Telegram to Li Kenong [1] Regarding the Limitation of Negotiating Delegation Size and the Demarcation of the Neutral Zone Area (July 14, 1951)  To Kenong, as well as Kim and Peng [2]:   (1) In your reply [3] to Ridgway, do not address his proposal to limit the total number of personnel on both sides’ delegations to 150. This will leave you with room for maneuver. Should the U.S. delegation raise this issue, you may state your view that each side should independently determine its own delegation staff without interference from the other; however, if the U.S. insists on setting an equal number, you may also agree to such a provision, as it is of no fundamental importance.   (2) With regard to the size of the neutral zone, proceed on the principle of ensuring the safety of representatives from both sides. If it is possible to avoid relocating large numbers of residents, you may accept the U.S. figure of a five-mile radius. Otherwise, you could delineate a corridor extending to Panmunjom together with a smaller circle near Kaesong, so as to require the relocation of only a limited number of residents. The specific course of action should be determined flexibly according to the circumstances.  Mao Zedong, 10:00 a.m., July 14, printed from the manuscript.

--- Notes

  Notes  [1] Li Kenong was at the time Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central People’s Government.  [2] Kim refers to Kim Il-sung, Premier of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Peng refers to Peng Dehuai, Commander and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.  [3] Refers to the reply, rewritten by Mao Zedong, issued on July 14, 1951, in the names of Kim Il-sung, Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, and Peng Dehuai, Commander of the Chinese People’s Volunteers, to General Ridgway, Commander-in-Chief of the “United Nations Command.”