761.5622/9–650: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received September 6—3:23 p. m.]
624. Subsequent to Embtel 622 and 623 re my conversation with Vishinsky, Foreign Office delivered by messenger Soviet note I declined to accept during interview. At 1630 Moscow time this note was returned to Foreign Office under covering following note:
“I am returning herewith your note No. 52 of this date which has been sent to this Embassy subsequent to our conversation at 1300 today.
“As I stated to you during that conversation, the information at my disposal indicates that the question to which you refer pertains to defensive action by United Nation Forces operating in the Korean area in accordance with resolutions of the UNSC and that it has, in [Page 703] fact, been brought to the attention of the SC for appropriate consideration. I am therefore not in a position to accept on behalf of the US Government the communication of the Soviet Government on this subject. It would appear to be appropriate for any representations on this question to be presented to the UNSC.
“Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my most distinguished consideration.”
For Department’s information translation of Soviet note No. 52, September 6, reads as follows:
“Government USSR considers necessary on basis verified data declare following to Government US.
“September 4 at 1244 local time two motored air plane of Air Forces USSR possessing neither bombing nor torpedo devices, carrying out training flight in region of Haiyan-Dao Island, projecting into limits Port Arthur naval base and situated 140 kilometers from the coasts of Korea, was without any basis or excuse attacked and fired upon by 11 fighters of the Air Forces USA. As result of attack Soviet plane was shot down and fell burning into sea 8 kilometers south Haiyan-Dao Island. Witnesses this attack of American fighters on plane Soviet Air Forces were two other Soviet planes carrying out training flight along with plane that perished, and also Soviet post of observation and communication service on Haiyan-Dao Island.
“In order camouflage this unjustified attack on Soviet plane representative USA in UN circulated false version that Soviet plane allegedly flew over vessel carrying out screening operation and headed with clearly hostile purpose towards center UN unit and allegedly opened fire on American fighters.
“In reality Soviet plane not only did not fly over American vessel but did not come close to it being at a distance of more than 10 kilometers from it and was carrying out, as already stated above, training flight and did not at all open fire on American fighters but was shot down as a result of [gratuitous] attack of 11 American fighters on it.
“Soviet Government categorically rejects American version and declares a decisive protest to Government USA against crime committed by American military aviation.
“Soviet Government places on Government USA all responsibility for criminal actions American military authorities sullying themselves with this crying violation generally accepted norms international law and insists on strict investigation and punishment of persons responsible for attack mentioned and also on compensation for loss caused by perishing of crew consisting three flyers and destruction Soviet plane.
“Soviet Government considers also necessary draw attention Government USA to serious consequences which such actions on part American military authorities can have.”1
- The Department of State sent the following message to Moscow in telegram 175, September 6, 8 p. m.: “Dept commends you prompt and able handling subject matter urtel 624 and previous. FYI identic note delivered Dept this afternoon was promptly returned to Sov Emb.” (761.5622/9–650)↩