Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 69: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
routine
C–56957. For your info CINCUNC (Adv) msg HNC 433 is quoted.
“Reports of sub-delegates meeting of 9 Nov.
“1. Communists opened saying that inasmuch as agreement on adjustments could not be reached we should agree to a demarcation line based on the existing line of contact without adjustments. UNC stated as a general principle adjustments were desirable and it was so recognized by both sides and that demilitarized zone should be based on line of contact at time of armistice. It then asserted the superiority of the UNC proposal of 5 Nov over that of the Communists since it renders unnecessary and undesirable the step of determining a provisional demarcation zone based upon the existing line of contact which is subject to change prior to signature of the armistice. Communists attempted to refute this as a departure from the agenda and reasserted the superiority of a tentative settlement on the basis of the existing line of contact. UNC in closing reasserted the superiority of the 5 Nov proposal and recommended that it be studied further both by itself and in relation to Communist proposal of 7 Nov and UNC compromise proposal of 8 Nov.
“2. Comment: It was very clear today that the Communists want a demarcation line on the basis of the existing line of contact even though it is subject to revision on the date of signing. It is far from certain that they want it badly enough to agree to accept the UNC compromise proposal of 8 Nov in return therefore. Signed Joy. Signed Ridgway.”