Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 85: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
flash
C–57217. Reference CINCFE C 52227, 4 Oct 51, and JCS 84817, 24 [23] Oct 51.1 This msg in 3 parts.
Part 1.
a. Possible that initial discussions of agenda item 3 may occur very shortly. In view of experience to date it is vital that UNC be confident as to firm national policy in connection with several important items to be discussed. Principal among these items is that of observation and inspection.
b. Experience in dealing with agenda item 2 convinces me that lack of authorization to indicate or take an unyielding stand regarding a UNC proposal inevitably induces an aggressive attitude in the Communists. Actual UNC concessions, made without equivalent and simultaneous concessions by the Communists, result in an increased determination on the part of the enemy to press for further concessions. Moreover, lack of knowledge as to the ultimate national position on an agenda item produces uncertainty within the UNC delegation in its negotiatory processes. This further encourages the Communists to take adamant positions. These facts have been learned through experience.
Part 2. In JCS 84817 you approved my proposal as to the initial position to be taken with regard to observation and inspection, as stated in Part 6 of my C 52227. However, decision on my final proposed position was withheld since decision would be based on the situation “as negotiations develop.” To introduce and argue vigorously for a basic principle, such as inspection of rear areas, only to be later required to give up that position, is detrimental to the over-all success of negotiations. The final position to be supported by national policy should be known to the UNC delegation prior to opening discussion on any agenda item.
Part 3. It is requested as a matter of urgency that I be given your decision reference approval of the final position pertaining to observation [Page 1131] or inspection as discussed in Part 6 of my C 52227. If national policy will not back this final position it is requested that I be informed earliest as to the position in this regard which will be accepted as a final concession by the UNC.