111.5861/10–1350: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Barbour) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 13—11:22 a. m.]
874. Regardless whether report alleged strafing Soviet airport on October 8 is substantiated or not, Department will not have overlooked pattern of Soviet protests against US military actions Far East which Soviets may be designedly developing, first incident having occurred September 6 and second complaint having been registered October 9. If such is case, purpose may be to make record for propaganda use in future, should subsequent developments dictate. In any event believe it behooves us exercise utmost vigilance minimize incidents on which they could capitalize and on our part to keep record dear. This taken, feel important inquiry instituted into this latest incident (Deptel 242, October 10) be pressed and upon determination facts, occasion be taken publicly report findings together with appropriate clarification our position.1
- On October 19, the U.S. Representative at the United Nations sent to the Secretary-General a note in which the United States apologized for the border violation and offered to pay damages. The note stated that the attack was made in error, contrary to specific instructions not to violate the Siberian or Manchurian frontiers. The commander of the air group was relieved and appropriate disciplinary steps taken against the two pilots involved. (U.N. document S/1856; text in Department of State Bulletin, November 20, 1950, p. 832)↩