PART IV
CORRESPONDENCE
QUATRIÈMEPARTIE
CORRESPONDANCE28 PART IV.-CORRESPONDEE;CE
1. THE AhIBASSADOR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERIC.4 TO THE
NETHERLANDS TO THE REGISTRAR
August zznd, 1958.
Sir,
Upon the instruction of my Government. 1 transmit to you herewith,
in accordance with the Statute and Ruleç of the International Court of
Justice, an application1 to the Court instituting proceedings on behalf
of my Government against the Govemment of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics. hly Government has appointed Mr. Loftus E.
Becker, the Legal Adviser of the Department of State, as its agent iii '
this case. 1 certify that the signature on the application transmitted
herewith is the signature of Mr. Becker. The address for service to which
al1 communications relating to the applicant should he sent is this
Embassy.
For the purposes of the provisions of the Statute and the Rules of
Court, particularly Article 40 (2) and (3) of the Statute and Article 33
(1)and Article 34 of the Rules of Court, 1 transmit with the original of
this application one hundred printed,copies which 1certify to he correct
copies of the original.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) Philip YOUNG.
Amhassador of the United States of America.
Enclosures :
I. One original application.
z. One hundred printed copies of the application.
2. THE REGISTRY TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UKITED N4TIONS
[tel)
August zznd, 1958.
With reference Article 40paragraph 3 ~tatut'e have honour inforrn
you that United States Government filed August twentysecond appli-
cation instituting proceedings against Union of Soviet Socialist Repub-
lics alleging certain acts committed by military aircraft of Soviet
Government on September fourth 1954 over Sea of Japan against a
United States Navy Neptune type aircraft and crew Stop Am airmailing
for your information one copy application Stop Certified true copies
application in bilingual edition follow.
3. LE PREMIER SECRÉTAIRE FAISANT FOSCTIOS DE GREFFIER A
L'AMBASSADEUR DE L'U.R.S.S.AUX PAYS-BAS
22 août 19j8.
Monsieur I'Amhassadeur,
J'ai l'honneur de porter à la coiinaissance de Votre Excellerice que
le Gouvernement des Etats-Unis d'Amériquea déposéce jour au Greffe
' See p.S. QUATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDAKCE 29
de la Cour internationale de Justice ilne requête (avecannexes) intro-
duisant uneinstance contre le Gouvernement de l'Union des Républiques
socialistes soviétiques. Cette requête fait état de certains actes qui
auraient étécommis par l'aviation militaire du Gouvernement soviétique
le 4 septembre 1954au -dessus de la Merdu Japon.
Sept exemplaires de cette requêtedans l'éditionqui a étédéposéeau
nom du Gouvernement des Etats-Unis sont joints à la présente lettre.
Je vous en ferai prochainement parvenir d'autres exemplaires, certifiés
conformes, dans i'édition anglaise et française qui sera établie par les
soins du Greffe aux fins des communications à effectuer en conformité
de l'article40, paragraphes z et 3 du Statut.
A cette occasion, j'attire votre attention sur l'article 35 du Reglement
de la Cour qui dispose (paragraphe 3) que la partie contre laquelle la
requête estdéposéeet à laquelle elle est communiquéedoit, en accusant
la réception de cette communication ou sinon le plus tôt possible, faire
connaître à la Cour le nom de son agent et qu'aux termes du paragraphe j
de cet article, la désignation de l'agent doit êtreaccompagnéede l'indi-
cation du domicile élu au si&@de la Cour et auquel seront adressées
toutes les communications relatives à l'affaire en cause.
Veuillez agréer,etc.,
4. THE ACTING REGISTRAR TO THE AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED STATES
OF ASfERICA TO THF: NETHERLANDS
zznd August, 1958.
Sir,
1 have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency's letter
dated August zznd, 1958, and handed to me on that date, transmitting
an Application, together with its annexes, instituting proceedings on
behalf of the Government of the United States of America against the
Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
1 have duly noted that the Government of the United States of Amer-
ica ha appointed Mr. Loftus E. Becker. the LegalAdviser of the Depart-
ment of State, as its Agent in this case, and that you certify that the
signature on the Application is the signature of Mr. Becker.
1 also note that the address for service to which al1 communications
relating to the applicant should he sent is the American Embassy at
The Hague.
1have the further honour to acknowledgereceipt ofonehundredprinted
copies, which you certify to be true copies of the original document and
which have been handed to me for the purposes of the provisions of the
Statute and the Rules of Court, particularly Article 40, paragraphs z
and 3,of the Statute, and Article 33, paragraph 1,and Article 34 of the
Rules of Court.
1 have, etc.5. THE .ACTISG REGISTRAR TO THE AGEST OF THE GOVERShIENT OF THE
USlTED STATES OF AMERICA
2211dAuplist, 1958.
Sir,
1 have the honour to acknowledge receipt O( the ..\pplication, dated
Jiily zjtli, 1958.which was handed to meon Augiist zznd, r9j8, together
with its aiineses,hy a representative of the American Embassy at The.
Hagiie and by which the Govemment of the Unitecl States of America
ixoceedines aeainst the Government of the Union of Soviet
iiistitiites -
Socialist ~epuhlics.
In accordance with the provisions of the Statiite, this Al~plicationhas
heeii transmitted to the Governmeiit of the Uiiioii of Soviet Socialist
Kelnihlics.
Xote lias been taken of the factthat yoii have heen appoiiited by the
Government of the United States of America as its Agent for thc piirpose
of this Application and al1proceedings thereon.
1 have, etc.
6. THE .>CTISG REGISTR.AR TO THE SECRETARY-GESERA OL THE
USITEI) SATIOSS
~2nd August, 1958.
Sir,
\\'ith reference to my telegram of today's date, a copy of which is
enclosed herewith, I have the honour to confirm that on thigust zznd,
1958, the United States Government filed an t\pplication instituting
proceedings against the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Kepiiblics, alleging certain acts committed hy military aircraft of the
Soviet Government on Septemher qth, 1954, in the international air
space over the Sea of Japan against a United States Navy Pz-V-type
aircraft, commonly known as a Neptune type, and,against its crew.
For vour information. 1 am sendineuvdu herewith an advance COP. .
of thishpplication and its annexes.
1 shoiild he grateful if, in accordance with Article 40, paragraph 3,
of the Statiite of the Court, yoii woiild be good eiiough to notify the
Memhers of the United Nations of the filingof this Application. For this
purpose 1 shall forward to you as soon as possible roo certified true
copies of the Application marked: "Attention Director, General Legal
Division".
1 have, etc.
7. THE ACTlSG REGISTRAR TO THE SECRETAKY-GENERAL OF THE
UXITED S.ATIOSS
29th August, 1958
Sir,
\Vith reference to my letter of August zznd, 1958. 1 have the honour
to forward to you, under separate cover (by air) (marked: Attention QUATRIÈBIE FARTIE. - CORRESI~ONDASCE 31
Director, General Legal Division), one hundred certified true copies of
the Application filed on Aiigiist ~2nd. 1958,by the Government of the
United States of America instituting proceedings against the Govem-
ment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Kepiiblics in the case conceming
the aerial incident of September 4th, 19j4.
1 have, etc.
29 aoiit 1958.
Monsieur l'Ambassadeur,
Meréférant à ma lettredu zz août 1958,j'ai l'honneur de transmettre
ci-joint à Votre Excellence sept exemplaires, dont deux certifiés confor-
mes, de l'édition bilingueétablie par le Grefie de la retliiêtedu Gouveme-
ment des États-Unis d'Amériqueintrodiiisant devant la Cour l'affaire
relative à l'incident aériendu 4 septembre 1954.
Veuillez agréer,etc.
9. LE PREMIER SECRÉTAIRB FAISANT FONCTION DE GREFFIER AU MINISTRE
DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES D'~\FGHAS~STAN '
29 août 1958.
Monsieur le Ministre,
Le 22 août 1958, l'ambassadeur des États-Unis d'Amériqiieaux Pays-
Bas a déposéau Greffe de la Cour internationale de Justice une requête
datée du zj juillet 1958 par laquelle le Goiivernement des États-Unis a
introduit devant la Cour contre 1'Union des Répiihliqiies socialistes
soviétiques une instance relative A un incident aérien siirvenu le 4 sep-
tembre 1954.
J'ai l'honneur, à toutes fins utiles, de transmettre ci-joint à Votre
Excellence un exemplaire de cette requête.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
IO. LE PREMIER SECRÉTAIRE FAIS:\NT FONCTION DE GREFFIER AI. MINISTRE
DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE FÉDÉKALE D'ALLEMAGNE '
zg aoiit 1958.
Monsieur le hlinistre,
Le zz août 1958, l'ambassadeur des États-Unis d'Amériqueaux Pays-
Bas a'déposéau Greffe de la Cour intcrnationale de Justice une requête
' La mêmecommunicatio? n ét4adressée àtous les autres Etats Membres des
Nations Unies ainsiqu'aux Etats non hlcmbreç qui sont I'nrtieau Statutde la
Cour.
* La meme communication a ét6 adressée aux autres Etats,non Membres des
Nations Unies etnon Parties au Statut de la Cour,auxquelsla Cour est ouverte
aux termes de l'articl35. ~mrdgrnphc 2, du Statut.32 PART IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
datéedu zj juillet 19j8 par laquelle le Gouvernement des États-Unis a
introduit devant la Cour contre l'Union des Républiques socialistes
soviétiquesune instance relative à uii incident aérien survenu le 4 s.p- .
tembre-1954.
Me référant à l'article 40, paragraphe 3, du Statut de la Cour, j'ai
l'honneur, à toutes fins utiles, de transmettre ci-ioint à Votre Excellence
un exemplaire de cette requête
Veuillez agréer, etc.
II. THE CHAR& D'AFFAIRES a.i. OF THE a.s.s.R. TO THE NETHERLANDS
TO THE REGISTKAR '
September 26, 195s.
Ur. Kegistrar of the Court,
In connection with the letter of the International Court of Justice
No. 28125 of August 22, 1gj8, comniunicating, that the Government
of the USA transmitted an application to the Court concerning an
American aircraft, violated thestate frontier of the USSR in the region
of Cape Ostrovnoi to the east of the Soviet Port Nakhodka on September
4, 1954, 1 have the honour to transmit upon the instruction of my
Governrnent the following communication.
The Government of the USSK in its note of October IO, 1957, as well
as in previous notes of Septembcr j and 8, Igj4 and of January 21, 1957
stated that since the American military aircraft of the Septun-type
violated thestate frontier of the USSR in the Cape Ostrovnoi region and
opened fire on Soviet fighters first, responsibility for the incident taken
place on September 4, 1954 and consequences of it fuUy lied on the
American side. In the above-mentioned note of October IO, 1957 the
Government of the USSR in response to the proposa1 of the Govern-
ment of tlie USA transmitting this case for hearing in the International
Court of Justice communicated that no hasiç for it can be seen.
1 should like to draw Your attention to the Article 36 of the Statute
of the Court according to which any dispute may be transmitted to the
International Court of Justice only by common consent of hoth sides.
As appears from above-stated the Government of the USSR has
alreadv informed the Government of the USA formerlv that the Soviet
(;o\~rriiiii~.ii10t.iir~rfiivc:itî ;tiiisi.iit ftir tiç.tlii.$..t ii.tlie Iiiter-
na!ioii:iI L'u~ir!of ,111j1icvL. '~ILILtlcsr cc~nd~t~niit;lir i.;ovcrninviit t~f
tliiI:$\ Ii..viiir::iiiiilti,tlitc'niirt.:iilrciii<li;:,c~ur,lwith ttii. St.itiit~
of the 1nternatTod Court of Justice.
The Government of the USSR deems that in this case there are no
questions whicti are of need to be considered hy the International Court
of Justice and as before does not see any basis for turning this question
over for examination by the International Court.
Please, accept, Mr. Registrar, the assurances of my highest consider-
ation.
(Signed) V. Kouzri~~sov,
Chargé d'Affaires a.;. of the USSR in
the Xetherlands.
' Textin English, annexed to a letter iii Russiaii and entitled "Unofficial
translation". 12. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERXMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF .IMERICA
30th September, 1958.
Sir,
With reference to the case concertiing the Aerial Incident of September
4th, 1gj4 (United States of America v.Union of Soviet Socialist Repub-
lics). 1 have the honour to transmit to you herewith a photostatic
copy of a letter in Russian'from the Chargé d'affaires a.iof the Union of
Soviet Socialist Repuhlics in The Hague as well as a certified true copy of
an "unofficial translation" into Englisb which accompanied that letter.
:t copy of the "unofficial translation" submitted by the Chargé
d'affaires has been transmitted to Afembersof the Court.
1 have, etc.
13.THE .4GENT FOR THE GOVERXMENT OF THE UlllTED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE REGISTRAR
Novemher zjth, 1958.
Sir:
This communication is in response to yours of Septemher 30, 1gj8
with reference to the case of the United States ofAmerica vs. Union
of SoviefSocinlist Re$ubli~s.The United States has noted that the Soviet
Chargéd'Affaires ad interim in the Netherlands, upon the instruction of
his Government, stated that his Government did not give its consent
for the settlement of thc dispute described in the United States applica-
tion by the International Court of Justice.
The United States Govemment must take this opportunity to express
its profound disagreement with the further statement of the Soviet
Government that in filing its application for a settlement of the dispute
involved by the International Court of Justice the United States Govern-
ment "acted in disaccord with the Statute of the International Court
of Justice" because the United States Government had not received the
prior consent of the Soviet Government to submit the dispute to this
Court for decision. The United States Govcrnment of course also contests
the statement tliat "there are no questions which are of need to be
considered by the International Court of Justice and ...does not see
any basis for turning this question over for examination by the Inter-
national Court". On the contrary, the United States Government
believes that international law and order depend on the peaceful settle-
ment of disputes between govemments of international questions of fact
and law as described in the Statute. It is now well settled that any
government qualified to appear before this Court may file its application
without prior special agreement.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) 1-OFTUS E. BECKER,. .
The Agent for the
Government of the
United States of America.
Zot reproduced.
2 Sre So. II.34 PART IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
14. THE ACTIKG REGISTRAR TO THE AMBASSIIDOR OF THE U.S.S.R.IO THE
KETHERLANDS
3rd December, 1958
Sir,
1 have the honour to send to you herewith a certified true copy of
a letter dated November zsth, 1958, from the Agent for the Government
of the United States of America in the caseconceming the Aerial Incident
of September 4th, 1954 (United States of America v.Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics).
1 have, etc.
15. THE ACTING REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AhlERICA '
12th December, 1958
Sir,
1 have the honour to refer to an Application relating to the Aerial
Incident of Septernber 4th, 1954, which was filed in the Kegistry on
August zznd, 1958. on behalf of ttie Government of the United States
of America.
1have the further honoiir to inforrn you that on December gth, 1958,
the International Court of Justice ordered that the case brought hefore
it by means of this Application should be removed from its List.
1 shall in due course send you the official copy for the Government
of the United States of America of the above-mentiooed Order.
1 have, etc.
16.THE REGISTRAR TO THE SECRETARY-GENER OF ,HE UNITED NATIONS
(tel.)
13th December;rggS.
With reference my cable IIof August zznd 1958 Iiave honour inform
you that on December 9th 1958 Court decided reinove from List case
concerning Aerial Incident of September 4th 1954 Copies relevant
Order will be despatched to you by surface mail.
17. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERKMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA '
15th December, t9jS.
Sir,
With reference to my letter of December ~zth, 1958, 1have the honour
to send you herewith an officia1copy of the Order by which the case
relating to the Aerial Incident of September 4th. 1954, was rernoved
from the Court's List.
1 have, etc.
' A similar communicationwas sent to thAmbassador of the U.S.S.Rto the
Netherlands. INDEX
AIRCRAFT 128357 OF THE UNITED REMOVAL FROM THE LIST: 25. 31.
STATES NAVY, Pz-V-NEPTUNE
REPARATION CLXIMED BEFORE THE
TYPE (FLIGHT OF 4 IX 54): 8, Iz-r3, COURT: ro.18-rg, 21.
S
C
SELF-DEFENCE: 16, 18.
CREW OF AIRCRAFT 18357: STATUTE OF THE COURT:
Injuries and damages suffered: g, 14,
i8. Art. 36, para. I: 9, 32.
Members: 12. Art. 36, para. 2: S.
SUBJECT OF THE DISPUTE: 8-1).r~.
D
DIPLOMATIC NOTES (EXCHANGE OF T
-): ro-II, 15-17. 19-23.
TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS:
Security Treaty between United States
F of Arnerica and Japan signed at
San Francisco on 8 September 1951:
FACTS OF THE CASE: 9-10, 12-17, 12, 17-18.
19-21,
FRONTIER (CROSSING OF -): 15, 17, U
19-23. 32- UNITED NATIONS (SECURITY COUN-
CIL OF THE -):
1 Meeting of IO rx 54: 11. 15, zo.
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION LINITED STATES OF AMERICA:
(BREACH OF -): 8-9, 15.~8.
Agent: 10, 28-30.
Proposition to submit the dispute to
J the Court: 8-10. 22.
JAPAN: Public Declarations: 20.
International air space of the sea of
Japan: 8-1).1-12 14-15. 17-18, u.s.s.R.:
Interception of Aircraft 1z83j7: 9, ~r,
20-22 13-17.21-22,
Japanese territorialsovereignty: 18. Public Declarations: 15.
JURISDICTION OF THE COURT: g-IO, Refusal to submit the dispute to the
22-23. 28. Court: 22.~3. 32. INDEX
A
AVION AMÉRICAIN 128357 TYPE Pz-
.V, NEPTUNE (VOL DU 4 IX 54): 8,
12-13. 19-20.
NATIONS UNIES (CONSEIL DE SÉCU-
C RITÉ DES -):
COMPÉTENCE DE LA COUR: 9-10, 22- Séance du ro ix 54: Ir, 15,zo.
'3, 28. NOTES DIPLOMATI~UES (ÉCHANGE
DE -): 10-ir, 15-57 19-23.
E
ENGAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL R
(VIOLATION D'UN -): 8-9,15-18, RADIATION DU ROLE: 25.34.
ÉQUIPAGE DE L'AVION 128357: RÉPARATIOXS RÉCLAMÉES DEVANT
LA COUR: IO, 18-19.21.
Composition: 12.
Réjudice subi par Y-: 9, 14,18.
ÉTATS-UNIS D'AMÉRIQUE: S
STATUT DE LA COUR:
.igent:IO, 28-30.
Déclarations publiques:20. Art. 36, par. I: y, 32,
Proposition de soumettre le disérend Art. 36, par. z: 8.
à la Cour: 8-10. 22.
T
F TRAITÉS ET CONVENTIONS:
Traité de sécurité du 8 xi 51 signé à
FAITS DE L'ESPÈCE: 9-10. 12-17.19-21. San Francisco entre les Etats-Unis
FRONTIÈRE (SURVOL DE -): 15, 17, d'Amérique et le Japon: 12, 17-18.
19-23,32. U
J U. R. S. S.:
JAPON: lléclarationspubliques: 15.
Espace aérien internationalde la mer Interception et destruction de l'avion
du Japon: 8-9, II-12,14-15,17-18. 128357:9. 11,13-17, 21-22.
20-ZZ. Refus de soumettre le différendà la
Souverainet6 territoriale18. Cour: 22-23,32. CONTENTS - TABLE DES MATIÈRES
PART 1.-APPLICATION IXSTITUTIXG PROCEEDINGS
AND PLEABIXGS
PREMIÈRE PARTIE.- REQUÊTE IXTRODUCTI\'E
D'IXSTANCE ET MENOIRES
SECTIOK A. - REQUETE IXTROIIUCTIVE D'IXSTAXCE
The Agent forthe Government of the United States of Americato
the Registrar of the International Court of Justice (27S).-
L'agent du Gouvememeiit des Etats-Unis d'Amériqueau Greffier
de la Courinternationale deustice (27v j8. . . . S
Annexes
Annex I. Soviet Governinent of October 12, 19.......the H
Annex II. Note from the Soviet Government to the United States
Government of January 21, 1957.......... 19
Anrtex III. Note from the United States Government to the Soviet
Government of August 19, 1957 .......... 21
Anrtex IV. Note from the Soviet Govemment to the United States
Govemment of October IO,1957 .......... 22
[Part I, Sectio~B, Part II and Part III: no! included. See$. 251
[Première Partie, Sectiori B. Deuxième et Troisilme Parties: absentes.
Voiv notep. 251
P.4RT IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
[See pages28 to341
QUATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDANCE
[Voir pages28li341
English index. ....................... 35
Iiidex français....................... 36
Correspondence