Office of the Historian

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 30: Telegram

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

secret   priority
Tokyo, 12 August 1951—5:36 p. m.

C–68797. This msg in 5 parts. Subj: Armistice Conference at Kaesong 12 August 51.

Part 1. Summary: Agreement arrived at for meeting on 13 August of Liaison Officers of both delegations to discuss Kaesong neutral [Page 815] zone regulations. Nam Il delivered long argument attempting to defend against Joys denunciation of yesterday. In the course of his oration Nam Il displayed map showing line of contact, 38th Parallel and United Nations Comd proposed zone. Line of contact shown approximately 5 miles south of actual contact line throughout length. Nam Il challenged United Nations Command to make its proposed zone public. Joy answered with refusal to discuss 38th Parallel, willingness to discuss any zone based on present military situation, willingness to shift to Item 3 of 4 of Agenda. Communist map is in hands of United Nations Command Delegation. Meetings continue tomorrow.

Part 2. Progress: Display of map by Nam Il may be construed as slight progress, though may only be propaganda device.

Part 3. Attitude: Nam Il gave some evidence of being on the defensive.

[Here follows Part 4, an abridged version of the transcript of the proceedings of the 22d session.]

Part 5. Conclusions:

(1)
No evidence warranting conclusion enemy is likely to relinquish his demand for 38th Parallel at Demarcation Line.
(2)
Some evidence enemy is preparing to broaden his discussion of demilitarized zones, though whether for propaganda or bargaining purposes is not known here. And I concur.