861.0144/81: Telegram
The Soviet Commissar for Foreign A fairs (Chicherin) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11—4:32 p.m.]
320. Local Union authorities delivered Moscow round brass mark discovered by them on Tchukotski [Chukchi?] Peninsula in Emma Bay, Cape Puzino. Said mark set in rock bears following inscription: [Page 683] “United States Coast and Geodetic Survey magnetic station. For information write to Superintendent Washington. For disturbing this mark $250 fine or imprisonment.” This mark set up July, 1920, shows magnetic observations had been carried out in mentioned and subsequent years by guard cruiser Bear belonging to United States Government. While pointing out that repeated entry of American war vessel into territorial waters of Union Republics without permission contrary to international law, I must emphasize that setting up of above-mentioned mark and threat to Soviet citizens borne by it constitute gross violation of sovereignty of Soviet Republics. Emphatically protesting to United States Government against such lawless acts of their official, obviously unable to distinguish where their own state territory ends and another sovereign country’s territory begins, am obliged to notify that such violation of legitimate rights of Union Republics if repeated will be sternly repressed by Soviet Government.