Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIX, Part 1, Korea

323. Telegram From the Embassy in Korea to the Department of State¹

Seoul, October 31, 1968, 0610Z.

10793. Subject: 25th Senior MAC Members Meeting at Panmunjom Oct 31, 1968. Ref: State 261040.²

1. 25th Meeting commenced 1100 hours local October 31 and ended 1120 hours.³

2. Gen Woodward made opening statement along lines para 2 reftel. Since Pak responded with prepared statement denouncing our position in general terms, Gen. Woodward proposed adjourning in accordance instructions para 3 reftel. Gen Pak closed with short statement indicating that settlement question depended on US side signing document presented by NK side on September 30.

3. General Woodward believes we are in a period where NKs are waiting to see if we prepared to give. They may believe that US position will alter following elections and expected arrival of new US senior member. We anticipate NK side will wait some little time before calling next meeting.⁴

Porter

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 33–6 KOR N–US. Secret; Immediate;Nodis; Cactus.
2. Document 322.
3. Telegram 10796 from Seoul, October 31, transmitted the verbatim text of this meeting. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69,POL 33–6 KOR N–US)
4. The Department of State agreed with this assessment and thought it unlikely another meeting would be held until at least mid-November. The Department indicated it would in the interim reexamine the situation “and perhaps suggest a review at highest levels.” In the event Pak did call a meeting, Woodward was instructed to accept. If Pak proposed nothing new, Woodward should “propose adjournment, urging Pak to indicate when his authorities have empowered him to pursue meaningful negotiations.” (Telegram 265604 to Seoul, November 1; ibid.)