Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Korea, Volume XXIII, Part 2

89. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Switzerland¹

Washington, October 6, 1955—7:16 p.m.

624. Tokyo also pass CINCUNC and CAG. Department called in Swiss and Swedish representatives October 5 and again urged our desire be informed soonest next step Swiss and Swedes intend take on NNSC and when they intend take it.² Swiss had no information recent developments NNSC at Panmunjom or on plans Swiss Government for next step. Did reiterate their longstanding desire see NNSC terminated but found continued ROK demonstrations increased difficulty further action. Swedes indicated in great confidence Swiss unwilling move before October 15 because unhappy about setting date in Aide-Mémoire.³ Swedes described discussion between Swedish representative and Communists Panmunjom stating that when Swedes proposed withdrawal teams DZ Communists while not agreeing did not disagree. Swedes wanted follow up this conversation but Swiss uninstructed and no action yet taken. Swedish Ambassador assured Department he would urge his Government do utmost near future bring about movement all NNSC personnel DZ. Swedes believe fairly good prospects success since Communists attach importance retaining NNSC some form. Swedes made clear they will not stay indefinitely NNSC and question is of timing and agreement with Swiss on action to be taken.

View Petitpierre⁴ statement Ambassador Willis (Bern’s 248)⁵ he hoped give his Government’s position by end September request Chargé call soonest high level Swiss Government to follow up Petit-pierre–Willis conversation and Robertson–Schnyder talk urging joint Swedish-Swiss action at early date to achieve NNSC agreement withdrawal all teams to Demilitarized Zone. Chargé should add US would appreciate confidential indication date on which Swiss and Swedes believe discussions this matter could begin in NNSC.⁶

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 795.00/10–655. Secret. Drafted by Jones and Bruce M. Lancaster of WE and approved by Roberston. Repeated to Stockholm, Paris, London, Seoul, and Tokyo.
2. Memoranda of Robertson’s conversations on October 5 with Swedish Ambassador Boheman and Swiss Counselor Schnyder, drafted by McClurkin and Jones, respectively, are ibid., 795.00/10–555.
3. The aide-mémoire is summarized in Document 85.
4. Max Petitpierre, President of the Swiss Confederation.
5. In telegram 248 from Bern, September 7, Ambassador Willis reported that President Petitpierre did not feel that Switzerland should take the initiative to terminate the NNSC. Petitpierre hoped to be able to formulate a Swiss reply to the most recent U.S. aide-mémoire before the end of September. (Department of State, Central Files, 795.00/9–755)
6. Roy M. Melbourne, Counselor of Embassy in Switzerland, saw Secretary General Zehnder on October 10 to urge Swiss action along the lines outlined. Zehnder responded that, according to his information, the Communist members of the NNSC would not relinquish the right to maintain inspection teams in at least one port of entry in each half of Korea. Accordingly, Zehnder felt that Switzerland might consider proposing the withdrawal of all inspection teams to the demilitarized zone except for one team assigned to a port of entry in South Korea and another assigned to a similar port in North Korea. (Telegram 364 from Bern, October 10; ibid., 795.00/10–1055)