This fascinating silent 16mm home movie was shot by Robert Gros, a Stanford graduate who served as a lecturer in political science, and worked very hard against post-WWII attitudes of appeasement especially with regards to the Soviet Threat. The movie contains images of Gros’ trip to Asia with stops in Japan and ultimately, Korea. The film begins with a visit to “bleak and tragic” Iwo Jima, where Gros and his wife visit a memorial and walk on the black sandy beaches.

At 1:56, the couple visit Japan, and you’ll see brief scenes from the American occupation including Tachikawa Air Base. At 3 minutes, Gros is in Korea where he shot footage of American Marines from the 1st Marine Division firing artillery against the North.

At 7:00, a convoy of negotiators is seen at a military check point. The film then shows peace negotiators from the North and Allies approaching a small building in what is likely now the Joint Security Area. Various people are seen milling about while waiting for negotiations to be resolved. At 9:48, a senior American general emerges for the press. This could be General Matthew Bunker Ridgway, a senior officer of the United States Army and the commanding general in Korea after MacArthur was relieved. He held several major commands and was most famous for resurrecting the United Nations war effort during the Korean War. The negotiator and his staff leave by helicopter.

At 10:05, artillery strikes are seen on a hilltop near the check point. At 10:44, “End of Peace Talks Convoy” is seen on the rear of a jeep. At 10:54, a Huey helicopter is seen with litters on the side, and then there is aerial footage of Korea that includes bombed out buildings and what appears to be Seoul.

The Joint Security Area (JSA) is the only portion of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where North and South Korean forces stand face-to-face. It is often called the “Truce Village” in both the media and various military accounts.

The JSA is used by the two Koreas for diplomatic engagements and, until March 1991, was also the site of military negotiations between North Korea and the United Nations Command (UNC).

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