWs.

1. A notation on the source text indicated that the Secretary of State saw this telegram.
2. Dated May 16, p. 204.