795.00/7–953: Telegram
The Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson) to the Department of State
secret
operational immediate
operational immediate
Seoul, July 9, 1953—1:45
p.m.
GX 6799. 090445Z. (Army Message) Sent DeptAr (for JCS) and State Department, repeated information CINCUNC Tokyo; Seoul exclusive for Robertson. From 8th Army. This is a joint message to State and Defense from Robertson and Clark.
- 1.
- Robertson, Murphy, Briggs and Clark just concluded a half-hour meeting with Rhee. Robertson had had a private meeting with him earlier.
- 2.
- Clark explained to Rhee his willingness to undertake the movement of both the Korean and Chinese non-repatriate PWs from their present location to the demilitarized zone in order to obviate the necessity of having Indian troops, NNRC and Communist indoctrination personnel in South Korea. Clark explained to Rhee, as he did on 22 June [Page 1357] (para 5d, DTG 221100Z from Army 81) that the movement of these individuals to the demilitarized zone required Commie concurrence but he saw no valid reason why Commies should not agree. But, in the event that they did not accept this proposal, Clark showed him on the map the area he proposed, described in para 2b of Clark’s message CX 63548.2 He was told of the terrific logistical problems involved but that we would try to overcome them. Rhee was particularly insistent that Indian troops not enter into nor be based in South Korea. Clark told him that possibly it could be arranged to fly the Indian troops involved in this project directly into the demilitarized zone for a suitable airfield is planned for that area. Rhee gave us the impression that this solution was reasonable and, in answer to Clark’s question of his cooperation, Rhee gave us the impression that he could cooperate in this project.
- 3.
- Robertson will report his earlier conference in a separate message.3 Signed Clark and Robertson.