Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 56: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff

secret   priority

C–56713. For info, CINCUNC Adv HNC 426.

“Sub-delegation reports as follows on meeting this date: Communists presented long prepared statement rejecting our proposal of yesterday on basis agenda item 2 must be finally solved before going to other items.

“Communists now want determine present line of contact and make that line the final military line of demarcation of the demilitarized zone regardless of the time the military armistice is eventually signed or the actual location of the line of contact at that time. This concept is in complete disagreement with what they have previously said and with our own views.

“We pointed out that terms of armistice dependent on conditions at time of signing of armistice and that tentative agreement reached on each item might be modified if conditions on which tentative agreement was based changed significantly.

“No indications their future action.

“We will continue press for agreement on our proposal outlined in HNC 423.1 We do not intend agree to permanently fixing demilitarized zone until armistice is signed.

“Meet tomorrow 1100. Signed Joy.”

  1. Dated November 4, p. 1087.