711.61/3–548: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
480. You are instructed take following line in reply to Sov protests concerning activities American aircraft over waters adjoining Japan (Embtels 194, Feb 2 and 417, March 51):
Thorough investigation has been conducted of instances cited in Sov notes and careful study given to Sov allegations that activities US aircraft in these waters violate freedom of commercial navigation. USGov desires point out that Supreme Commander for Allied Powers2 under Moscow agreement issues all orders for occupation and control of Japan. In carrying out this responsibility Supreme Commander has used Air, Army and Naval forces at his disposal to prevent smuggling and illegal entry into Japan. Effective measures to accomplish this mission must include surface and aerial surveillance shipping in off-shore waters of areas involved, as well as ground action on peripheral shores. Low flying within limits of safety in conducting this off-shore patrol absolutely necessary for recognition purposes. These activities serve interests Soviets as well as other nations concerned.
USGov considers these activities legitimate and is unable accept Sov contention they constitute in any way violation freedom of commercial shipping.
- Neither printed. Telegram 194 reported the substance of note No. 20 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated January 30 in which the charge was made that American bombers violated the freedom of commercial navigation by making low level flights over merchant vessels of the Soviet Union in the Sea of Japan and other Far Eastern waters. Incidents were specified which occurred between August 30 and October 22, 1947. (711.61/2–248) Similar accusations were made in the Ministry’s note No. 34 received by the Embassy on March 4, 1948, which was summarized in telegram 417 of March 5. The period covered by the incidents recited in this note extended from November 6, 1947 to February 11, 1948. (711.61/3–548)↩
- General of the Army Douglas MacArthur.↩