Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 31: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
priority
C–58815. HNC–522. “Meeting of sub-delegations convened at 1100 this date. Lee declined to say whether the word ‘ports’ included airports, or what he meant by the word ‘coastal’. UNC delegation stated categorically that airports would be among ports of entry. Lee indicated that all UNC Naval Forces must be withdrawn South of the demarcation line. UNC delegation stated categorically that ‘coastal’ would be interpreted by US as ‘territorial’ as defined in international law. UNC categorically rejected prohibition of rotation, replenishment, replacement within levels existing at the time the armistice is signed. UNC again proposed step-by-step, principle-by-principle procedure, designed to achieve agreement on at least the core of each principle. UNC attempted to gain agreement on the core of each principle by phrasing each one so as to eliminate disputed aspects. Communists merely reiterated their own position on each principle, making no effort to reach agreed wording. UNC then presented 8 principles contained in CX 58694.1
Lee commented that there was nothing new in UNC 8 principles, which still sought to interfere in internal affairs of his side. This could not be. Lee complained over lack of concrete comment by UNC on his 7 principles. He stated as long as there was no progress on Item 3, his [Page 1258] senior delegate would not give an answer to question of sub-delegation for Item 4. If UNC showed sincerity toward Item 3, a sub-delegation on Item 4 could be established. Hsieh Feng asked for UNC comment on Communist proposal, saying he was willing to negotiate a solution. Said UNC was trying to use coercion. UNC induced his side to go into sub-committee by indicating interest in the Communist proposal. UNC is stalling wasting time. He would expect the UNC to give formal opinion on Communist proposal tomorrow. Recessed 1335. Continue tomorrow at 1100. Signed Joy.”