PART IV
CORRESPONDENCE
CORRESPONDANCE SECTION B.-CORRESPONDENCE
(UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v.BULGARIA)
SECTION B. -. CORRESPONDANCE
(ÉTATS-UNIS D'AMÉRIUUE c.BULGARIE)650 PART IV.4ORRESPONDENCE
1. THE AMBASSADOR TO THE NETHERLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMEKICA TO THE KEGISTRAR
The Hague, October 28, 1957.
Excellency :
Upon the instruction of my Government, 1have the honor to transmit
to you herewith, in accordance with the Statute and Rules of the Inter-
national Court of Justice, an application 'to the Court instituting pro-
ceedings on behalf of my Government against the Government of Bul-
garia. Xly Government has appointed Mr. Loftus E. Becker, the Legal
Adviser of the Department of State,as its Agent ?n this case. 1 certify
that the signature upon the application tranimitted Iierewith is the
signature of hlr. Becker. The address for service to wliich al1communi-
cations relating to the application should be sent is this Embassy.
For the purposes of the provisions of the Statute and the Rules of
Court, particularly Article 40 (2) and (3) and Article 63 of the Statute,
and Article 33 (1) and Article 34 of the Rules of the Court. 1 have the
honor, on behalf of my Government, to transmit the original of this
application.
Enclosure: one original application.
(Signed) Philip YOUNG.
2. THE REGISTRAR TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
(telegram)
28 October 1gj7.
\Vith reference Article forty paragraph three Statute have honour
inform you that United States of America filed this day application
instituting proceedings against Bulgaria in dispute concerning aerial
incident of July twenty seven 1955 Stop Am airmailing for your in-
formation one copy application which relates to same aerial incident as
that referred to in application introduced on 16 October 1957 by
Israel against Bulgaria.
3. LE GREFFIER ADJOIXT AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE
BULGARIE (télégramme)
28 octobre 1957.
Ai honneur faire connaître Votre Excellence que l'ambassadeur
Etats-unis d'Amérique aux Pays-Bas a déposéce jour au Greffe une
requête introduisant instance contre République populaire Bulgarie au
sujet incident aérien 27 juillet 1955 Stop Requête seréfère déclarations
acceptation juridiction Cour aux termes article 36 Statut par Etats-
Unis et par Bulgarie.
' See Part 1,pp. 22-24 QUATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDANCE 651
28 octobre 1957
Monsieur le Ministre,
Me référant à mon téléarammede ce iour dont une cooie est iointe
à la présente lettre, j'ai l'honneur de coifirmerà Votre ~'xcellenceque
S. Exc. l'ambassadeur desEtats-Unis aux Pays-Bas a remis auiourd'hui
aii Greffeune reauêteintroduisant au nom deion Gouvernement devant
la Cour internationale de Justice coritre la République populaire de
Bulgarie une instance relative à l'incident aérien survenu le 27. .uillet
11)s;.
(:ojnc ccrtitir'ecoriforined13Icttrc dc tr«iiîriiiisioii dc I'ambnis:idcur
cii,fvrni r>rocti;iinemciit ixtrvvnir d'riutrt:; excnlo13ircî. <laris I'Gdition
-~~
aux fins des communicationsançaàsqeffectuer en conformité de l'articlef40.
paragraphes 2 et 3, du Statut.
Je saisis cette nouvelle occasion d'attirer l'attention de Votre Escel-
lence sur l'article 35 du Règlement de la Cour, qui dispose (paragraphe
3) que la Partie contre laquelle une requêteest présentéeet à laquelle
elle est communiquéedoit, en accusant la réceptionde cette communi-
cation<~~,sinon, le plus tôt possible, faire connaîtreà la Cour le nom de
son agent et (paragraphe 5) que la désignation de l'agent doit être
accompagnée de l'indication du domicile élu au siège de la Cour et
auquel seront adresséestoutes les communications relatives à l'affaire
en cause.
J'ai égalementl'honneur de vous faire connaitre que la question de la
fixation des délais pour la présentation des pi&cesde la procédureécrite
en cette affaire formera l'objet.de communications ultérieures. A ce
propos, je signale ivotre attention l'article 37, paragraphe 1, du Règle-
ment de la Cour.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
5. THE REGISTRAR TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
29 October 1957
Sir,
With refererice to my cable of 28 October 1957, a copy of which is
enclosed herewith, 1 have the honour to confirm that an Application was
filed on that date, in the Kegistry of the Court, on behalf of the United
States of America, instituting proceedings hefore the Court against the
People's Republic of Bulgaria concerning the Aerial incident of 27 July
1955,
1am enclosing -erewith for your information an advance copy o-.this
Application.
1 should be grateful if, in accordance with Article 40, paragraph 3,
of the Statute of the Court, you would be good enough to notify the
hfembers of the United Nations of the submission of this ApplicationFor this purpose, 1shall fonvard to you as soon as possible one huiidred
certified true copies and four hundred uncertified copies of tlie Appli-
cation.
1have. etc.
b. THE HEGISTKAIITO THE SECRIITALIY-GENERALOF THE UNITED XATIONS
6 November 19j7.
Sir,
\Vith reference to my letter of 29 October rgj7, 1have the honour
to for\vard to you, under separate cover, one hundred certified true
copies (by air) and four liundred uncertified copies (by surface mail)
of the Application filed on 28 October 1957 by the Government of the
United States of America instituting proceedings against the Govern-
ment of Bulgaria in the case relating to the aerial incident of 27 July
1955.
1have. etc.
7. LE GREFFIERAU MINISTREDES AFFAlllES ÉTRANGÈRES D'AFGH;\NIST:\N '
6 novembre 1957.
Monsieur le Ministre,
J'ai l'honneur de porter à la connaissance de Votre Escelleiice que,
le 28 octobre 1957,l'ambassadeur des États-Unis d'i\mérique ails Pays-
Bas a transmis au Greffe de la Cour internationale de Justice une re-
quete, datéedu 24octobre 1957,par la<~iielle le Gouvernement des l?tats-
Unis d'Amériquea introduit contre la République populaire de Bulgarie
une instance relative à l'incident aériensurvenu le 27 juillet 1955.
Votre Excellence voudra bien trouver ci-joint un exemplaire de cette
requête,que je lui transmets à toutes fins utiles.
Veuillez agréer,etc.
8. LE GREFFIER AU MINISTRE DES AFFAlllES ÉTRANGÈRES DE LA
REPUBLIQUEFÉDÉRALE D'AI.LEMAGNE a
6 novembre 1957.
Monsieur le Ministre,
J'ai l'honneur de porter à la connaissance de Votre Escelleiice que,
le zS octobre 1957, l'ambassadeur des Etats-Unis d'Amérique aux
Pays-Bas a transmis au Greffe de la Cour internationale de Justice une
requête,datée du 24 octobre 1957, par laquelle le Gouverneiiieiit des
États-Unis d'Amérique a introduit contre la République populaire de
Bulgarie une instance relative à l'incident aérien survenu le 27 juillet
1955.
La m&mecommunication a 6th adressde à tous les autresgtatsAIembreç des
NatiLa même communication Étatdtéadresséeeauxuautres États,non membres des
Sations Unies et non parties au Statut de la Cour.auxquels la Cour eouverte
aux termes de l'articl35.paragraphe z,du Statut. Votre Excellence voudra bien trouver ci-joint un exemplaire de cette
requéte que je lui transmets en me référant à l'article 40, paragraphe 3,
du Statut de la Cour.
\'euillez agréer, etc.
g. I.E MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE BULGARIE AU GREFFIER
(télégramme)
[Voir correspondance relative l'a@aireentreIsraël d la Bulgarie,n12.1
IO. LE GREFFIER AU MISISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRAXGERES DE BULGARIE
(télégramme)
[Voir correspondai~ceelativà l'aflaireentreIsraël etla Bulgarn",13.1
II. LE MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRAXGÈRES DE BULGARIE AU GREFFIER
(télégramme)
14 novembre 1957.
tlccuse réceptiondi1 teste bilingue de la requête introductive d'ins-
tance du Gouvernement des USA relativement à l'incident aérien du
27 juillet ~gjj en se réservant le droit de poser la question préalable de
la compétencede la Cour Stop Le ministère ne tardera pas de communi-
quer à la Cour le nom de ragent gouvernemental bulgare et le domicile
judiciaire éluconformement aux exigences de i'article 35 alinéas3 et 5
du Règlement de ln Cour Stop.
12. THE REGISTRAK TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OP THE UKITED
STATES OF AMERICA
15 A'ovember1957.
Sir,
Upon the instructions of the Vice-President, Acfing President in the
case concemiiig the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States of
America W.Bulgaria), 1 have the honour to refer to Article 37 of the
Rules of Court and to inform you that the Acting President proposes
to confer with the Agents of the Parties in that case orotherduly author-
ized representatives of the Parties, on zo h'ovember at 10.15 o'clock
in the forenoon, for the purpose of ascertaining the yiews of the Parties
with regard to questions of procedure and, in part!cular, with regard
to the time-limits to be fised by the Court for the filingof the pleadings
of the Parties.
1 have, etc.654 PART IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
13. LE GREFFIER AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE BULGARIE
(télégramme)
Ij novembre 1937.
Sur instructions du Vice-Président faisant fonction de Présidentdans
affaire introduite contre Bulgarie par Gouvernement Etats-Unis Amé-
rique ai l'honneur me référeà articl17 Rèclementet vousinformerqu'il
sePropose rencontrer agents des PartiYs Virguleou tous autres représen-
tants dûment autorisés virgule vingt novembre dix heures quinze du
matin pour se renseigner auprés Parties sur questions de procédureet
notammant sur délais A fixer par Cour pour dépôt des piécesécrites
Stop Vice-Président vous serait reconnaissant télégraphier nom du
représentant Bulgarie.
14. LE MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANG~RES DE BULGIIKIE AU GREFFIER
(télégramme)
[Voir correspoudancerelativà l'affaireentreIsraël ella Bulgarie,no17.1
15. LE GREFFIER AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE BULGARIE '
(télégramme)
Me référant votre télégrammeai honneur porter votre connaissance
que Vice-Président Cour faisant fonction Président dans affaire intro-
duite contre Bulgarie par Gouvernement Etats-Unis d'Amérique a
décidévirgule faisant droit?Ivotre demande virgule d'ajourner réunion
avec les Parties prévue pour demain mercredi Stop Celle-ci aura lieu
lundi vingt-cinq novembre dis heures quinze du matin.
16.:~~ 5fINISTRE DES AFFAIRBS ÉTRANGÈRES DE BULGARIE AU GREFFIER
(télégramme)
[Voir correspondance relativel'affaireentreIsraetla Bulgarie,rr20.1
17.ENTRETIEN DU VICE-PR~SIDEN A VEC L'AMBASSADEUR DES ÉTATS-UNIS
AUX PAYS-BAS ,N PRÉSENCE DU GKEPFIEK ET DU GREFFIER ADJOINT
L'ambassadeur des États-Unis déclarese présenterau nom de M. Lof-
tus E. Becker. Celui-ci souhaiterait disposer de sis mois pour la prépa-
ration de son mémoire.
II est donné connaissance du télégrammereçu le 23 novembre du
ministre des Affaires étrangéresde Bulgarie.
25 novembre 1957.
' La mêmenotificationa étéfaite à i'agent du Gouvernement des États-Unis
d'Amérique. QUATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDANCE 655
18.LE GREFFIER AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE BULGARIE
[Voir correspondance relatiàel'affaireentreIsraël etlaBulgarie,n"zjl.1
19.THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA
26 November 1957.
Sir,
1 have the honour to refer to the Application filed in the Re istry on
26 October 1957. by which the Government of the United g tates of
America instituted proceedings before the Court against Bulgaria with
regard to the Aerial Incident of 27 Jnl1955 ,nd to infonn you that,
by Order 1 of to-day's date, the Court fixe2 June 1956 as the time-
limit for the filing of the Memorial of the Government of the United
States of America and reserved for a subsequent Order the fixing of the
time-limit for the filing hy the Respondent of its Counter-Memorial.
1 shall in due course send you the officia1copy, for the Government
of the United States of America, of thebove-mentinned Order.
1 have, etc.
20. LE MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE BULGARIE AU GREFFIER
(télégramme)
[Voir correspondancerelativel'affaireentreIsraël etla Bulganoe25.1
21. LE GREFFIER ADJOINT AU IIIINISTREDES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE
BUI,GARIE (télégramme)
[Voir correspondancerelativàl'affaireentre Israëletla Bulgarie,n" 26.1
22. LE MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE BULGARIE AU GREFFIER
(télégramme)
[Voir correspondance relativà l'affaireentreIsraël etla BulgaTL"29.1
23. LE GREFFIER A L'AGENT DU GOUVEIINEMENT BULGARE
[Voir correspondance relativàl'affaireentreIsraël etla Bulgarie,30.1
1See I.C.J. Repor1957, ,>p. 186.188656 PART IV.-€ORRESI'OSDESCE
24. THE REGISTIIAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVBRNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA '
20 December 1957.
Sir,
With reference to my letter No. 26688 of 26 November 1957. 1
have the honour to send you herewith the officia1copy for your Govem-
ment of the Order of 26 November 1957, by which the Court has
fixed 2 June 1958 as the time-limit for the filing of the Memorial
of the Government of the United States of America in the case concerning
the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States of America u.
Bulgaria).
1 have, etc.
25.LE MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE FKANÇAISE
AU GREFFII'.K
[Voir correspondaiicerelativàl'affaireentreIsraël etla Bulgarie,no35.1
26.L'AGENT DU GOUYERPIEMEST DE BULGARIE AU PRÉSIDENT DE LA COUR
[Voir correspondancerelativeàI'affaireentreIsraël etla Bz~lgari, o36.1
27. LE GREFFIER ADJOINT A L'AGENT DU GOUVERNEMENT BULGARE
[Voir correspoitdaircrelativd l'affaireeiilreIsraël etla Bulprie, no38.1
28. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OFTHE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
28 Janiiary 1958,
Sir,
1 have the honour to inform you that on 22 January 1958 1received
from the Agent of the Bulgarian Government in the cases concerning
the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 a note dated 18 January 1958,
by which he informed me interaliathat he considered that, in accordance
with the provisions of Article7 and in connection with Article 62 of the
Kules of Court, the Court ouglit to fix :it least the same time-limit for
the filing of the Uulgarian pleading as was fixed for the filing of the
Memorial.
1have the furtlier lionour to inform you that having thus nscertained
the views of the liespondent with regard to the time-limit for the 6ling
of the Counter-Rlemorial. the Vice-President, Acting President in the
case between the United States of America and Bulgaria, has by an
' .Asimilar cammuiiication\vasaddressed to the Agentof the Government
of Hulgaria.Order1 of 27 January 1958 decided to fix g December 1958 as the
time-limit for the filing of the Counter-Memorial of the Bulgarian
Government, the rest of the procedure being reserved for further
decision.
1 shall in dile course send you the officialcopy for the Govemment of
the United States of America of the ahove-mentioned Order.
1 have, etc.
29. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
18 February 1958.
Sir,
With reference to my letter No. 26987 of 28 January 1 58, 1have
the honour to send you herewitli the official copy for your 2overnment
of the Order of 27 January 1958 by which the Vice-President, Acting
President, has fixed g December 1958 as the time-limit for the filing
of the Counter-blemorial of the Govemment of the People's Republic
of Bulgaria in the case concerning the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955
(U.S.A. v. Bulgaria).
1have. etc.
30. THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE REGISTRAR
2 May 1958.
Sir,
The undersigned Agent of the Govemment of the United States of
America has the honour to refer to the proceedings pending in the Court
instituted bythe United States Govemment by application filed28Octo-
ber 1957 against the Government of Bulgaria on account of the des-
truction on 27 July 1955,by Bulgarian fighter aircraft,of an El Al
Israel Airlines aircraft, killing, among others, nine American nationals
aiid destroyiiig their property. On 26 November 1957 the Court
fired z June 1958 as the time-limit for the filing of a Memorial by
the United States Government.
The United States Government has been diligently engaged in the
preparation of a Memorial complying with the high standards of inter-
national legal practice and the Statutes and Rules of this Cqurt. It must
state, however, that facts and documents which may seriously affect
the final forinulation of the Mernorial are still coming in and are heing
studied by appropriate officersand experts of the United States Govern-
ment, and many more are expected. The Court's attention is,respectfully
called to the serious dificulties which are inherent in obtaining evidence
suitable for the proof of the issues in tbis case; for the place where the
incident occurred is not available for investigation by United States
Govemment representatives, and the Bulgarian Governrnent has made
' See I.C.J.Kefiorts 195pp. IO-rr.
ofaBulgaria.r communication was addressed to theAgent ofthe Government
44 658 PART IV.-CORRESPOTDENCE
no effort to assist any of the Governments, or the persons, who suffered
from the disaster which underlies this case, in the finding of evidence.
These factors make the preparation of a suitahle Memorial especially
difficult.
The United States Government must, reluctantly, inform the CO&
that the date of 2 June 1958 is too early to enable the United States
Govemment to make an adequate study and review of the incoming
evidentiary inaterial and to formulate an appropriate Memorial to tliis
Court. It is estimated that at least three months additional time is
required for thispurpose; and it is not unlikely that the United States
ta requestamfurther extension of three months thereafter.ts control
Accordingly, the United States Government respectfully requests
that this Court, under the authority of Article 48 of the Statute and
Articles 37 (4) and 38 of the Rules of the Court, extend the time-limit
for the filing of the Memorial hy the United States Government ta
September 2,1958 Of course the United States Government will concede
to the respondent Bulgarian Government an extension of time-limit
sufficient to file a Counter-Memorial.
The undersipied has consulted the Agents for the Governmenk ofthe
United Kingdom and Israel, which also have.pending~in this Court
proceedings against Bulgaria on account of the same actions committed
by the Bulgarian Government on 27 July 1955. If it is relevant to
the consideration of the Court, the Government of lsracl has expressed
no objections to the presentation of this Application and has authorized
the United States Govemment to state to the Court that the Govern-
ment of Israel places itself in the Iiaiids of the President of the Court
or the entire Court in this matter. The United States Government has
been informed by the Govemment of the United Kingdom that it has
no objections to the presentation of this Application and that theverii-
ment of the United Kingdom is preparing to apply to this Court for a
similar extension of time to fileits Memorial.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) Loftus E. BECKER.
7 mai 1958.
Ai honneur faire connaître Votre Excellence que agent Gouvernemcnt
Etats-Unis dans l'affaire de l'incident aérienpar lettrc datée du z mai
demande à laCour que date fixant dépôt du mémoiredu Gouvernement
des Etats-Unis au 2 juin soit prolongéede trois mois et rapportée en
conséquenceau 2 septembre 1958Slop Je transmetsaujourd'huiàl'agent
Gouvernement bulgare au domicile judiciaire à La Haye copie certifiée
conforme de ladite lettre Slop Serais reconnaissant à Votre Excellence
de prier l'agent bulgare de me faire part des vues de ce Gouvernement
le plus t6t possible. QUATRIEME PARTIE. - CORRESPOSDASCE 659
32. LE GREFFIER A L'AGI!NT DU GOUVERNEMENT NUI.GARE
7 mai 1958.
Monsieur l'Agent,
J'ai l'honneur de vous transmettre ci-joint copie certifiéeconforme
d'une lettre datée du 2 mai 1958 par laquelle l'agent du Gouvernement
des Etats-unis d'Amérique en l'affaire relative à l'incident aérien du
27 juillet1955 sollicite de la Cour la prorogation jusqu'aii2 septembre
1958du délaifixé par l'ordonnance du 26 novembre 1957pour la présen-
tation du mémoiredu Gouvernement des États-Unis en cette affaire.
J'avertis en mêmetemps par télégrammele min?stre des Affaires
étrangèresde la Képublique populaire de Bulgarie de la teneur decette
lettre et je vous serais très obligéde vouloir bien me faire connaître le
plus tôt possible les vues de votre Gouvernement siir cette demande.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
33.THE DEPUTY-HEGISTKAR TO THE AGENT OF THE CO\'ERXMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERIC.4 '
19 May 1958.
Sir,
By my letter of 7 May 1958 1 had the honour to ackiiowledge
receipt of your letter of 2 May 1958, in which you requested an
extension to 2 Septemberr958 of the time-limit fixed by the Order
of 26 November 1957 for the filing of the Mernorial of the Govern-
ment of the United States of America in the case conceming the Aerial
Incident of 27 July 19j5 (United States of America u. Bulgaria). In
letter1 had tlie further lionour to inform you that a copy of
my
letter of z May 1958 had been transmitted to the Agent of the
Government of tlie People's Republic of Bulgaria for observritions.
No reply to this communication having yet reached the Registry, 1
have the honour to inform you that on today's date, witli reference
on the one hand to your request for an extension and on the other to the
letter of 18 January 1958 by which the Agent for the Government
of the People's liepublic of Bulgaria stated that he considered that,
in accordance with Article 37 of the Rules and in connection with Article
62 of the Rnles, the Court should fix a time-limit for the Counter-hlemo-
rial at least equal to that fixed for the Memorial, the President of the
Court has made an Order extending as follows the time-limits fixed by
the Orders made in this case on 26 November 1957 and 27 January
1gj8:
for tlie Memorial of the Government of the United States of America,
2 September 1958;
forthe Counter-Memorial ofthe Government of the People's Republic
of Bulgaria, g June 1959,
the subseauent ~rocedure remainine reserved for further decision.
1 shall in due cÔursesend you the official copy for tlie Goirernment of
the United Skites of America of the above-mentioned Order.
1 have, etc.
' A similar ci>mrnuiiicatiwas addressed to the Agent of tlieGovernment
of Bulgaria.660 PART IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
34. LE GREFFIER ADJOINT AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES DE
BULGARIE (télégramme)
19mai 1958.
Référencemes lettres et télégrammessept mai restés sans réponse
ainsi que lettre agent bulgare dix-huit janvier58 Stop Ai honneur
informer Votre Excellence que en les affaires incident aérien vingt-sept
juille1955 entre d'une part États-Unis et Bulgarie d'autre part Royau-
me-Uni et Bulgarie Président Cour intemationale Justice a rendu ce
jour deux ordonnances accordant prolongation délai demandé par
demandeurs et prolongeant d'autant délai contre-mémoires Stop Dates
fixéesen ces deux affaires sont désormais deux septembre1958 pour
mémoireset neuf juin 1959 pour contre-mémoires Stop Agent bulgare
a étéinformé A son domicile La Haye.
35.THE DEPUTY-REGISTRA TR THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
28 hlay 1958
Sir,
With reference ta my letter No27577 of 19 May 1958, 1 have the
honour to send you herewith, for your Govemment, the officia1copy
of the Order a of 19 May 1958 ,xtending the time-limits for the filing
of the Memorial and of the Counter-Memorial in the case concerning
the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States of America v.
Bulgaria).
1 have, etc.
36. THE DEPUTY-REGISTR AORTHE AGENT OF THE GOVERNDIENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3June 1958.
Sir,
1 have the honour to inform you that the Government of the French
Republic has requested that the Pleadin s in the case concerning the
Aeriat Incident of 27July 1955 (United !tates of Americv.Bulgaria)
be made available toit.
In accordance xith Article44,paragraph z,of the Rules of Court1
should he grateful ta have the views of the Government of the United
States of America on this request.
1 may add that a similar communication is being addressed to the
Agent of the Government of the People's Republic of Bulgaria in this
case. 1 shall not fail in due course to inform you of his reply and of the
decision which the Court, or the President, will take in accordance with
Article44,paragraph 2.of the Rules of Court.
1 have, etc.
' A similar communicatiwas addressed to the Agent of the Government
of Bulgaria.
' SeeI.C.J. RePorfs rg58.p22-23. QUATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDANCE 661
37. THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE REGISTRAR
16 June 1958.
Sir,
1have the honor to respond to your communication of June 3,1gj8.
You statethat in accordance with Article 44, paragraph 2, of the Rules
of the Court, you would be grateful to have the views of the United
States of America on the subject of a request of the Government of the
French Republic that the Pleadings in the case of the United States of
America v. Bulgaria be made available to the Government of the French
Republic.
1have the honor to reply that the United States Governn~entis pleased
to consent to this request and has no objection to the Court's making
the Pleadings so available, in accordance with the above-mentioned
Rule.
Very tmly yours,
(Signed) Loftus E. BECKER.
36. LE GREFFIER A L'AGENT DU GOUVERNEMENT BULGARE
[Voir correspondancerelativeà l'affaireentreIsraël etla Bulgarie,no52.1
39. L'AGENT DU GOUVERNEMENT BULGARE AU GREFFIER
[Voir correspondancerelativeà l'affaire entreIsraël etla Bulgarie53.1
[Voir correspondancerelaliziàl'affaireentreIsraël etla Bulgarino54.1
41. THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE KEGISTRAR 21 July 1958.
Sir,
1 have the Iionor to refer to the case of the United States of America
against Bulgaria arising out of the aerial incident of Ju27, 1955, now
pending before the Court. 1 wish to inform the Court that the Govern-
ment of the United States has designated as Counsel in this matter.
Mt. Samuel Klaus, Special Assistant to the Legal Adviser in the Depart-
ment of State.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) Loftus E. BECKER.662 PART IV.<ORRESPONL'DENCE
42. THE AGENT OF THE GOVIJKNMENT OPTHE UNITE11 STATES OF ;\MEKICA
TO THE REGISTI<AR
21 July1958.
Sir,
The undersigned Agent of the Government of the United States of
America has the honor to referagain to the proceedings pending in this
Court instituted by the United States Government by an Application
filed OctoherzS,19j7 ,gainst the Government of Bulgaria. On May 19,
1958, the Court, upon the request of the United States Government,
under the authority of Articl38 of the Statute and Articl37 (4) and
38 ol tlie Rules of the Court, extended the time-limit for filing of the
hlemorial of the United States Government to September z,1958
In the United States Government's request for the extension of time.
it will be recalled, the United States Government stated: "It is estimated
that at least three months additional timeis required...and it is not
unlikely that the United States Government may even be compelled
by circumstances beyond its control to request a future extension of
three inonths thereafter."
The United States Government is compelled to inform the Court that
despite strenuous efforts to complete the Memorial it appears clear.tliat
by force of circumstrinces heyoud its control, it will not he possible to
do so by Septemher 2, 1958. Important evidentiary material has not
beei~received, and the review of experts has iiot been completed. How-
ever, the Uiiited States Government feels confident that such evidence
willIia\.e been received and reviewed; and the necessary printing and
tlie otlier necessary \\-ork in connection with the preparation and filing
of tlie Llemorial will be completed before Decembe2, 1958.
Accordiiigly, the Unitecl States Government respectfully requests tliat
this Court, under tlie autliority of A48iof the Statute and Artic37s
(4) and 3S of the Rules of the Court further extend the time-limit for
the filing of'eMemorial by the United States Government to Decein-
ber 2,195.3.
I'ery truly yours,
(Signeci)LoftusE. BECKER.
43.LE GREFFIER A I.'AGEST DU GOUVERNEMEZIT BULGAKE
31 juillet1gj8.
Monsieur l'Agent,
J'ai l'honneur de vous transmettre ci-joint copie certifiée conforme
d'une lettre datée du21 juillet1958 par laquelle l'agent du Gouverne-
ment des Etats-Unis d'Amérique en l'affaire relatiàl'incident aérien
du 27 juille1955 sollicite de la Cour la prorogation jusq2'décembre
1958 du délaifixépar l'ordonnance du 19 mai 1gj8 pour la présentation
du mémoiredu Gouvernement des États-Unis eii cette affaire.
J'ai avisépar la voie télégraphiquele ministre des Affaires étraiigkres
de la République populaire de Bulgarie de la teneur de cette lettre et je
vous serais très obligé de vouloir bien me faire connaître le plus tOt
possible les vues de votre Gouvernement sur cette demande.
Veuillez agréer,etc. QUATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPOSDANCE 663
44. THE EhlBASSY OF ISRAEL TO THE NETHEHLANDS TO THE REGISTRAR '
The Embassy of Israel presents its compliments to the Registrar of
the International Court of Justice and. on instructions of the Israel
Ministr\r for Foreien Affairs. has the honour to refer to Article 44 of the
I<olcs"f tlir ~our<aii(l tu rc;liirjt tlic liegistrar kiiicll!. to mnke :;;nil:il>lt:
tu the i;u~~~rniitentof IsrdcI tliv \iriiteri ~>léadingisn L.nicscoiicerniiig
~~~-~ ~ ~ ~il iiicideiit of lulv ioI'riitcd States veriui I3iilcari:i and tlic
-
1 United ~in~dom versis gul&-&.
The Embassy of lsrael takes advantagc of this occasion, etc
The Hague, 4 Aiigust 19jS
45. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGEST OF THE GO\'ERKhlEST OF THE UNITED
ST.4TES OF AAIEHICA
12 August 1958.
Sir,
1 have thehonour to refer tb my letter of 31 July 1958, iii which
1 informed );ou that a copy of your letter of 21 July, requesting an
exterision of the tirne-limit fixed for the filing of the Mernorial of the
Government of tlic United States of America in the proceedings insti-
tiited against the Government of the I'eople's Kepublic of Bulgaria, had
been transmitted to the Agent of the Respondent Govcrnrnent for his
observations upon yoor request.
Xo reply to this communication having as yet been received from the
Agent for the Government of the People's Republic of Bulgaria, the
President has decided to grant the rcquest contained in );Our letter of
21 July 1çj8, and by ail Order of today's date has fixed the following
time-limit in this case:
for the Alemorinl of the Government of the United States of Anicrica:
z December 1958:
for the Counter-hlemorial of the Government of the People's Kepublic
of Bulgaria: 9 June 1959;
the subsequent procedure remainiug reserved for further decision.
1 shall in due course send you the official copy for the Government of
the United States of tlmerica of the above-mentioued Order.
1 have, etc.
' The Parties having been consulted and having made no objection.itwns
decided that the relevant pleadingswould be sent tothe Government of Israel.
A similar cornniunicatiowas addreçsedto the Agent of t$ Government
of Bulgaria.
a See Z.C.].Reports 1958, pp. 37-38.66‘l PARTIV.-CORRESPONDENCE
46. THE REGI~T~AR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA '
18 Aug.st 1958.
Sir,
With reference to my letter No. 28048 of 12 August 1958, 1 have
the honour to send you herewith, for your Government, the officialcopy
of the Order of 12 August 1958, by which the President of the Court
has extended to z December 1958 the time-limit for the filing of the
Memorial of the Government of the United States of America in the case
concerning the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955.
1 have. etc.
47. L'AGENT DU GOUVERNEMENT BULGARE AU GREFFIER
(télégramme)
25 août 1938.
Ai reçu votre lettre no 27975 du 31juillet 1958 ai l'honneur de com-
muniquer que je n'ai pas d'objections contre la demande Gouvernement
USA dc prolonger jusqu'au 2 décembre le délaipour présentation des '
mémoires sur affaire relative avion israélienStop Sans doute le susdit
prolongement amènerait prolongement correspondant de notre délai
Stop MÉVOKAH.
2 septembre 1gj8.
Monsieur le Greffier,
Le 16 août a. c. j'ai reçu votre lettre du 31 juillet a. c. avec laquelle
vous m'avez envoyé la lettre de l'agent des États-Unis d'Amériquedu
zr juillet a. c. demandant la prolongation du délai pour la présentation
des mémoiresdans l'affaire concernant l'avion israélien jusqu'au z dé-
~.cmhre a.c.
1.e22 aoiit a. 2..l'ai coinmuniquL:par tc'ligrntnme i I'tioiior.~l><:our
qiie riiuii Guu\~crncmcnt nt. ;'uppos;iit pai ;i 1;prulotigntio~irlii(lir {IClai
et (lut.norrc rlc'lnii>oiiI:i~iriscntatioii clescoiitr*-mCinoire; <It,vnitFtre
respectivement p<olongé.~e même jour, après avoir envoyé le télé-
gramme, j'ai reçuvotre lettre no 28.048 du 12 août a. c. par laquelle vous
m'avez communiqué que par ordonnance de Monsieur le Président de la
Cour, le délai pour la présentation des mémoires des USA avait été
prolongé jusqu'au 2 décembre 1958, tandis que notre délai restait le
même - le g juin 1959. J'ai reçu ensuite l'ordonnance elle-même à
ce sujet. Il est &vident,en l'occurrence, qu'en émettant son ordonnance.
filonsieur le Président de la Cour n'a pas pris en considération mon
télégrammeet plus spécialement notre demande d'une prolongation
res~ective de notre délaiaussi.
indépendamment de ce fait, conformément à la pratique de la Cour
.usq-'i ce moment, dans des cas pareils chaque fois lors de la prolon-
' A similar %ommunication was addressed to the Agent of the Government
of Bulgaria. QUATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDANCE 665
gation du délaide la partie adverse notre délaiaussi a étéprolongé.Il
y a deux cas pareils, et notamment lors de l'ordonnance19umai a. c.
concernant la prolongation du délaides USA jusqu'au 2septembre et
lors de l'ordonnance de la mêmedate concernant la prolongation du
délaidu Royaume-Uni jusqu'au z septembre également.Dans les deux
cas, notre délai fut respectivement prolongé dg décembre 1958 au
g juin1959.
C'est pourquoi je m'adressà l'honorable Cour avec la prière de bien
vouloir prolonger, dans le cas ci-dessus indiqué aussi, le délairespectif
de la République populaire de Bulgarie.s de la part du Gouvernement
Veuillez agréer, etc.
(Signé)Dr N. MÉVORAH.
49. THE FlRST SECRETARY ,CTING REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
g September 1958.
Sir,
1 have the honour to send you herewith a certified true copy of a
letter dated2 September 1958, by which the Agent for the Court of
the People's Republic of Bu1 aria in the case concerning the Aerial
Incident of 27 July 1955 (".$.A.v. Bulgaria) has requested an exten-
sion of the tinie-limit fixed for the filing of its Counter-Memorial in that
ca1shall be grateful if you will be good enough to communicate to us as
soon as possil~lethe view of your Government on the request of the
Bulgarian Government.
1 have, etc.
50.THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE REGISTRAR
21)September 1958
Sir,
1 have received your communication of Septembeg,1958 ,umbered
28241 ,ith urhich you enclosed a certified copy of a communication
from the Agent of the Bulgarian Government dated September2,195%
It has been noted that in the Order of the Court, communicated by
the Registrar on August 12, 1958, extending the tirne-limits for the
filing of the Memorial of the Govemment of the United States to
December 2,1958 ,s requested hy this Government, it was also stated
that the Registrar had received no reply from the Agent of the Bulgarian
Government respecting the United States Government's request., It
appears now thata telegram was sent to the Registrar by the Bulgarlan
Agent on August 22, 1 58,interposing no objection to the extension
of time-limits for this ~overnment's Memorial, but apparently asking
for an extension of tirne-limits for the Counter-hlemorial. giving no
stated date. Attention iscalled to Articl38 of the Rules of Court666 PART IV.-CORRESPONDESCE
which provides that definite dates must be fixed in assigning time-
limits.
The United States Government will interpose no objection to the
setting of September z, 1959, as tlie time-limit for the filing of a
Counter-Memorial by the Government of Bulgaria in tliis matter.
I'ery truly yours,
(Signedj Loftus E. BECKER.
51. THE REGISTHAR TO THE AGEST OF THE GOVERNJIENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
IO October 1958,
Sir,
1 have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of zg Sep-
tember 1956, in wliicli you make knonn the views of your
Government onthe request submitted by the Agent for the Government
of the People's Republic of Hulgaria for an extension of tlie time-limit
fixed for the filing of the Counter-&fernorialin the case concerning the
Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States of America u.
13ulgaria).
1 have the further honour to inform you that by an Order' of
8 October 1958 the Court has decided to extend to 9 September
~gjg the time-limit for the filing of the Counter-Mernorial of the
Government of the People's Republic of Bulgaria.
1sliall in due course send you the official copy for the Government
of the United States of America of the above-mentioned Order.
1have, etc.
52. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERSMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA '
14 October 1956.
Sir,
\$rith reference to my letter No. 28440 of IO October 1958, 1 have
the honour to send you herewith, for your Government, the officia1
copy of the Order of 8 October 1958, by which the Court has
extelidcd to g September 1959 the time-limit for the filing of the
Counter-Memorial of the Government of the People's Republic of
13ulgariain the case concerning the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955
(United Statesof America u. I3ulgaria).
1have, etc.
1 A sirnilar communicationwas addressed tothe Agent of the Government
of Hulgaria.
See I.C.J. Reports 1958. p46-47. 2 décembre 1958
3Ionsieur l'Agent,
J'ai l'honneur de vous transmettre ci-joint, en sept esemplaires dont
(leiix certifiés conformes, le mémoire du Gouvernement des Etats-
Uiiis d'Amérique en l'affaire relative à l'incident aérien du 27 juillet
1955 (Etats-Unis d'Arnériiluec. Bu1g;irie). Ce document a étéeriregistré
au Greffe dans le délai fixé par l'ordonnance du 12 aoiit 1958, délai
qui expire aujourd'hui.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
54. THE IIEPUTY-RI:C,lSTKi \K THE AGIINT OF THE GO\'EllN.llE.NT OF THE
UNITED STATES 01: i\MERICA a
23 December 1958.
Sir,
1 Iia\.e the Iionour to inform you that the Registry of the Inter-
national Court of Justice has made a. translation into French of the
hlemorial of the Government of the United States of America in the
case of the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States u.Rulgaria)
for the use of the Members of the Court. For your information, 1
enclose herewith oiie copy of this tr:inslation.
lieferring to Article 39, paragraph 4. of the Rules of Court to the
effect that "The Registrar is under no obligation to make translations
of the pleadings orany documents annexed thereto", 1 would emphasize
tliat this translation has no official character ivhatsoe\'er.
1 have, etc.
55. THE .AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OP THE UNITED KINGDOM TO THE
REGlSTRAR
g January 1959.
Sir,
1 ha1.e the Iionour to request, on belialf of the Government of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, that the
pleadirigs filed ùy tlic Government of the United States of America
in the case concerning the Aerial Incident of July 27, 1955 (United
States of America v. Bulgaria) may be made availahle to the Govern-
melit of the United I<ingdom, in accordance with Article#. paragraph 2,
of the Rules of Coiirt.
1 have, etc.
(Sigr~erl )oyce A. C. GUTTERIDGE.
' Voir t'remiL.rï I'arti{>.167.
A similar communication was addressed to the Agent <ilthe Government
of Bulgaria.
3 Tlie Parties having bçen consulted and having made no objection, itwas
decided that the relevant ~ileadingç wouldhe sent to the Government of the
United I<ingdom. 668 PART IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
56.THE CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE
NETHERLANDS TO THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR
3 Febmary ~gjg
Dear hlr. Garnier-Coignet.
With reference to the letter of December 2, 1958, from Ambassador
Philip Young to the Acting Registrar, MI. S. Aquarone, 1 have the
honour to request that the International Court of Justice accept the
attached errata and addenda list as part of the Memorial of the Govern-
ment of the United States of America in the case concerning the Aerial
Incident of July 27, 1955 (United States of America us.Bulgaria).
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) Herbert P. FALES.
57.THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE CHARG~ D'AFFAIRES OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA TO THE NETHERLANDS
6 February 1959.
Dear Mr. Fales,
1have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the letter of 3 February
1959, in which you requested that the errata and addenda list, which
you enclosed, shonld be accepted as part of the Memorial filed by the
Govemment of the United States of America in the case concerning
the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States of America v.
Bulgaria).
On the instructions of the President, 1 have transmitted to the
. Agent for Bulgaria in this case a copy of your letter, together with
the errata and addenda list, referring in this connection to Article 37,
paragraph 4, and to Article 40, paragraph 5, of the Rules of Court.
Sincerely yours, etc.
58. LE GREFFIER ADJOINT A L'AGENT DU GOUVERNEMENT BULGARE
7 février1959.
Monsieur l'Agent,
Comme suite à ma lettre no 28761 du 2 décembre 1958 et me
référant d'une part à l'article 37, paragraphe 4, et d'autre part à
l'article 40, paragraphe 5, du lieglement de la Cour, j'ai l'honneur de
vous communiquer ci-joint, sur instruction du Président, la photocopie
d'une lettre que le chargéd'affaires p. i. des États-Unis d'Amériqueaux
Pays-Bas m'a adressée le 3 février 1959, ainsi que des annexes à cette
lettre. Cesdopments concernent des errata et addenda que le Gouver-
nement des Ltats-Unis d'Amérique désireapporter à son mémoireen
l'affaire relative l'incident aérien du 27 juillet 1955 (États-Unis
d'Amériquec. Bulgarie).
Veuillez agréer,etc.59. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
4 March 1959.
Sir,
1 have the honour to inform you that the Registry has prepared
forthe use of Members of the Court a French translation of the Annexes
to the Memonal submitted by the Government of the United States
of America in the case conceming the Aerial Incident of 27 July
1955 (United States of America v.Bulgaria).
1 am enclosing one copy of this translation for your information but
would refer to Article 39, paragraph 4, of the Rules of Court which
provides that "the Registrar is under no obligation to make translations
of the pleadings or any documents annexed thereto" and emphasize
that the translation in question has no officia1character whatsoever.
1 have, etc.
g mars 1959.
Monsieur le Greffier,
En réponse h vos lettres nos 28761 du z décembre 1958et 29128
du 7 février 1959, j'ai l'honneur de vous communiquer que le Gouver-
nement bulgare n'a aucune objection en ce qui concerne les errata,
méme celui de la page 37, volume 1 du mémoire des Etats-Unis
d'Amérique.
Mais notre Gouvernement ne saurait reconnaître la présentation par
le Gouvernement des Etats-Unis d'Amériaue, sous forme d'uerrata u,
après le terme de rigueur déji écouléd, e n6uveaux moyens de preuves,
tels que la déclaration de l'ancien ressortissant bulgare Yordan At.
Konov ou surtout l'annexe 64A.
Le Gouvernement bulgare se réserve le droit de se prononcer sur
le mémoire des Etats-unis d'Amérique dans le délai prévu.
Veuillez agréer,etc.
(Signé D r N. ~~ÉVORAH.
61. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
18 March 1959.
Sir,
By letter of 3 February 1959. the Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the
United States of America in the Netherlands transmitted to me on
your behalf a list of errata and addenda, requesting that it be accepted
by the Court as part of thehlemorial of tlie United States of America
ii: the case conceming the Aerial incident of 27 July 1955 (U.S.A.
v. Rulgaria). In ansyer, 1 informed the Chargé d'affaires that 1 had
'A similar communication was addressedto the Agent ofthe Government
of Bulgaria.670 PARTIV.-CORRESPOSDENCE
transmitted his letter and the list to the Agent for Bulgana. referring
in this connection to Article 37, paragraph 4, and to Article 40, para-
graph 5, of the Rules of Court.
I have now the honour to inform you that on 17 March 1 received
a letter from the Agent for Bulgaria, dated 9 March, in which he
States his views on that matter. Please find herewith a certified copy
of that letter.
As concems the modifications to which the Agent for Bulgaria does
not object, 1 am transmitting them to the Rlembers of the Court.
1have, etc.
31 août 1959.
hfonsieur le Grcffier.
J'ai l'honneur de porter à votre connaissrince que le Gouvernement
de la République populaire de Bulgarie, se prévalant du droit prévu
à l'article 31(2) du Statut de la Cour internationale de Justice, prie
que Monsieur Jaroslav Jourek soit admis de siéger à la Cour en qualité
de juge ad hoc dans l'affaire relative à l'incident aérien du 27 juillet
1955 (Etats-Unis d'Amérique contre Bulgarie), la Cour comptant sur
le si@ un juge de la nationalité de la Partie adverse.
Monsieur Jourek a l'adresse suivante: Prague 5, Lomeiia 5. Tché-
coslo~a~~Ae.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
(Sigizé)Dr N. MÉVORAH.
5 septembre 1959.
Monsieur l'Agent,
J'ai l'honneur d'accuser la réception de l'exemplaire dactylographié,
signépar vous et daté du 3 septembre 1959,de l'exception préliminaire '
déposéeau nom du Gouvernement de la Képublique populair~ de
Bulgarie en l'affaire relative l'incident aériendu 27 juillet 1955 (ktats-
Unis d'Amériquec. Bulgarie).
Ce document m'a été remis le 5 septembre 1959 par hf. Stoyan
Korista~~tinov, conseiller de légation prèsla légationde la République
populaire de Bulgarie.
Le document en question a étédéposédans le délaifixépar l'ordon-
nance du S octobre 1958. -4ce document étaient joints onze annexes
dactvlorra~hiées en laneue francaise ainsi aue se~t v0iumeS et une
brochu; en langue hulgGe.
J'ai en outre l'honneur de vous faire connaître qu'à la suite du dépUt
de ce document, la procédure sur le fond est suspendue. Je vous ferai
connaitre le plus t6t possible le délai qui sera fixépar le Président,
1 Voir PrernihrePartie,pl>. 265-300. conformément aus,dispositions de l'article Gz, paragraphe 3, du 1Zègle-
ment, pour la présentation par le Gouvernement desÉtats-Unis d'Amé-
rique de l'exposé écritde ses observations et conclusions sur l'exception
préliminaire.
Je vous prie d'agréer,etc.
IO septembre 1959.
Monsieur l'Agent,
J'ai l'honneur d'accuser réception de cent exemplaires imprimés du
document intitulé «Exceptions préliminaires du Gouvernement de la
République populaire de Bulgarie (déclinatoire de compétence) qui
m'ont étéremis le g septembre 1959 dans le délaifixépar l'ordonnance
dii 8 octobre 1958.
Je vous prie d'agréer, etc.
65. THE DEPUTY-REGISTHAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMEllICA
IO September 1959.
Sir,
1 have the honour to send you herewith seven copies, of ivhich two
are certified true copies, of a document entitled: «Exceptions prélimi-
naires du Gotruernemend t e la Ripublique populaire de Bulgarie(déclina-
toire de compétence) iiwhich was filed in the Registry within the time-
limit expiring 9 September 1959 fixed by the Order of 8 October 1958
for the filing of a Counter-Memorial by the Government of the People's
Republic of Bulgaria.
1 have the further honour to inform you that by Order' of 9 Sep-
tember 1959, the President has fixed 9 November 1959 as the time-
limit forthe filing ol the Observations and Submissions of the Govern-
ment of the United States of America on the Preliminarv ObieAt.ons
ol the Government of ria.
1 shall in due course send you the official copy for your Government
of the above-nientioned Order.
1 have, etc.
66. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OP THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
14September 1959
Sir,
1 have the honour to inform you that by a letter dated 31 August
1959, the Agent for the Government of the People's Republic of Bul-
l See I.C.J. Reports 1959pp. 270-271672 PART IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
garia has informed me that his Government has chose11M. Yaroslav
Jourek to sit as Judgeadhocin the case concerning the Aerial Incident
of 27 July 1955 (United States of America v. Bulgaria).
1 have tlie further honour to inform you that tlie President of the
Court has fixed 14 October 1959 as the time-limit within which the
Government of the United States of America may suhmit its views
to the Court, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the
Rules of Court.
1 have, etc.
67. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
14 September 1959.
Sir,
With reference to my letter ofIOSeptember 1959 1,have the honour
to send you herewith for your Government the officia1 copy of the
Order of g September 1959 hy which the President of the Court has
fixed the time-limit for the filing of the Observations and Submissions
of the Government of the United States of America on thePreliminary
Objections of the Government of Bulgaria in the case concerning the
Aerial Incident of27 July 1955 (United States of Americav.Bulgaria).
1have, etc.
68. L'AMBASSADEUR D'ESPAGNE AUX PAYS-BAS AU GREFFIER ADJOINT
22 septembre 1959.
Monsieur le Greffieradjoint,
J'ai l'honneur de porteà votre connaissance que le Gouvernement
espagnol attacherait du prix à recevoir une documentation complhte
sur l'affaire relatiàel'incident aériendu 27 juillet1955 (Etats-Unis
c. Bulgarie).
A l'appui de cette demande je me permets d'invoquer l'article 44
du Règlement de la Cour.
Je vous prie, etc.
(Signé)BAENA.
69. THE CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES a. i.OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE NETHERLANDS TO THE REGISTRAR
29 September 1959.
Sir,
Upon the instructions of my Government 1 inform you herewith that
in the casenolv pending in this Court, entitled "Case concerning the
' A ~imilar communicatiowas addressed to the Agent of the Governrnent
ofBulgaria.
Les Parties ayant étéconsultées n'ayantpas fait d'objection, il a été
décidéque les pir'crs dont il s'agit seraient communiquées au Gouvernement
espagnol.Aerial Incident of July 27, 19j5 (United States of AmericW.Bulgaria)",
the Agent of the United States, Mr. Loftus E. Becker, has resigned. My
Govemment has appointed MI. Eric H. Hager, the present Legal Adviser
of the Department of State, as its Agent in this case as to al1 future
~roVery trÜly yours,
.(Signed) Herbert P. FALES.
70. THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATE SF AMERICA
TO THE REGISTRAR
23 September 1959.
Sir,
1 acknowledge the receipt of your communication 30253 of Septem-
ber 14,rgjg, iii which you inform my predecessor, The Honorable Loltus
E. Becker, that the Agent for Bulgaria has informed you that his Govem-
ment has chosen M. Yaroslav Jourek to sit as Judge ad hoc in the case
conceming the Aerial Incident of27 July 1955(United States of America
u. Bulgaria). You state that the President of the Court has fixed 14 Oc-
tober 1959as the time-limit within which the Government of the United
States of America may submit its views tothe Court on tliis designation,
in accordance with Article 3 of the Rules of Court.
The Govemment of the United States of America takes this oppor-
tunity to inform you that it has no views to submit to the Court with
respect to this designation.
Very tmly yours,
(Signe d )ic H.HAGER.
30 septembre 1959.
hfonsieur l'Agent,
Me référent à ma lettre du 14 septembre 1959,j'ai l'honneur de vous
faire connaître que Al.l'agent du Gouvernement des États-Unis m'a fait
savoir que la désignation par le Gouvernement bulgare de M. Yaroslav
Zourek comme juge ad hoc en l'affaire de l'incident aériendu 27juillet
19jj (Etats-Unis d'Amériquec. Bulgarie) ne suscitait'aucune observa-
tion de la part de son Gouvernement.
Dans ces conditions, il m'incombe de faireteniràM.Zoiirek le dossier
de cette affaire.
Je vous prie d'agréer, etc.
72.THE AGENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AJIERICA
TO THE REGISTRAR
30 September 1959.
Sir,
1 have, as the Court has.been informed, recently been designated
Agent of the United States of America in the case of the Aerial Incident
45674 PART IV.-CORWSPONDENCE
of 27 July 1955 (United States of America W.Bulgaria). 1 have received
notice from the Court that the Bulgarian Govemment has filed preli-
minary objections to the jurisdiction of the Court. Because of circum-
stances bevond mv control the obiections did not. arrive .here until
septembeCz8, 1954.
In these circumstances, and above al1 becanse have just recently
assumed the duties of Leeal Adviser of the De~artment of State. much
more time will be requirgd for a study of the problems invoivedin the
presentation to the Court of observations on the preliminary objections
by the Bulgarian Government. 1 must, therefore, respectfullv request
the Court, on behalf of the United States Goverriment, for ail extension
of the time-limit from November *,19--- to Februarv .. 196-.
Very tmly yours, .
(Signed) Eric H. HAGER.
73. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
6 October 1.959.
Sir,
1have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the letter of 30 September
1959, in which you request, on the grounds set out in your said letter,
that the time-limit for the filing of the Observations and Submissions
of the United States Government on the Preliminary Objection filed by
the Government of Bulgaria in the case of the Aerial Incident of 27 July
1955 (United States of America v. Bulgaria) be extended to g Febmary
1960.
Copy of your letter has been transmitted to the Members of the Court
and to the Agent for the Govemment of the People's Kepublic of Bul-
garia for his observations. 1 shall not fail to communicate to you the
decision which will be taken by the Court.
1have, etc.
74. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT'OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
' 13 October 1959.
Sir, ,
1 have the honour to inform you that the Registry has prepared for
the use ofMembers of the Court an Engli4h translation of the Preliminary
Objections submitted by the Government of the People's Republic of
Bulgaria in the &se conceming the Aerial Incident of 27 July Igj5
(U.S.A. W. Bulgaria).
1 am enclosing seven copies of this translation for your informatjon
but would refer to Article 39. paragraph 4. of the Rules of Court which
provides that "the Registrar is nnder no obligation to make translations
of the pleadings or an). documents annexed thereto" and empbasize
that the translation in question has no officia1character whatsoever.
1have, etc.
A similar coinmunication was addressed tothe Agent of the Government
of.Sulgariu. ..75. L'AGEN DUT GOUVERNEMENT BULGARE AU GREFFIER (ték&Zmme)
Ai l'honneur vous communiquer que mon Gouvernement ne fait pas.
d'objection à la demande du Gouvernement USA relative à la proro-
gation du délaien affaire incident aérien. Nissim MÉVORAH. ,
76. THE DEPUTY-REGISTR AORTHE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
24 October 1959.
Sir,
Following my letter of6 October 1959in the caseof the Aerial Incident
of 27July 1955(UnitedStates of America v.Bulgaria). 1have the honour
to inform you that by an Order 'dated 23October 1959,the International
Court of Justice has decided to extend the time-limit forthe filing of the
Observations and Submissions,of the United States Government in this
case to 9February 1960.
1 shall in due course send you the official copy of the order for your
Govemment.
1 have, etc. ,.,
. .
77.THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
30 October 1959.
Sir,
1 have the honour to inform you that the Registry has prepared for
the use of Members of the Court an English translation of the Annexes
to the Preliminary Objections submitted by the Government of the
People's Republic of Bulgaria in the Aerial Incident case of 27 July 1955.
1am enclosing~seven copies of this translation for your information
but wonld refer toArticle 39, paragraph 4, of the Kules of Court which
provides that "the Registrar is under no obligation to make translations
ofthe pleadings orany documents annexed thereto" and emphasize that
.the translation in question hàs no officia1character whatsoever.
1have, etc. ,
8 février 1960.
Monsieur,
Me référant à ma lettré du II iuillet 14q8, i'ai l'honneur de vous
transmettre ci-joint deux exemplaires de;-obiervations écrites du
Gouvernement des États-Unis d'Amérique sur les exceptions prélimi-
' A similar communication was addresçed to the Agent of the Goremment
of Bulgaria.
3 VoirZPremihre Partie. pp301-330.84.676 PART IV.-CORRESPONDENCE
naires du Gouvernement de la République populaire de Bulgarie en
l'affaire relative l'incident aériendu 27juillet 1955 (États-Unis d'Am&
riaue c. Bul~arie).
je me peymets d'appeler votre attention sur le caractère confidentiel
des piècesde la procédureécrite relatives à une affaire pendante devant
la Cour.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
79. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERIC. '4
26 February 1960.
Sir.
1 have the honour to inform you that the Registry has prepared for
the use of Memhers of the Court a I'rench translation of the Written
Observations suhmitted by the Government of the United States on
the Preliminary Objections of the Government of Bulgaria in the Aerial
Incident case of 27 July 1955 (United Statesof Arnerica u. Bulgaria).
1am enclosing one copy of this translation for your information, but
would refer to Article 39, paragraph 4, of the Rules of Court which pro-
vides that "the Registrar is under no obligation to make translations
of the pleadings or any documents annexed thereto" and emphasize that
the translatiorr in question has no official character whatsoever.
1 have, etc.
80. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AhlERICA '
Sir,
1 have the honour to refer to ml. letter of 8 February 1960 and to
inform you that the Court'has decided to begin on I June 1960 at 10.30
a.in. the oral proceedings on the Preliminary ,Objections of the Govern-
ment of the People's Republic of Bulgaria in the case concerning the
Aerial Incident of 27 July ,1955(United States of America u. Rulgaria).
1have, etc.
81. THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE REGISTRAR
13 May 1960.
Sir,
1 refer to [email protected] conceming the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955
(United States v. Bulgaria), General List No. .36, the proceedings in
which were instituted by the filing in the Registry of the International
Court of Justice on October 28, 1957, of an Application by the Govern-
A ~irnilar communication was addressed to the Agent of the Governrnent
of Bulgaria. of Bulgaria. Pursuant to Orders of the Court, the Memorialofthe Govern-
ment of the United States was filedon December z,1958.Subsequently,
the Government of Bulgaria filed a Statement of Preliminary Objections
to the jurisdiction of the Court in this case, and the Government of the
United States thereafter filed Witten Observations and Submissions
in response to such preliminary objections.
In accordance with Article 69 of the Rules of Court, 1 ask that you
advise the Court that the Government of the U,nited States requests the
d-.continuance of the oroceedines-and the removal of the case from the
Court's List.
This request is made as a result of further consideration of questions
of jurisdiction raised by the foregoing Statement of Preliminary Ob-
jections and the Written Observations filed in response thereto. In that
part of the Witten Observations which relates to the second preliminary
objection of Bulgaria, a contention was advanced on behalf of the
by the United States of the jurisdiction of the Court. That contentione
was to the effect that reservation (b) did not authorize or empower
Bulgaria to make an arbitrary detemination that a particular matter
was essentially within its domestic jurisdiction. The necessary premise
of the argument waç that the Court must have jurisdiction for the
limited purpose of deciding whether a determination under reservation
(b) is arbitrary and ivithout foundation. On the basis of fnrther study
and consideration of the history and background of reservation (b) and
the position beretofore taken by the United States with respect to
reservation (b) in litigation before the Court, it has been concluded that
the premise of the argument is not valid and that the argument must
therefore be withdrawn. As it was declared by the United States to this
Court in the Interhandel Case (Switzerland u.United States), when the
United States has made a determination under reservation (b) that a
particular matter is essentially within its domestic jurisdiction, that
determination is not subject to review or approval by any tribunal. and
matter which it determines. A determination under reservatione Cou(b)tthat
a matter is essentially domestic constitutes an absolute bar to jurisdic-
tion irrespective of the propriety or arbitrariness of the determination.
Although the United States has adhered to the policy of not making
any arbitrary determination under reservation (b), the pursuit of that
policy does not affect the legal scope of the reservation. Under the rule
of reciprocity applied by the Court in the case concerning Certain
Norwegian Loans (France u. Norway), Bulgaria is accorded the same
rights and powers with respect to reservation (b) as the United States.
Accordingly. the Government of the United States withdraws that part
of its Written Observations and Submissions which relates to the second
preliminary objection of Bulgaria.
Very truly yours,
(Signcd) Eric H. HAGER.678 PARTIV.--CORRESPONDENCE
82. LE GREFFIER ADJOINT A L'AGENT DU GOUVERNEMENT BULGARE
. .
17 mai 1960.
Nonsieur l'Agent;
Meréférantimon télégrammedu 16ma 1960;j'ai l'honneur de porter
à votre connaissance que j'ai reàucette mêmedate l'acte, annoncépar
M. l'agent du Gouvernement des États-unis d'Amérique. portant
désistement de ce Gouvernement en l'affaire de l'incident aérien du
27 juillet 1955 (Etats-Unis d'Amérique c. Bulgarie). J'ai l'honneur de
vous en envoyer la copie certifiée conforme, avec une traduction en
français faite par le Greffe, en me référantau Kèglement, art. 69,z.
.Je me permets de vous confirmer que la Cour apprécierait que vous
télégraphiezque vous n'avez pas d'objectionà formuler au désistement
des Etats-Unis d'Amérique.
Veuillez agréer,etc.,
83. L'AGEN DUT .GOUVERNEMEN BTLGARE AU GREFFIER (télégramme)
. 17 mai 1960.
Ai l'honneur d'accuser réception votre télégrammedu 16 mai 1960 '
communiquant que l'agent Gouvernement Etats-Unis a fait connaître
à la Cour la renonciation de ce dernierà poursuivre la procédure en
affaire États-Unis Bulgarie relative incident avion israéliendu 27 juillet
1955 Stop Ai l'honneur vous communiquer également que le Gouverne-
ment RP Bulgarie ne s'oppose pas &ce désistement et n'a pas oblection
à formuler.
THE DEPUTY-REG TOSTHE AGRENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AhlERICA
19 May 1960.
Sir,
. 1 have the honour to enclose a copy (with an English translation
prepared by the Registry) of a telegram received from the Agent for
the Govemment of the People's Republic of Bulgaria in the case,con-
cerning the Aerial Incident. of 27 July 1955 (United States of America,~.
Bulgaria.
1have, etc.
'85.THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
. , UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ' I June 1960.'
Sir,
1-have! the honour to inform you thüt, on 30 May 1960, the Inter-
national Court of Justice ordered that the case concerning the Aerial
1Un tdlBgrammeavaitBtdadressedirectementà Sofiaàl'agentdu Gouver-
nement bulgarpour l'avertdu dép6tde l'acteportant renonciationdes Étato-
Unis d'Amdriqueà poursuivrla proddure.
2.& similalettewas addressedto the Agenof theGorernment ofBulgaria. QU.ATRIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDAKCE 679
Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States of America u.Bulgaria),brought
before it bv means of an A~~lication filed in the Reiristry on 28 October
19j7, sholld be removed [rom its List. - -
1shall in due course send you the officialcopy for the Govemment of
the United States of America of the above-mentioned Order '.
86. THE DEPUTY-KEGISTRAH TO THE AGENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA '
13 June 19Go.
Sir,
\Vith reference to my letter of I June 1960.1 have the honour to send
you herewith an officialcopy for your Govemment of the Order by which
the case concerning the Aerial Incident of 27 July 1955 (United States u.
Bulgaria) masremoved from the Court's List.
1have. etc.
1 See I.C.J.Reports 1960,pp. rqb-r48.
2 A similarcoinmunication was addressed to the Agent of the Coverniiieiit
of Bulgaria.
Correspondence