Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab A: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–53095. At present time there are in UNC custody about 41,000 South Koreans, currently classified as Prisoners of War, whose release has been rqstd by the ROK Govt on the basis that these persons were in fact involuntarily impressed into mil svc by Communist Forces, Also held as Prisoners of War in UNC custody are about 350 North Korean civilian refugees whose release has been recommended by 8th Army after thorough intelligence screening. Action is being taken to reclassify both the 41,000 South Koreans and the 350 North Koreans from a Prisoner of War status to that of “Civilian Internees”. Following careful rescreening by ROK and UNC intelligence agencies the South Koreans who desire repatriation and who are acceptable to the ROK Govt will be released gradually on parole to local officials, and will remain in their custody for about 12 months. The first increment will be 1,200 persons. If they are absorbed successfully, further releases will take place at the rate of 1,000 persons per week. This plan will apply only to those South Koreans domiciled South of the Thirty Seventh Parallel. Release of 350 North Koreans will not take place until the South Korean release program is well under way.
Reclassification to status of “Civilian Internee” will relieve tension of South Koreans in custody who fear forced exchange in event of an Armistice, will relieve North Koreans in custody who fear forced repatriation, and will satisfy ROK Govt. Subsequent release will decrease current UNC problems in administering UN prisoner of war camp. Representatives of ICRC, Geneva, are fully aware of, and concur in, reclassification action. Special care will be taken to minimize publicity pending finality of Armistice negotiations.