The United States Government rejects as completely without foundation in fact the allegations contained in the Soviet Government's note number 340 dated September 5, 1954.(2) As was stated in the Embassy's note number 160 dated September 5, 1954, the U. S. Navy aircraft was on a peaceful patrol mission over the high seas some forty miles from the Siberian coast when it was attacked without warning and destroyed by two Soviet aircraft. At no time did the U. S. Navy aircraft open fire on the Soviet aircraft.(3)

The United States Government declares once more that it reserves rights to present claims for damages and expects that measures will be taken not only to subject those responsible to immediate and appropriate punishment but also to prevent recurrence of such wanton and unprovoked attacks(4).

(1) Department of State Bulletin, Sept. 13, 1954, p. 365.

(2) Department of State Bulletin, Sept. 13, 1954, p. 365.

(3) Subsequent information obtained by the U.S. Navy disclosed that, after the second pass by the MIGs, one of the gunners on the U.S. plane was able to get off about 100 rounds of .50 cal. ammunition. [Footnote in Bulletin text.]

(4) Ambassador Lodge discussed the Sept. 4, 1954, incident and related incidents in the U. N. Security Council on Sept. 10, 1954 (Department of State Bulletin Sept. 20, 1954, pp. 417-420). See also "Report of the Security Council to the General Assembly Covering the Period From 16 July 1954 to 15 July 1955"; General Assembly, Official Records, Tenth Session, Supplement No. 2 (A12935), pp. 15-18.