Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 33: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
operational immediate
CX–68876. Opinion here unanimous that we must utilize every possible means to make clear to the world that the UNC delegation at Kaesong is determined to continue the negotiations in an attempt to conclude a peace in Korea. To accomplish this end and to assure the free world of our calmness, firmness and patience during the negotiations and that our aims to insure peace in Korea are unmistakeable, it is believed that releases to the press and to the radio should be factual and complete. The statements of the UNC delegation to the Communist delegation during the course of negotiations provide us with our most fruitful material. In order that we may present our story to the world earlier than the news is given to the Communist world, releases will be made daily and promptly upon the conclusion of that day’s session. In order to accomplish this objective, effective 14 Aug, I shall initiate a daily release of pertinent parts of the statements made by the UNC delegation at the armistice conference that day. Facilities for distribution of releases from the advanced base camp in Korea are adequate for world dissemination via radio and wire services. The delay in forwarding these releases for approval in Wash would deny us the opportunity to compete with the presentation of Communist propaganda relative these same discussions.1
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A manuscript note attached to the source text addressed to Assistant Secretary Rusk by the Director of the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs (Johnson) read as follows:
“Gen. Bradley called Doc Matthews re this. I told Doc, who agreed and so informed Bradley, we concurred on understanding material released would be carefully selected and not entire text of proceedings.”
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