Office of the Historian

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 55: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff

secret
flash
Korea, 11 July 1951—12:55 p. m.

HNC–055 CINCFE personal for Hickey. This msg in 2 parts.

Part 1. Mymsg HNC 051. The following report was received from Admiral Joy at 111135K, July:

“They have accepted all our requirements regarding freedom of movement but refuse to meet our requirements concerning newsmen. We are proceeding with the conference until directed otherwise by you”.

Part 2. I have instructed Admiral Joy as follows:

At time of your choosing, perhaps just prior to adjournment, I desire that you inform the Communist delegates as follows:

“The presence of a selected number of newsmen at a conference of such major importance to the entire world is considered an inherent right by members of the United Nations. Therefore, a selected group of professional newsmen, photographers and newsreel cameramen numbering approximately 20, will accompany and be an integral part of the United Nations Command delegation to any or all future sessions beginning on 12 July. This party of newsmen will be controlled by our officer personnel. United Nations Command neither asks nor desires that newsmen be admitted to the conference room”.