795.00/5–1853: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia1
niact
249. For the Secretary eyes only. Position with our allies on Korean negotiations rapidly deteriorating. We particularly lack support for position on immediate release Korean non-repatriate POWs at time armistice comes into effect and for unanimous decisions by Custodial Commission on substantive matters. There is general feeling among allies that UNC position should be close as possible to Indian GA Resolution.
President Rhee continues strongly opposed to armistice and the fomenting of public demonstrations in Korea. Rhee has also taken apparently adamant position that Koreans resisting repatriation be released [Page 1051] immediately upon armistice coming into effect rather than turned over to Custodial Commission in same manner as Chinese. If unable to prevent armistice, Rhee trying obtain US commitment to security pact.
Clark and Murphy have recommended determination and presentation our final position to Communists and if not accepted by Communists within one week, unilateral recess of negotiations.
Have today discussed matter with JCS and President and will discuss tomorrow with Ambassadors principal allies along following lines:
Clark to present final position at next meeting with Communists to be held May 25. UNC to request meeting be held in executive session. Position to be presented to be:
- 1.
- Maintenance present position accepting five-nation Custodial Commission subject to condition that all armed forces and operating personnel be supplied exclusively by India.
- 2.
- Changing of present position on immediate release Korean non-repatriates upon coming into effect of armistice and agreeing Korean non-repatriates will be turned over to custody of Commission in same manner as Chinese.
- 3.
- Changing present position on unanimous decisions by Commission on substantive matters to agreement that Commission will reach decision on substantive matters by majority of four. (Compromise suggested by President.)
- 4.
- Maintaining all elements our present position on detailed terms of reference for operation of Custodial Commission which are necessary to assure that right of Chinese Communists and North Korean access to prisoners is subject to conditions which will prevent use of coercion and force against non-repatriates.
- 5.
- Maintaining previously planned final position that we agree to submission to political conference the question of disposition of remaining non-repatriates with provision that failing determination their disposition within a total of 120 days their being handed over to Commission they would be released. We would also indicate our willingness to accept as an alternative formulation that contained in Indian GA Resolution providing for referral of question to UN.
Foregoing would be presented as final position and if not accepted by Communists within period of one week negotiations would be terminated rather than recessed and agreements relating to immunity and neutralization of Munsan–Panmunjom area voided. Also if not accepted by Communists, all Korean and Chinese POWs opposed to repatriation would be released. However, presentation would attempt to all possible avoid ultimatum connotations. Considering having Bohlen make approach to Molotov simultaneous with presentation final position at Panmunjom. We would also seek to elicit public statements of support from allies.
Rhee would be told while security pact cannot be considered, US would stand by greater sanctions statement.
[Page 1052]Final decisions on position to be presented will be taken after consultation with allies and any further consultations with Congress which may appear necessary in light thereof.
- This telegram was drafted by Johnson.↩