Matthews files, lot 53 D 413: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Clark) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
top secret
operational immediate
operational immediate
Tokyo, May 15, 1953—9:03
p.m.
C 62442. Ref ZX 36583.1
- 1.
- Harrison has been instrd to meet tomorrow, 16 May, with a view to further clarifying the basic issues of difference.
- 2.
- In view of the curr tactics employed by the Communists it is questionable whether it will be advantageous to meet on the folg 2 or 3 days. The records today, contained in ref msg, give evidence that the Communists have abandoned any attempt to negotiate, for the present, in favor of a propaganda campaign apparently designed to force US to make concessions. It outlines the propaganda themes which they will exploit to the fullest as long as we permit them to use the Pan Mun Jom sounding board for that purpose.
- 3.
- In order to circumvent these tactics, I am authorizing Harrison, at the end of the 16th May session, to rqst a 2 or 3 day recess. If the Communists do not agree to such a recess, I have directed him to agree to meet the next day, and then at an aprop time to inform the Communists that for administrative reasons he is unable to meet as scheduled, and that he will inform them later when he will be prepared to resume meetings.
- 4.
- Such a recess curtails the Communists propaganda and provides time for my recommended course of action designed to bring matters to a head to reach you and obtain your approval. This recommendation should be in your hands tomorrow.
- Not printed. (Matthews files, lot 53 D 413)↩