Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 14: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
CX–52961. This msg in 2 parts.
Part 1. The fol msg will be broadcast from Tokyo at 1419001 and an authenticated copy delivered to the Communist liaison officers at the earliest practicable time thereafter:
“Generals Kim Il Sung and Peng Teh Huai. The United Nations Command Air Commander has reported to me the result of his investigation of the two aerial attacks in the Kaesong area at about 1730 on the afternoon of 12 October 1951. The rpt reveals beyond reasonable doubt that both these attacks were made by aircraft of the United Nations Command, in violation of standing instructions which specifically direct all units and pilots to avoid attack, or overflight of the Kaesong area.
“The United Nations Command therefore accepts responsibility for these two violations of the agreed neutrality still existing with regard to the Kaesong zone, and I shall take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action. Signed M B Ridgway, General, US Army, Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command.”
Part 2. The fol press release will be issued simultaneously in Tokyo and Munsan Ni at 101930I [151930I]:
“An investigation of the two air attacks within the area of the Kaesong neutral zone in Korea, about 1730 on the afternoon of 12 October 1951, indicates beyond reasonable doubt that both attacks were made by aircraft of the United Nations Command.
“This incident is doubly regrettable not only because it violated standing United Nations Command instructions and consequently an agreement to which the United Nations Command was a party, but even more so because it resulted in the death of one twelve year old boy and the wounding of his two year old brother. The conduct of military operations must often result in casualties to innocent noncombatants but I am sincerely saddened in this instance, since this occurred in a zone considered as a neutral area.
[Page 1041]“I know that I speak for every member of the United Nations Command in expressing sympathy and heartfelt grief to the bereaved Korean family for their tragic loss.
“It has heretofore been, and will continue to be, a prime objective of the United Nations Command to avoid loss of life and destruction of property of the non-combatant population. To this end the United Nations Command will continue its efforts to prevent any recurrence of incidents which may bring suffering to blameless individuals. M. B. Ridgway, General, US Army, Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command.”