Matthews files, lot 53 D 413: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Clark) to the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Kyes)1
top
secret
emergency
emergency
Tokyo, July 3, 1953—12:11
p.m.
CX 63459. Ref AmEmb Seoul msg DTG 021750Z (030250I).2 Signed Clark.
- 1.
- The Aide-Mémoire contained in reference message appears to be one, should Rhee agree to it, under which the UNC could implement the basic provisions of the draft armistice agreement. It is believed, however, consideration should be given to the comments in the following paragraphs in effecting either minor modification of the Aide-Mémoire or clarification in conference to insure a proper understanding of its provisions by the participants.
- 2.
- It is noted that second sentence of para 2 of Aide-Mémoire obligates the US to maintain a Republic of Korea Army at the approximate level of 20 divisions with supporting Air and Naval forces. This is the present concept under wartime conditions but does not reflect the US concept of ROK forces for post-hostilities as contemplated by JCS which provides for a ROKA of 10 divisions with strength of 250,000 and corresponding reductions in Air and Naval forces. It might thus be well to modify the obligation which we are assuming in this respect as being applicable until such time as a peace treaty or a political settlement replaces the present proposed armistice agreement. This obligation might be further qualified by a sentence to the effect that such a program would be subject to Congressional authority and appropriations, in the same manner as expressed in para 3 of reference.
- 3.
- Para “a” of Aide-Mémoire implies that representatives of both United Nations Command and the Republic of Korea will be permitted to witness the questioning of non-Communist Korean prisoners of war after they are turned over to the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission. Para 8c of terms of reference states “all explanations and interviews shall be conducted in the presence of a representative of each member nation of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission and a representative from the detaining side.” So long as the ROKs remain under command of the UNC, the representative from the UNC could be a representative of the ROKA. It is suggested that subject para of Aide-Mémoire be modified so as to eliminate the concept of having both a UNC and a ROK representative present and further to indicate the representative will be a member of the UNC.
- 4.
- The last sentence of para “a” of Aide-Mémoire, supported by para “b” of Aide-Mémoire, is considered adequate to insure that the non-Communists CCF prisoners of war could be turned over to the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission at Cheju-Do. It would be helpful if verbal assurance could be obtained that this transfer can take place at Cheju-Do.