Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 75: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
operational immediate
C–51409. Ref your JCS 82202. I am transmitting the following [Page 932] revised reply to Kim and Peng via Liaison Officers at Pan Mun Jom at 231000I and releasing it to the press simultaneously:
“Your msg of 19 Sep, received 20 Sep 1951, has been noted.
“Your suggestion therein that there are instances of alleged violations of the Kaesong Neutral Zone which remain unsettled is rejected. Each of the several cases wherein you reported an alleged violation was fully investigated. Where UNC Forces were responsible, that fact was reported. Where UNC Forces were not involved you were so advised and the cases closed. I have so instructed my representatives. I likewise reject the charges repeated in your letter that alleged violations of the Neutral Zone by UNC Force made it impossible to continue the negotiations. The responsibility for the unnecessary interruption in the armistice conference is yours.
“In your message you have dismissed the need to discuss conditions incident to the resumption of negotiations, in spite of the fact that the armistice discussions have been interrupted for prolonged periods because of incidents or alleged incidents. I have therefore given instructions to my Liaison Officers to insure that this vital subject receives careful attention in any future discussions with your Liaison Officers in order to minimize the likelihood of further interruptions.
“Since you are now ready to terminate the suspension of armistice talks which you declared on 23 Aug, my Liaison Officers will be at the bridge at Pan Mun Jom at 1000 hours on 24 Sept to meet your Liaison Officers and to discuss conditions mutually satisfactory for a resumption of armistice talks.”