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

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

Seoul, December 19, 1968, 1100Z.

11877. Subject: Summary of 26th [27th] Closed Meeting at Panmunjom. Ref: State 285426.²

1. Meeting commenced at 1100 local Dec 19 and terminated at 1553 hours.³ Because of complexity of discussion on wide variety procedural and administrative questions we are dividing this message into two parts. The first deals with questions on which there was no substantial dispute. Second deals with disputed questions.

2. Non-Disputed Items.

A. Health of Crew—In response to Gen Woodward’s question, Gen Pak said crew in “normal condition”. General Woodward interprets this to mean that crew is in good health.

B. Order of Release Across Bridge—Commander Bucher will cross first with body of Seaman Hodges and will identify body. Remainder of crew will cross in order of roster provided by NK side; that is, lowest ranking personnel first.

C. Press—Our proposal that there be no more than 25 civilian press members from each side was accepted.

D. Other Personnel in Area—Agreement reached.

E. Statement at Time of Signing—NKs agreed to statement by General Woodward of our position but said that they would also make statement at same time.

F. Document To Be Signed—NK will provide document in both English and Korean. Signature on Korean version to be at right of signature block. Signature on English version to be above signature block.

3. Disputed Items.

A. Two-hour Interval Between Signing and Release—General Pak held out for interval of two hours between signing and release. He insisted this was necessary to comply with NK law and for administrative reasons.

B. Publicity—NK side offered Gen Woodward choice between no publicity until signature and arrangement which would leave each side free, once agreement reached, to respond to whatever other side said. During 30 minute recess Gen Woodward conferred with Embassy on this point. We reached conclusion it preferable leave each side free as we could not prevent premature leaks once Breeches Buoy plan implemented. Our understanding of agreement is that NK will not issue official release until time of signature if our side does not issue official release. Gen Pak seemed unconcerned with prospect of press speculation.

C. Final Date and Time of Release—Pak insisted he did not have authority agree to date and time of release at 26th meeting. He said he would call another meeting in three or four days to confirm final agreement. Gen Woodward pressed him hard on this point, pointing out that if crew was to be home by Xmas with families final release no later than Dec 21 essential. Pak would not and obviously could not retreat but did say “We will do our best to realize your wish. If we cannot meet your wish it will be because of unavoidable administrative reasons.” It was agreed that final agreement would be reached at next meeting. Gen Pak also agreed to Gen Woodward’s proposal that signature take place at 0900 hours day following final agreement with release at 1100 hours same day.

4. Gen Woodward comments as follows: There is agreement on our proposal (B) and complete agreement on all procedural matters except for establishing date of final agreement. I considered it unusual for Pak to say he would do his best to meet my wishes for speedy next meeting.

Lathram

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 325.
3. Telegram 11878 from Seoul, December 19, transmitted the verbatim text of this meeting. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 33–6 KOR N–US)