795.00/5–2653: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union1
priority
860. Eyes only for Ambassador. Embtel 1625.2 You are instructed to seek appointment with Molotov on Wednesday or at latest Thursday in which you should emphasize extreme importance and seriousness of latest UNC proposals, pointing out lengths to which UNC has gone to bridge existing gap and making it clear these represent the limit to which we can go. While avoiding indication of threat, point out to Molotov that rejection these proposals and consequent failure reach agreement in armistice talks would create a situation which U.S. Government seeking most earnestly to avoid.
You are authorized leave with Molotov six points summarized Deptel 855,3 omitting subpoints (a) through (f) of numbered point 4. If Molotov raises question concerning elements considered essential in terms of reference for Commission, you should orally cite sub-points. You should make clear to Molotov that we attach major importance to inclusion these points in terms of reference and that we consider them essential to provide adequate safeguards against use of coercion or force against non-repatriates. For your information we consider maintenance of these points in terms of reference essential in view of concession of voting procedure for Commission. End for your information. You should make clear to Molotov that points left with him are merely [Page 1104] brief summary principal positions taken by Harrison and do not attempt spell out details position put forward by Harrison.
For your information, at meeting May 25 Korean time, following Harrison’s presentation, Communist delegation confined remarks to attack upon provision for referring disposition of remaining prisoners to UNGA and apparently any procedure which will result in “release to civilian status captured personnel in the area under UNC military control” which “is to release them to the military control of your side and is thus to effect forcible retention by your side”. Communists went on to state that to submit question to UN organization “which is a belligerent itself” is inconceivable and that the purpose of such a proposal would be to effect forcible retention. Apparent purport of Communist statement is that they will never agree to any procedure which results in ultimate release in territory under control of UNC of prisoners who continue to oppose repatriation. Communists stated they would comment later on other points UNC proposal. In reply to UNC suggestion for one week recess Communists suggested recess until May 29 and stated “we consider that three days will be enough for a study of your proposal” but agreed to recess until morning June 1. End for your information. Within your discretion you are authorized to make reference with Molotov to position taken by Communist negotiators and to state that as the U.S., its principal allies and the UN have made abundantly clear, if this remains Communist position, there is no hope of armistice. We have no desire retain any POW and will not do so. However, we will never agree to forcible repatriation in any form nor to what amounts to virtually same thing, the prisoners being held in permanent captivity with no alternative but return to the other side.
Only UK will have knowledge foregoing approach to Molotov. Therefore should not be discussed with French Ambassador.
Agree it will probably not be possible keep visit Molotov secret and event visit becomes known concur in your stating it was follow-up on previous visit on protection cases.