711.5861/10–1050: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received October 10—7:11 a. m.]
846. Text of note on strafing Soviet airdrome published press today (Embtel 845, October 101) corresponds to text actually delivered [Page 921] Embassy 3 a. m. October 10 and returned to Foreign Office by messenger without covering note at 11 a. m. (Embtel 844, October 102). Noteworthy that despite recent Soviet emphasis on protection its borders e.g. awards to fliers who shot down American plane over Baltic and striking of medal for defense Soviet frontiers, Soviet failure to deal summarily with this alleged incursion apparent in published announcement.
Embassy of course without facts. However, if incident did occur this spot Embassy wishes point out it took place within perhaps most important and sensitive Soviet military area in Far East and one of similar concern China lying only 10 miles to west. Embassy does not need stress that in spite of apparent mild tone Soviet note operation American planes this vicinity, accidentally or not, inevitably viewed with great seriousness by Soviet Government.
Department pass Tokyo, USUN; repeated information Tokyo 35, USUN 89.