The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and has the honor to bring the following matter to the attention of the Ministry.

On March 15, 1953, a United States Air Force plane of the RB-50 type was attacked by Soviet fighter aircraft over the open seas at latitude 54:02 North and Longitude 161:04 East. After one of the Soviet planes of the MIG type opened fire on the RB-50 the latter was forced to return the fire.

It is reported that no damage occurred to the American plane, and none was observed with regard to the Soviet plane.

The Embassy has been instructed to protest vigorously this action on the part of the Soviet aircraft. The United States Government expects to be informed at an early date concerning the disciplinary action taken with regard to the Soviet personnel responsible and also concerning the measures adopted to prevent a recurrence of incidents of this kind.

(1) Department of State Bulletin, Apr. 20, 1953, p. 577. See also Soviet note of Mar. 22, 1953, ibid., pp. 577-578. Back