Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

711.5622/4–1150: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

top secret
niact

Moscow, April 11, 1950—2 p. m.

1094. Following is translation note referred my immediate preceding telegram:¹

“Government USSR considers it necessary to state following to Government USA:

“According verified data, on 8 April this year at 17 hours 39 minutes, there was observed south of Libava (Libau) a four-motored military airplane B–29 (Flying Fortress) with American identification signs, which went into territory of Soviet Union for 21 kilometers. As American airplane continued going deeper into Soviet territory, flight of Soviet fighters arose from nearby airdrome, demanding that American airplane follow them for landing at airdrome. American airplane not only did not submit to this demand, but opened fire on Soviet airplanes. In view this, leading Soviet fighter was compelled return fire, after which American airplane turned toward sea and disappeared.

“Soviet Government states resolute protest to Government USA against gross violation Soviet border by American military airplane, which is at same time unheard of violation elementary standards International Law.

“Moscow, 11 April 1950”.

Kirk

1. Supra.