Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 127: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C–68130. “This msg in 5 parts. Subj: Armistice Conference at Kaesong 1 Aug 51.
“Part 1.
“Summary:
“Meeting consisted of continuation of rebuttals, and reaffirmations of own positions by each side. No new thoughts offered by enemy. Adm Joy offered several opportunities to Nam Il to engage in map study, and to propose zones based on lines other than 38th parallel. Nam Il exhibited no interest. Adm Joy repeated several times statement that as a basis for establishing demilitarized zone, 38th parallel was totally unacceptable to United Nations Comd. Nam Il held rigidly to 38th as only solution.
“Part 2.
“Progress: None.
“Part 3.
“Attitudes: No significant change.
[Here follows Part 4, an abridged version of the transcript of the day’s proceedings.]
“Part 5. Conclusion: The UNC delegation feels that:
- “1. Conference is still in a deadlock over the issue of 38 Parallel.
- “2. No evidence that enemy is likely to shift from his psn reference 38 Parallel.
- “3. It is obvious that Nam Il is building up the record. Whether this is for purpose of defending a request for recess or is an attempt to place the onus on us for a break in the negotiations is not known. I concur.”