795.00/9–254: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Hull) to the Chief of Staff United States Army (Ridgway)
priority
C 69481. Ref ArmyEight KCG 9–3.1 I am concerned lest ROK issue ultimatum to NNSC visualized in Pyun ltr to Dulles 1 Sept thus put themselves in psn from which they will find it difficult to withdraw without loss of face or to proceed without bloodshed. I therefore have made my psn in matter quite clear to Pyun by ltr quoted below which I have dispatched to him by courier this date.
“Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
“Thank you for ur ltr of Sept 1 enclosing your ltr of same date to Sec Dulles concerning Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission.
“I note announced intention of Govt of Republic of Korea to serve notice on members of Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission to leave ROK.
“You are aware I am sure of agreement made Wash under which Pres Rhee agreed he would refrain from any unilateral action to terminate activities of NNSC and Dulles agreed to endeavor find way bring its activities to close without abrogating armistice. I am sure you are also aware that this matter being studied diligently Wash and that solution of problem of such consequence in which so many nations are involved should not be arrived at precipitately.
“Under terms of armistice I am responsible not only to afford means by which NNSC is enabled to carry out its functions but I am also resp to insure its protection. My responsibility in this connection is clear and unmistakable. Unless and until I am relieved this mission of protection I shall cont to discharge it with all means at my disposal.
“In light of foregoing considerations I sincerely trust govt of ROK will not embark on any precipitate unilateral action in matter but will instead await determinations being made by my govt Wash in accordance [Page 1870] with Rhee–Dulles agreement to end that two govts may act in concert in solution of this delicate and important problem.
“Sincerely,
“J E Hull General United States Army to His Excellency Y T Pyun Prime Minister and Fgn Minister Republic of Korea Seoul Korea.”