The notice expressed deep regret at the south Korean authorities for their intention to keep four out of the 31 inhabitants under the pretext of false "defection" despite the repeated demand of the DPRK side. It said:

The south side's outrageous inhuman action is touching off anger among the people of the DPRK. The public at home and abroad is closely following how it will handle this case, concerned about the impact it will have on the north-south relations.

As for those four persons whom the south Korean authorities claim expressed their intention to "defect" to the south, they have no ground whatsoever to do so in light of their socio-political circumstances and family background. Their families, relatives and colleagues absolutely vouch for them.

It suggested to have the contact at the conference room of the former Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission at Panmunjom at 10:00 a.m. on March 9 to accurately confirm the issue of "defection" and realize the early repatriation of all of those in custody.

Three officials concerned including a member of the C.C., the Red Cross Society of the DPRK as well as family members of those four persons will go to the working contact to make face-to-face confirmation, the notice said. It asked those related to the Red Cross of the south side to bring those four persons concerned to the working contact.