795.00/4–2853: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices 1

secret

1066. Korean Briefing Meeting, April 28. Johnson reported developments plenary session April 26–27.

At first meeting Communists submitted so-called “concrete proposal” on POW question. Proposal provided (1) repatriation all POWs willing to return within 2 months after armistice signed; (2) within 1 month [Page 951] thereafter, sending all non-repatriated to agreed neutral state; (3) during six months following arrival POWs in neutral state, states to which they belong to explain to them to eliminate their apprehensions and inform them of all matters related their return; (4) if after six months any non-repatriates remain their disposition be referred to political conference recommended in armistice agreement.

UNC pointed out Communist proposal failed take account UNC April 16 letter, made no comment on nomination of neutral state, apparently insisted upon physical removal non-repatriates from Korea, and set exorbitant period six months for POWs remain neutral’s custody. UNC considered Switzerland obvious choice as neutral, believed neutral could exercise adequate control POWs at suitable locations Korea and felt 60-day period afforded ample opportunity POWs express will regarding repatriation and neutral to determine it. At afternoon meeting Communists rejected Switzerland as neutral on ground disqualified by its nomination by UNC to Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission.

At April 27 meeting UNC repeated Communist proposal failed take account UNC’s suggestions and did not form basis acceptable POW solution. Harrison repeated Switzerland is ideal choice for neutral, pointing out members NNSC had responsibility conduct selves as neutrals and represented neither side. UNC also said Communist proposal dragged on POWs’ captivity endlessly contrary UNC view POWs should be released soon as possible after armistice. Communist representative replied his proposal took account UNC’s April 16 letter. Said again neutral state must be agreed through consultation both sides and could not possibly be state nominated by one side alone as member Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission. He also insisted proposed 6-month period was necessary and reasonable period for explanations to POWs by side concerned.

UNC recalled it agreed resume negotiations in hope Communist proposals might be developed into suitable basis leading to resolution of remaining differences. So far, however, proposals neither reasonable nor constructive and were unacceptable since appeared to constitute indirect means of coercing POWs to return to Communist control, i.e., forced repatriation which UNC rejected.

Johnson regretted apparently Commies have shown no genuine negotiating intention thus far, merely parroting previous proposals and not coming to grips with issues.

He informed group confidentially UNC carefully evaluating reports from returned PWs regarding considerable number PWs remaining in Communist camps eligible for repatriation as sick and wounded and apparently able to travel. Reports very disquieting since situation called into question Commie good faith in making exchange. Johnson said he [Page 952] unable now to state what action would be taken but some action would obviously be necessary.

Johnson announced designation Ambassador Murphy on temporary basis as adviser to Clark on truce negotiations, emphasizing it in no way affected strictly military character negotiations.

Dulles
  1. This telegram, drafted by Elizabeth A. Brown of UNP and cleared by Johnson, was a summary of the Apr. 28 briefing in Washington of the 15 nations with troops participating in the UN effort in Korea. A more complete report of this meeting can be found in a memorandum of conversation by Brown, Apr. 28, 1953, not printed. (795.00/4–2853) This telegram was sent to London, Moscow, New Delhi, Paris, Pusan, Tokyo, USUN at New York, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, The Hague, Wellington, Bogota, Addis Ababa, Ankara, Athens, Bangkok, Brussels, Canberra, Manila, Ottawa, and Pretoria.