Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Korea and China, Volume VII, Part 1

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 115: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff

secret   priority

Korea, 26 July 1951—7:46 p. m.

HNC–142. This msg in 5 parts. Subj: Armistice Conference at Kaesong 26 Jul 1951.

Part 1. End Summary:

The agenda for the Military Armistice Conference was agreed upon and formally adopted at 1409K. The agreed agenda is:

• “1. Adoption of agenda.
• “2. Fixing a military demarcation line, between both sides so as to establish a demilitarized zone as a basic condition for a cessation of hostilities in Korea.
• “3. Concrete arrangements for the realization of cease fire and armistice in Korea, including the composition, authority and functions of a supervising organization for carrying out the terms of a cease fire and armistice.
• “4. Arrangements relating to prisoners of war.
• “5. Recommendations to the governments of the countries concerned on both sides.”

UNC suggested outline for armistice agreement and a procedure to follow in subsequent discussions. UNC provided Communists with written outline and a suggested preamble. Preamble suggested:

“The undersigned Commander in Chief, United Nations Command, on the one hand, and the Commanders in Chief, North Korean People’s Army and Chinese Volunteer Army, on the other hand, in the interest of stopping further conflict, with its great toll of suffering and bloodshed on both sides, and with the objective of establishing an armistice which will insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until such time as a final peaceful settlement of the conflict in Korea is achieved, do, individually, collectively, and mutually, agree to accept and to be bound and governed by the conditions and terms of armistice set forth in the following articles and paragraphs, which said conditions and terms are intended to be purely military in character and to pertain solely to the belligerents in Korea.”

(Attention is invited to our reference above to Communist commanders and the titles they insist on utilizing).

Communists presented their views on military demarcation line and demilitarized zone with 38th parallel as the basic issue. Next conference scheduled for 1000K, 27 July 1951.

Part 2. Progress:

Agenda agreed upon and formally adopted. Discussion on Item 2 was started.

Part 3. Attitudes:

The Chinese seemed pleased that the agenda was agreed upon while the North Koreans showed little expression. The attitude throughout the meeting appeared to be one of anxiousness to start the substantive discussions. They appeared anxious to obtain UNC views on the military demarcation line. When UNC stated these views would be presented at the next meeting, the Communists, rather than let the meeting recess for the day, restated their views on this matter.

Part 4. Sequence of Events:

Communists opened conference at 1400K requesting UNC views on Communist proposed Item 5. UNC accepted with this statement: “We accept your proposed Item 5, which you have stated as follows: ‘Recommendations to the governments of the countries concerned on both sides’. In accepting this item we wish to make it clear that, as in the case of all other agenda items, the UNC delegation does not commit itself in advance to any specific agreement regarding this item. In response to your query of 25 July the UNC delegation wishes to assure you that we will discuss this item fully and in good faith in an endeavor to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.” Communists read the agenda for confirmation and provided written copies in Korean, Chinese and English. Agenda formally adopted at 1409K. Communists suggested discussions begin on Item 2. UNC offered a procedure to be followed in subsequent discussions and suggested an outline for the armistice agreement. This outline is:

“Preamble.

“Article 1. Demilitarized Zone.

“Article 2. Concrete arrangements for the armistice.

“Article 3. Prisoner of war matters.

“Article 4. Concluding statements.

“Article 5. Recommendations.”

Communists apparently were not prepared for this matter and reserved their opinion until next meeting. Communists then asked if the conference could proceed to discussion of Item 2. UNC stated that it would be pleased to hear Communist views on the matter. Communists attempted to obtain UNC views. After UNC stated these views would be presented following day, Communists requested 15 minute recess. After recess Communists presented these reasons why 38th parallel should be the military demarcation line:

(1) Consistent with historical fact and well known to the whole world. Basic to the armistice talks.

(2) Outbreak of war caused by one belligerent violating the 38th parallel and later on the war could not be stopped because one of the belligerents violated the line.

(3) Present battle lines cannot be taken because no stable line exists. 38th parallel presents the best line since both sides occupy territory north and south of this line and forces would have to be withdrawn about equally.

UNC read proposed preamble (Part 1) and provided a copy for Communist consideration. UNC stated its intentions to release the agreed agenda to the press upon return to base camp. UNC suggested next meeting be held 1000K, 27 July 51 which was agreed to. Conference adjourned 1510K.

Part 5. Conclusions:

It is concluded that the Communist delegation is anxious to determine the views of the UNC on the agenda items and desires to continue the negotiations as rapidly as possible.