127. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union1
158602. Subject: Technical Penetration Protest. Ref: Moscow 14311, 14313.2
1. Secretary raised latest chimney developments with Dobrynin June 21 (septel).3 Embassy should seek immediate appointment at appropriate high level in MFA and state that Embassy is under instructions to protest what can only be viewed here as a serious provocation against the Embassy. In addition to reiterating the facts about the location of the chimney, Embassy should point out the absurdity of any attempt to assert that the chimney and tunnel have had in recent times a function, heating, ventilation, or whatever, other than as a penetration of our Embassy.
2. Embassy should say that the U.S. is totally unable to comprehend what the Soviet side has in mind and hopes to accomplish. But if this provocation continues it can only add further strain to relations. The U.S. has no desire to see this happen. But if the provocation continues, and those responsible for it on the Soviet side are not restrained, then responsibility for the consequences shall rest fully with the Soviet side.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P890106–0984. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information Immediate to the White House. Drafted by McCall; cleared by Shulman in substance and by Thomas Martin (S/S–O); approved by Luers.↩
- See Document 126 and footnote 2 thereto.↩
- In telegram 158439 to Moscow, June 21, the Department summarized Vance’s protest to Dobrynin regarding the Soviet penetration of the Embassy’s chimney. Dobrynin denied any knowledge of the events. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840163–0075)↩