Editorial Note
The following message from the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, was dispatched for delivery to the Communist Liaison Officer at 12:30 p.m. on September 27:
“General Kim Il Sung and Peng Teh Huai:
“Since your liaison officers have stated they are not authorized to discuss or arrange satisfactory conditions for resumption of armistice talks, I submit the following proposal directly to you. I believe this proposal provides for arrangements that can be mutually satisfactory to both sides.
“I propose that both delegations meet as early as possible at a place approximately midway between the battlelines in the vicinity of Songhyon-Ni.
[Page 966]“It would, of course, be agreed by both sides that this meeting place would be kept free of armed troops and that both sides would abstain from any hostile acts or exercise of authority over members of the other side in their passage to this point or while they are there.
“I propose that upon resumption of delegation meetings at this place, both delegations be prepared to return to the discussion of item two of the agenda immediately following any discussion that may be needed to clarify physical and security arrangements at the meeting place. If you concur, I will arrange to have our liaison officers meet to discuss immediate erection of the necessary physical facilities. M. B. Ridgway.” (Black Book, Tab 98–A)