795.00/11–153: Telegram
The Representative for the Korean Political Conference (Dean) to the Department of State
priority
19. Repeated information Seoul, Tokyo, CINCUNC unnumbered. Personal for the Secretary from Dean. Limit distribution.
Atmosphere, arrangements and procedures in political talks here astride demarcation line, we on our side, they on theirs, make it almost impossible hold informal conversations on the side or make substantive suggestions informally during regular meetings.
Site of talks is joint security area which so far is not conducive normal diplomatic negotiation with guards, tension re prisoners, military transportation with necessity military passes and inspection, etc. Military demarcation line actually bisects length of conference table along crease in tablecloth. Each side enters from its side of line and [Page 1580] leaves from separate entrance and could not cross line even inside building without consulting per paragraph 7 of armistice agreement. So far, there has been no exchange of normal amenities, no gesture, no personal remarks of any kind whatsoever. It is all rigid, stereotyped and utterly impersonal though we face each other for several hours daily across a 4-foot table. This similar to armistice negotiations and MAC procedures. Communists suggested it and appear to follow it naturally. They may even be deliberately adhering such procedures to demonstrate impossibility of two-sided negotiations and therefore, necessity for presence of neutrals. We and UNCMAC staff estimate Communists will make no move to alter rigid procedures.
Consistent armistice agreement, am thinking of exploring some channel for informal meeting outside talks, perhaps through Swedes, possibly Indians. Nehru has instructed Thimayya not to come into South Korean territory, so difficult return courtesies. Even with Swedes, must invite to general military mess at Munsan-ni about 14 miles rough roads from Swedes’ camp near Panmunjom. Realize utilization such channel has danger of proving other side’s case for neutrals, but am looking into it.
Difficulties negotiation directly with Chinese Communists may make it advisable have third party intermediaries available to send up serious trial balloons if we wish to put up new and substantive proposals at political conference.
- There was no time of transmission indicated on this telegram, which arrived at the Department of State at 9:46 a.m., Nov. 1.↩