Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 61: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
operational immediate
HNC–429. Sub-delegation report for 8 November:
“UNC delegates opened refuting Communist proposal of 7 November principally on grounds indicated in CX 56810. In replying to these objections Communists expressed views on ‘adjustments’ which were inconsistent with the phraseology of their proposal. In an effort to develop a meeting of minds on the question of ‘adjustments’, UNC delegates invited the Communists to go to the map to develop a military demarcation line based on the existing line of contact. In the course of this, the UNC formally proposed a compromise on the Kaesong area with the demarcation line passing through the city. Lee opposed this with usual arguments. Hsieh seemed less positive. This discussion revealed that, in terms of area, Communists were [Page 1100] offering only about 50 percent of equivalent value in exchange for adjustments in Kosong and Kumsong areas.
“Following Communist refusal of a compromise in Kaesong area, UNC reiterated its proposal of 5 November, stating that it is sufficient for the present to reach agreement on the principle that the military demarcation line and demilitarized zone will be based on the line of contact as of the date of finalizing the agreement. We recommended that no further time be wasted in trying to develop a pre-determined military demarcation line and demilitarized zone based on the existing line of contact as this step is entirely unnecessary.
“Sub-delegation feels that the Communists are anxious to get agreement on a tentative demilitarized zone even if it is understood that it will be revised to conform with any changes in the battle line. The Communist took the proposal home for study.”