Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 147: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
flash
CX–58197. Subj is selection of pers to serve on Mil Armistice Commission (MAC). This msg in 2 parts.
[Page 1196]Part 1. For JCS. Your JCS 95354, 30 Jun prescribes that Armistice agreement should not be in force until MAC is prepared to carry out its duties. Agenda item nbr 3 (concrete arrangements for the realization of cease fire and Armistice in Korea) includes among other items the composition, authority and functions of a supervising organization for carrying out the terms of a cease fire and Armistice. Consider desirable that at least a nucleus of the UN portion of the MAC be established immed to familiarize themselves with the problems presented in the entire agenda, prepare plans for the detailed organization of the UNC portion of the Commission and to prepare plans to implement the terms of the Armistice agreement. Further, in order to be prepared to effectuate the Armistice immed should an agreement be reached and in order to place the UNC in the most favorable position during the negotiations as well as in the initial stages of implementation such study and planning should be carried on by elements of MAC simultaneously with current negotiations conducted by the UNC Armistice Delegation and Staff.
Without commitment at this time as to the permanent composition of the MAC or the nationalities ultimately to be presented, I plan to form a working committee by the tentative appointment of the following segment of the UNC portion of the MAC:
Following in 3 columns;
| Assignment | Nbr & Nationality | Equivalent Rank |
| Member MAC | 1 US | Mai Gen |
| Member MAC | 1 ROK | Brig Gen or Col |
| Member MAC | 1 Brit | Brig Gen or Col |
| Secretariat | 1 US | Colonel |
| Secretariat | 1 Turk | Colonel |
| Observer teams | 5 US | Col or Lt Col |
| Observer teams | 2 ROK | Col or Lt Col |
| Observer teams | 1 French | Col or Lt Col |
| Observer teams | 1 Thai | Col or Lt Col |
| Observer teams | 1 Greek | Col or Lt Col |
Separate action is being taken within FEC to obtain nominations (Army, Navy, and Air Force) to fill US and ROK positions.
Request you obtain by 8 Dec 51 nominees fr appropriate governments to fill positions listed other than ROK and US. Upon receipt of nominees and final selection of group, will forward to you appropriate instructions as to time and place group will assemble. As a tentative planning date, it is anticipated group will assemble in Tokyo on 20 Dec 51.
Part 2. For AmEmbassy Korea. Rqst Ambassador obtain fr ROK by 3 Dec 51 nominees to fill ROK positions indicated in part 1. Upon [Page 1197] receipt of names of selected individuals and final selection of group will forward appropriate instruction as to time and place group will assemble.