18. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Korea1

510. Tokyo also pass CINCUNC. CINCUNC’s C–71216 January 24.2 Meeting 16 held February 8.3 Deputy Under Secretary Murphy explained general problem NNSC. Recalled approaches Swiss and Swedes referred current Swiss and Swedish Aide-Mémoire. Reported Swiss Minister’s view we wait until Swiss and Swedes have reply Aide-Mémoire from Peiping and indicated our belief need emphasize concern military authorities feel re NNSC with danger incident between ROK and Czechs and Poles and UNC adherence and Communist violation para 13d Armistice which places UNC at disadvantage. Radford on basis talks Hull and Taylor in Seoul emphasized UNC view increasingly serious situation. Radford read pertinent excerpts paras 2, 3, and 4 CINCUNC’s C–71216 and emphasized danger involved if have to fire on ROKs protect Communists and need soon manufacture spare parts obsolete equipment if continue abide para 13d.

Group sympathetic dual problem faced by UNC and felt desirable consider two aspects separately. Re para 13d Ambassador Spender pointed out breach Armistice contract by Communists could be cited as relieving UNC of obligation carry out corresponding requirements on its part. Ambassador Makins emphasized need have strong public case present re Communist violations. Others expressed concern about timing any such action and group clearly reserved judgment this step.

Re NNSC Consensus meeting was should wait brief period see how Peiping replies Aide-Mémoire before U.S. responded. Meantime agreed should immediately inform Swiss and Swedes our belief probability Communists will not accept their proposal NNSC be liquidated and ask them tell us now their detailed proposal for reduction personnel if Communists reject preferred alternative. Department will call in Swiss and Swedish representative February 10.4 Group will also consult governments re more basic problem para 13d Armistice. Agreed hold another meeting February 185 consider Swiss and Swede [Page 35] proposal and if available Peiping response. Decision then to be made re course action. Agreed inform press meeting routine sort held time to time discuss matters interest relating Korea.

ROK was not invited meeting. Minister Han informed in advance and immediately following meeting.6 Explained this on grounds well known ROK position re Armistice, fact ROK and U.S. see eye to eye on matter and belief most useful if other Allies feel completely free air views. Also gave Han gist letter from Pyun contained your 8687 repeated Tokyo 391 Bern 21 Stockholm 20 but did not tell 16.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795.00/2–955. Secret. Drafted by Jones; cleared with EUR, UNP, and in substance with the Department of Defense; and approved by McClurkin. Repeated to Bern, Stockholm, and Tokyo.
  2. See footnote 2, Document 14.
  3. A memorandum of the discussion at this meeting is in Department of State, Central Files, 795B.00/2–855.
  4. See telegram 1066, infra.
  5. The meeting scheduled for February 18 was not held until February 24; see Document 23.
  6. A memorandum of the conversation between McClurkin and Minister Han on February 8 is in Department of State, UNP Files: Lot 64 D 197, Korea—General Correspondence.
  7. Document 12.