Office of the Historian

Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 53: Telegram

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

confidential
flash
Korea, 11 July 1951—9:15 a. m.

HNC–051. My instructions to Admiral Joy for the meeting on 11 July include the following.

1. Prior to substantive discussion of the agendas presented yesterday, you will inform the Senior Communist Delegate courteously but firmly that:

  • “a. I have been instructed to inform you that the Commander in Chief United Nations Command cannot accept the restrictions you have imposed on us at this conference:
    (1)
    You were informed yesterday the United Nations Command Delegation requires free access to the conference site from the Imjin River area during daylight hours without prior notification.
    (2)
    We also advised that approximately 20 newsmen would be included with the United Nations Command Delegation.
  • “b. Your answers are unacceptable to the Commander in Chief, United Nations Command.
  • “c. I will repeat our requirements:
    (1)
    Freedom of movement during daylight hours to, from and within the conference site. All motor vehicles to use the Munsan Kaesong [Page 659] road; all aircraft to follow the gen courses of this road with such deviation as safety and weather may necessitate.
    (2)
    The presence of newsmen at conferences of major import, and the reporting of such events to the world at large by professional newsmen is an accepted procedure at all important world conferences. At meetings of the United Nations Security Council, during which major military questions are considered, participant nations such as the Soviet Union raise no objection to the presence of newsmen. The United Nations Command, must therefore insist that newsmen be admitted to the area of this conference without further delay. They will not be admitted to the conference room.
  • “d. The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command requests an immediate answer covering both items. Can you give an answer now?”

2. In the event a satisfactory answer cannot be obtained immediately you will inform the Senior Communist Delegate:

“We will recess the conference and return South of the Imjin River until your answer is received.”