Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 55: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Advance Headquarters of the United Nations Command, Korea1
operational immediate
CX–50998. Release fol msg to Gens Kim Il Sung and Peng Teh-Huai, 1200I 17 Sep and deliver properly authenticated copy to Communist Liaison Officers as soon thereafter as practicable. Simultaneous release will be made in Tokyo.
“Generals Kim Il Sung and Peng Teh-Huai:
“This acknowledges receipt of your letter of 12 Sep.
“Each of the allegations contained in your letter has been thoroughly investigated. These investigations established that the forces of the United Nations Command were not, I repeat not involved in any violation of the neutral zone except for the one incident occurring on 10 Sep. These thorough investigations, the results of which have been furnished to you previously, demonstrate the objective and responsible attitude of the UNC towards violations of the agreements concerning the neutral zone.
“In your msg you have inferred a desire that negotiations be resumed. I must remind you that negotiations have been suspended by your direction since 23 Aug. I again emphasize my concern in the achievement of a just and honorable military armistice. If you are now disposed to terminate the suspension of the armistice negotiations which you declared on 23 Aug, I am still prepared to order my Liaison Officers to a meeting at the bridge at Pan Mun Jom to discuss conditions that will be mutually satisfactory for a resumption of the armistice talks. Signed Ridgway”.
- Repeated for information to Washington for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.↩