Office of the Historian

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 26: Telegram

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

secret   priority
Tokyo, 11 August 1951—8:03 p. m.

C–68769. This msg in 5 parts. Subject: Armistice Conference at Kaesong 11 August 51.

Part 1. Summary: Meeting included continued attempted rebuttal by Communist of United Nations Command position on Demilitarized Zone. Joy delivered a statement refusing to discuss 38th Parallel, and connecting unreliability shown by Commies by neutrality violations to need for defensible positions during armistice. Nam Il proposed to refer details of question of neutrality of Kaesong Zone to Liaison Officers. Joy deferred without committment. Joy gave vigorous denunciation of unreasoning and arbitrary stand of Communists, including offer to shift to Item 3, and willingness to discuss zone based on present military situation. Meeting resumes 12 August at 1100 hours K.

Part 2. Progress: None.

Part 3. Attitude: No change.

[Here follows Part 4, an abridged transcript of the proceedings of the 21st session.]

Part 5. The UNC delegation feels there is no evidence warranting conclusion Communists will change their position on 38th Parallel as demarcation line and I concur.