Lot 55D128: Black Book, Tab 80: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, Far East (Ridgway) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff
operational immediate
C–51500. Urmsg JCS 82085.1
1. Concur in desirability of introducing a new UNC proposal in writing after resumption of mil armistice discussions.
2. On renewal of substantive talks UNC delegation intends to submit a specific proposal in writing, accompanied by a map, showing [Page 934] demilitarized zone approx 20 kilometers wide generally north of battle line. Demilitarized zone will be essentially a more exact specification of the informal proposal presented in the sub-committee prior to the 23 Aug recess.
3. Should the Communists retreat from their previous arbitrary psn on 38th parallel, the UNC delegation will be prepared to modify UNC psn above and to make concessions towards a psn more favorable to Communists. During all discussions UNC delegation will emphasize its willingness to discuss modifications providing Communists are willing to abandon their adamant stand that the 38th parallel is the only acceptable demarcation line.
4. Believe it important that initial psn taken by UNC delegation should be such that Communists will not interpret it as a weakening of our psn. If psns more favorable to Communists were initially offered, Communists would conclude that long recess engineered by them resulted directly in considerable reward to their side. They would be encouraged to instigate similar delays in future in expectation of obtaining similar results.
5. In addition UNC present bargaining psn should be considerably improved as a result of the more advantageous mil psn UNC now enjoys due to recent mil action.
6. Ref your para 3. Demilitarized zones discussed thus far by the UNC delegation have been negotiating psns and have not approached the final UNC psn. The initial proposal to the Communists when negotiations resume is not one which we should prematurely publish to the world but is one from which we can bargain with the Communists. When the Communists indicate that they are willing to drop their firm stand on the 38th parallel and begin to talk in terms of mil realities, the UNC delegation can withdraw as nec to other psns. Our minimum psn should only be given in final and unalterable “take it or leave it” terms unless Communists first give up 38th parallel. Otherwise Communists will consider it simply as major concession in process of negotiations.