Office of the Historian

Matthews files, lot 53 D 413: Telegram

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

top secret
priority
Washington, April 3, 1953—7:13 p.m.

JCS 935741. From JCS.

Part I.

1. At his press conf 2 Apr, PresUS, in commenting on recent Commie proposals, stated that he thought we shld now take at face value every offer that was made to us until it was proved unworthy of our confidence. Accordingly, every precaution shld be taken in publ remarks [Page 864] or press releases to avoid any tone or impression contrary to the spirit of PresUS remarks. Re this, ref is made to AP Tokyo disp 3 Apr attributing to Adm Daniel statement that negotiators “want satisfactory answer from Reds to ‘few questions’ before they agree to hold plenary sessions on Armistice,” and thereafter listing two questions.1

Part II. Reur [C] 61723.2

2. It is noted that Commies consistently refer to “sick and injured” POWs whereas we have been using the term “seriously sick and wounded” POWs. While Art 109 Geneva Convs refers to “seriously wounded and seriously sick” POWs, it is considered advisable we shld in future avoid use “seriously” in order ensure return max number UNC psnl. Accordingly, word “seriously” shld be deleted in last sent Part 2, para b 1 and in second sent text proposed reply to Commies, Part 2, para c, ur C 61723.

3. You may wish give consideration to inviting ICRC perform traditional functions re sick and wounded POWs being returned by UNC, in particular to observe UNC procedures for assuring that no POW is “repatriated against his will” according Art 109. This would be unilateral action on our part in consonance with para 3, Art 109. However, in order not to delay or complicate negots ur action shld not be mentioned to Commies who charge ICRC with bias.

4. Re Part 2 b: It was intent para 5, JCS 9353443 that guidance contained therein would apply to discussions by dels, if and when negots are resumed, and not to Ln Grp. Therefore, para 3 of instructions in Part 2 b ur C 61723 shld be deleted.

5. Re Part 2 c. Third sent ur proposed reply might be interpreted by Commies as commitment that negots based on Commie proposal will be resumed whether or not satisfactory amplification their proposal is forthcoming. This sent shld therefore be deleted. Felt here that in lieu this sent request for further detailed info as outlined in para 2 JCS 935344 might appropriately be included in ur reply. If Commies do not respond, it is recognized that it may later be nec for Ln Grp attempt obtain this info from Commies by direct questioning.

6. Subj to foregoing, ur letter of instructions in Part 2, para b, and ur proposed reply in Part 2, para c, are approved.

  1. General Clark in telegram CX 61765, Apr. 6, 1953, not printed, informed the JCS that measures had been taken to insure compliance with the directive in this paragraph and that, after investigation, he was convinced that Rear Admiral Daniel had not at any time made the statements attributed to him in the AP dispatch of Apr. 3. (JCS records, CCS 383.21 Korea (3–19–45))↩
  2. Dated Apr. 3, p. 857.↩
  3. Dated Mar. 31, p. 829.↩