Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 44: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–69184. This msg in 3 parts. Subj is meeting of sub-delegation at Kaesong 18 Aug.
1. Summary:
a. Subdelegation again gathered in an informal atmosphere. The Communists produced a map of the scale of 1:200,000 outlining the UNC proposed zone, the 38th Parallel Zone and the battle line. The 38th Parallel Zone had been modified by adjustment in the eastern portion of the southern boundary which gave the UNC positions about 4 kilometers nearer the 38th Parallel and an equal adjustment in the western portion of the zone on the northern boundary giving the Communists a similar advance to the south. Their so called adjustment resulted in no concession on their part; rather a trade of equal areas with 38th zone. The entire morning was devoted to sparring, with each side reviewing the fairness of its proposal and refuting the arguments of the other side. They continue their illogical arguments with no military basis. Their only real argument, which they repeated several times during the day, proposes a reasonable equal exchange of real estate along the 38th Parallel which has no bearing on the present situation. The Communists insisted that the basic principle in an armistice was the pledged word of each side not to resume hostilities and that the demilitarized zone itself provided all necessary additional security. The United Nations Command subdelegation agreed that the pledged word was an important principle but maintained that neither it nor the demilitarized zone in themselves provided the security that we demand for our troops and that adequate defensive positions were also essential. The United Nations Command subdelegation stressed on numerous occasions the necessity for the maintenance of balance between the two forces during the armistice and stressed the principle that neither side improve its military position. This is a requirement the Communists refused to admit. The Communists proposed that we (1) drop from the map the United Nations Command proposed zone (2) drop hypothetically the 38th Parallel zone although we should in doing so remember that it is still the Communists basic proposal, (3) drop the battle line and (4) start fresh, with the United Nations Command [Page 843] subdelegation placing on the map a new zone completely unrelated to any of the lines that were formerly on the map. The UNC subdelegation countered with a suggestion that the Communists place on the map their concept of such a zone. The Communists refused. The UNC subdelegation then proposed that a coin be tossed to determine who would place a zone related to the battle line on a clean map. In refusing this request the Communists stated flatly that they had no proposal in mind except one based on the 38th Parallel. The Communists realized the spot they would be in if they lost the toss and couldn’t make a proposal. Neither side offered a new proposal during the afternoon session. Discussion centered on UNC subdelegation attempting to get agreement on fundamentals without success. The Communists in replying to a question relative to military balance during the armistice stated that only line representing true military balance was the 38th Parallel. The UNC subdelegation then asked this direct question 3 times: “Is any zone not based on the 38th Parallel acceptable to you?” The Communists beat around the bush each time and would not give a direct answer. The UNC subdelegation then stated: “You have led me to believe you are here to negotiate an armistice only if it is based on the 38th Parallel. Is my impression correct?” The statement and question repeated after the Communists fumbled in trying to keep from replying. The Communists finally replied by stating that their basic principle was to retain the 38th Parallel but that this morning they had proposed some adjustments. They added that they still believed their first proposal was fair and reasonable but that did not mean that they refused to discuss a solution that was better than theirs. They stated, “Your proposals to date continue to be unacceptable.” The United Nations Command subdelegation then proposed that subcommittees be formed to concurrently discuss agenda items 2, 3 and 4. The Communists refused by stating that until item 2 was settled it was useless to go to any other item. The UNC subdelegation then stated that they wanted it clearly understood that they were not going to accept the 38th Parallel zone. The Communists replied that it should be perfectly clear that they would not accept the UNC proposal or any adjustments thus far proposed. The UNC subdelegation then attempted to determine if any proposal other than one based upon 38th Parallel would be acceptable. The Communists would not reply directly but indicated that nothing other than a zone based upon the 38th Parallel would interest them. They added that if the UNC would drop their exaggerated demands for compensation of the air and naval withdrawal they could then see the 38th Parallel as a just and reasonable offer. In reply to a question by UNC subdelegation the Communists indicated that the width of [Page 844] the zone was immaterial; it could be 5 kilometers or 100 kilometers. Subdelegation meetings continue tomorrow.
Part 2. Progress: None.
Part 3. Conclusions: The UNC delegation feels that there is a clear indication that the Communist subdelegation has no authority to make a specific proposal other than the 38th Parallel zone. They are authorized to discuss hypothetically any such proposal we might put up for discussion. They utilize the subdelegation meetings to seek all possible information from us and to resist all UNC efforts to obtain information in return. The subdelegation is finding itself in the same position as was the full delegation at the plenary sessions. I concur.