Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 96: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
emergency
C–57297. In further support of my recommendation to you contained in my C 57216 of 13 November, the conclusions to be drawn from the facts which follow, in my opinion, immeasurably strengthen our conclusion here that Communist military forces in Korea are badly hurt as a result of UNC military operations and desire earliest possible suspension of hostilities.
[Page 1134]First, press report that in Vishinsky’s speech before UNGA his proposals included “cessation of hostilities in Korea within 10 days.”1
Second, the report to me of the UNC Delegation on 14 November, based on the personal observation of the only two of our delegates presently meeting with the Communists, Major Gen Hodes and Rear Admiral Burke, to wit, “the Communist desire for an immediate de facto cease fire not only on the ground but in the air and on the sea became unmistakably clear today.” The only fundamental divergence of views between the Communists and our representatives with respect to agenda item 2 is whether the cease fire portion of the hoped-for military armistice should be put into effect now or after agreement is reached on the other items of the agenda, including the essentials of safeguards to assure compliance and release of our prisoners in Communist hands.
Up to the hour of dispatch of this msg no information had been received here as to action on reference msg cited above.2