Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 37: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–68959. “This message in 5 parts. Subject: Armistice Conference at Kaesong 15 August 51.
“Part 1. Summary: Nam Il delivered long blustering rejection of United Nations Command demilitarized zone. Joy explained effect of withdrawing United Nations Command air and naval forces during the period of armistice and consequent need of United Nations Command for strong ground defensive position during armistice. Joy proposed creation of subcommittee of one delegate from each side to seek ways and means of breaking deadlock on item 2. Nam Il agreed to consider. On Nam Il’s suggestion, recess until tomorrow at 1300K.
[Page 820]“Part 2. Progress: None.
“Part 3. Attitude: Some members of United Nations Command delegation thought enemy delegation seemed to reveal thinly veiled air of smugness and satisfaction derived from cause completely unknown to United Nations Command delegation. Delegation unable to evaluate.
[Here follows the main portion of Part 4, an abridged transcript of the proceedings of the 25th session.]
“Adm Joy:
“I want to make a statement before we leave. We have hung in deadlock on item 2 of our agenda for many days. We show no prospect of progress along present lines of procedure. I, therefore, recommend a new effort to break this deadlock.
“One of our prime difficulties is the formality of each delegation regarding the points at issue. This is necessary in order to preserve order in these meetings involving 10 delegates and their various assistants. Nevertheless, our present manner of exchanging views is tedious and somewhat stilted.
“We suggest that each delegation appoint one delegate to membership in a joint sub-committee of the delegations. We suggest that these two delegates meet informally, to exchange views on item 2 of our agenda. We suggest that the two delegations jointly charge this subcommittee to make recommendations to the two delegations as to ways and means of emerging from the present deadlock.
“We suggest two assistants, including interpreters, be appointed for each side.
“It is our thought that neither delegation be bound by implication or contract to honor the recommendations of the joint sub-committee. Such recommendations would of course require ratification by the delegations. It is our thought that this sub-committee meet around, rather than across a table, and seek objectively to work out a solution to our present problem.
“I am prepared to nominate my delegate and staff assistants. If you desire to think this over for a period, you can let us know tomorrow when we meet again. If you agree in principle, but not in the details, we will consider such proposal as you may offer.
“We suggest either 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock tomorrow afternoon our time. That is, 10 o’clock your time, or 12 o’clock your time, and not 11 o’clock your time.
“Nam Il:
“Your proposal has been duly noted, but we would like to have it in writing.
“As for the recess, it is better we meet again tomorrow at 12 o’clock by our time, and 1 o’clock by your time.
[Page 821]“Recessed 1244K.
“Part 5. Conclusions:
“The UNC Delegation believes that indications are that enemy intends to hold firm to his position on 38th parallel as line of demarcation.” I concur.