Telegram from Ambassador Alan Kirk to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State DUPLICATE IN W. P. FILE 12 TELEGRAPH BRANCH 16-B-X SECRET Action UNA Control: 1957 FROM: Moscow Rec'd: September 6, 1950 Info 3:23 p.m. SS TO: Secretary of State G EUR NO: 624, September 6, 5 p.m. FE USUN DCR PRIORITY. 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 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 com- munication 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 dis- tinguished consideration. 19 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 de- vices, 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 18 fighters of the Air Forces USA. As result of attack Soviet plane LG was shot SECRET REPRODUCTION OF THIS 16-62262-1 MESSAGE IS PROHIBITED