Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 11: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
operational immediate
C–52854. CINCUNC Adv HNC 351 is quoted for your info. “I plan to introduce our new solution to item 2 of the agenda by use of the following paper:
“We are meeting to resume armistice discussions which were suspended by you on 23 Aug. The purpose of these meetings remains exactly the same as it was prior to that date. It is to achieve a just and reasonable mil armistice. With this in mind the UNC delegation believes that we should now discuss item 2 of the agenda. The UNC delegation has deliberated long and carefully on how best to secure a proper settlement of item 2. It is apparent from the meetings of the sub-delegations that the attempt to find common ground through a discussion of general principles and their illustrative applications has not met with success. What is needed is one solution which is generally satisfactory to both sides. The UNC delegation has prepared a solution to item 2 which provides the maximum benefits for your side consistent with the nature of the overall situation and with UNC requirements. This is not a general formulation of a position or an illustration of a position. It is a new, specific and concrete solution of item 2. If these discussions are not to continue indefinitely it is important that your side should fully realize that this solution has been made as favorable as possible to your side. This solution is, as it stands, most fair and reasonable. We ask for integral agreement to it subj to refinements mutually agreeable to both sides. In order that you may clearly understand our views, I hereby submit to you a map which portrays the UNC solution to item 2 of the agenda. With this solution the UNC delegation has done what it can to achieve agreement on item 2. We now await your response.
“In presenting the UNC proposal on item 2 it is not planned to propose [Page 1038] also that it be made the sole basis of discussion. Under the present circumstances UNC firm insistence on the acceptance of its proposal seems preferable to permitting the discussion to become sidetracked into lengthy argument on the limits of discussion. Later if Communists show complete recalcitrance the UNC delegation can insist on its proposal being the sole basis of discussion and, if necessary support its insistence by an ultimatum. After resumption of substantive discussions, I will insist that Communists discuss the UNC solution to the demilitarized zone. Should Communists insist on 38th Parallel as line of demarcation or suggest demilitarized zone be area between 38th Parallel and line of contact we shall reject such suggestions. The basis of rejection will be that these proposals require UNC to withdraw unilaterally from the battle line and do not provide suitable defensible position for UNC. We shall permit discussion of refinements of the UNC proposal but will not accept major alterations. Sgd Joy”1