795.00/4–352: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
top secret
operational immediate
operational immediate
Tokyo, April 15, 1952—8:35
p.m.
CX 66953. Ref JCS 906314.1
- 1.
- Results of Opn Scatter to date and best estimates of those not yet screened indicate that about 70,000 persons will be available for return to Communist control. Plans are now being formulated as a matter of urgency for relocation of non-repatriates from Koje-Do and possible rescreening to determine those who have changed their opinions and desire to be included in the exchange. Further plans, also as a matter of urgency, include screening of non-cooperative compounds after additional data has been obtained as a result of this relocation. This is necessary as preliminary step for preparation of rosters listing those to be returned to Communist control. However, firm conviction here that the 70,000 figure will not be materially changed.
- 2.
- Request ASAP authority to
implement, at a time of my choosing, the following plan of procedure
which with the possible exception of para e
is believed to be in full accord with the spirit and letter of your
instruction:
- a.
- Reconvene at earliest opportunity Staff Officer Executive Session.
- b.
- Inform the Communists that as a result of screening it is anticipated that there are about 70,000 persons in UNC custody who will not require forced repatriation to their side.
- c.
- If their reaction to this large reduction from rosters initially exchanged, 18 Dec 51, is unfavorable, every effort will be made to convince them that we have encouraged the maximum possible number of North Koreans and Chinese to return to their side.
- d.
- In addition, the UNC Delegation will agree that any North Koreans and Chinese who previously have declared their violent objection to repatriation and who reverse their decision would be returned to their control at any time until the exchange is completed.
- e.
- If Communists continue to maintain opposition the UNC will offer a bilateral
proposition that will permit rescreening of those persons
who have indicated violent opposition to repatriation by:
- (1)
- Any international neutral body, such as but not confined to, ICRC, together with military observers if desired, or
- (2)
- Joint Red Cross Teams with military observers from each side if desired.
- f.
- If the Communist position still appears to be irrevocable, our delegation will propose a recess of Staff Officer Executive Sessions and will propose that discussions move to plenary sessions.
- g.
- If accepted, introduce package proposal at plenary session as outlined in HNC 1118.2
- 3.
- Ref para 3 urmsg. Public relations aspects of this entire problem are being carefully analyzed and our plans on this subject will be submitted to you as soon as practicable.