Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 16: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–53100. Further to HNC 365.1 At afternoon session which began at 1400 UNC liaison officers carried out program outlined in reference. Communist objected to article 8 largely on ground such matters should be considered for consideration by the delegations. However, they did permit themselves to be drawn into a substantive discussion of this item. This will enable us to engage them further in this discussion at tomorrows session. Prior to closing, Communists sought agreement on both liaison groups presenting their separate views jointly to the delegations. UNC liaison officers demurred, on grounds that both liaison groups were expressing views of their delegations, and to resdr [refer?] procedural matters to delegations would only place the question in a far less flexible forum. It is requested that in view of new Communist proposal for five mile radius areas, UNC liaison officers be authorized to counter propose three mile radius areas at their discretion but still not accepting Communists proposed corridor [Page 1053] along roads. This is believed desirable as bargaining position, since any reduction of old Kaesong zone accomplishes our basic purpose. Understanding listed in my HNC 365 will be confirmed in writing at both liaison and delegation level. Resume 1000 tomorrow.2
- Same as telegram C–53096 from Tokyo, supra.↩
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General Ridgway sent the following message in telegram C–53108, October 16, from Tokyo:
“1. Further to my C 53100 liaison officers have been authorized to agree to Communist proposal to expand the areas free from attack around Kaesong and Munsan to a three mile radius in lieu of 3000 yard radius previously proposed.
“2. It is the unanimous opinion of the delegation and I concur that discussions at liaison officer level should continue for several days provided progress continues to be made.” (Black Book, Tab 17)
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