Memorandum for the Files from Livingston Merchant

Copy I of 6 copies VLT(KOREA/SD) 468 50 DEPARTMENT OF STATE 90 ASSISTANT SECRETARY September 26, 1951 MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILES Mr. Nitze, Mr. Bohlen, Mr. Johnson and I met with the Secretary yesterday morning in connection with the next negotiating move in Korea in light of General Ridgway's most recent telegrams. In accordance with that discussion and by instruction of the Secretary, Mr. Johnson and I drafted the attached telegram for discussion later in the day with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (Tab A). 4790 At lunchtime it was approved by the Secretary (with the interlinear changes noted) after concurrence by Mr. Rusk, Mr. Bohlen, Mr. Hickerson and Mr. Nitze. At 4 o'clock Messrs. Rusk, Bohlen, Nitze, Ferguson and I discussed the entire situation at considerable length with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was apparent that they were sympathetic to General Ridgway's refusal to return to Kaesong, at least until suitable and mutual agreements had been reached regarding security guarantees. They shared General Ridgway's concern for the safety of the delegation and they are impressed by his other arguments. It was finally decided that it would be helpful both to Washington and to General Ridgway if a telecon could be held the same evening, not for the purpose of issuing in- structions but in order to exchange information and views. Mr. Bohlen, Mr. Nitze and I remained with General Collins and General Bolte for the telecon, which ran from 8:00 until after 10:00 p.m. The connection was bad however and the results incomplete. At 10 o'clock this morning we were called to meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff on General Ridgway's reply to the telecon which had come in overnight (CX 51655) (Tab C). After considerable discussion the attached telegram was approved by the Joint Chiefs (Tab D) and taken by us to the Secretary of State for approval (this is the brief message authorizing General Ridgway to propose a new site). DECLASSIFIED Shortly E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guideline, June 12, 1979 PROJECT NLT 78.8 i.HC NARS, Date 6-6-20