Extracted text

OCR Page 1 of 2
tablets INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State TELEGRAPH BRANCH M-X TOP SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION 287 Action Control: 13813 Rec'd: November 29, 1951 FE FROM: Rome 8:30 a.m. lufo TO: Secretary of State SS DECLASSIFIED G NO: SECTO 106, November 29, 1 p.m. E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 EUR DCR State Dept. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 By NIACT HL NLT, Date 3-16-14 EYES ONLY WEBB AND MATTHEWS. s/s PASS DEFENSE. Acheson, Lovett and Bradley discussed last night with Eden, Lord de Lisle and Slessor problem raised TOSEC 63. Secy outlined our present belief that in order secure armistice in Korea we wld have to accept less than adequate inspection. Since this wld increase danger to UN Forces, we wished offset danger by issuing public statement pointing out any breach of armistice wld create serious situation in which it wld be impossible localize conflict. He pointed out that negots had now (rpt now) reached point where Ridgway needed within few days instructions on type of inspection he shld seek and assurances re other sanctions which might be available for protection of UN Forces. Said he knew this big question which Eden cld not (rpt not) answer on spot but wanted give him opportunity to review whole issue with US experts in Rome before he reached decision this matter. obrurou Eden explored arious questions connection with armistice and proposed statement. He was informed any statement wld have to be public and that we had in mind US-UN statement, or one by US supported by UK and not UN statement. Eden said he thought issue boiled down to three distinct questions which had to be answered: (1) Instructions given Ridgway on inspection issue, (2) Decision to make public statement, and (3) Form of further action which might be taken. Eden said it was important settle all three points now (rpt now) and to get entire matter quite clear in our minds so there cld be no (rpt no) later misunderstanding of what was agreed. In connection with (2), he said he wld like to know just what kind of statement we had in mind and hoped US wld work out draft language. Re (3), TOP SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION REPRODUCTION OF THIS MESSAGE IS PROHIBITED