What did the declassified documents reveal?

Declassified. This is a declassified Central Intelligence Agency memorandum, dated March second, nineteen-sixty-four, concerning a visit by Deputy Director for Intelligence Ray Cline to Taipei, and U.S. relations with the Republic of China. This document is notable for its insights into the morale of the Republic of China government and its assessment of U.S. policy in Asia. It can be found at documents2.theblackvault.com. This document was approved for release in October two-thousand-and-two, under exemption E. O. one-three-five-five-eight, B. one, one zero, P. two, five, two, C. five, two, eight. It is part of the public record concerning U.S. intelligence on China. The Director of Central Intelligence. Washington twenty-five, D.C. Second March, nineteen-sixty-four. Memorandum for: The Honorable Dean Rusk, The Secretary of State; The Honorable McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; The Honorable W. Averell Harriman, The Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. Attached is a copy of a memorandum from Mr. Cline, Deputy Director for Intelligence, summarizing certain aspects of U.S. relations with the Republic of China. As you will recall, Cline went to Taipei at the request of State Department to endeavor to persuade President Chiang Kai-shek not to act precipitously in breaking relations with France over the recognition issue. Cline’s efforts gained two weeks time and this, in itself, probably influenced a number of countries not to follow de Gaulle's course too precipitously. Since Cline's presence in Taipei was recognized by President Chiang Kai-shek as that of a special emissary of President Johnson, and since Ray observed an abnormally dismal state of morale of the G.R.C. officials, it seems appropriate that a communication should go to President Chiang Kai-shek as promptly as possible, warmly phrased, in the interests of rekindling confidence. Signed: John A. McCone. Subject: U.S. Relations with Republic of China (Taiwan). One. My trip to Taipei last month succeeded in getting the Government of the Republic of China (G.R.C.) to postpone breaking relations with France for two weeks, thus forcing both Peiping and Paris to make clear that France was obliged to drop its diplomatic support of the G.R.C. in Taiwan as the price of establishing relations with Peiping. This was a gain for the U.S. since many nations would recognize Peiping if they thought they could maintain diplomatic relations with "Two Chinas." Few nations have followed the French lead because it became clear that any nation recognizing Peiping had to go all the way and recognize its right to take over Taiwan and its twelve million anti-Communist people. Two. President Chiang Kai-shek agreed to this delay out of respect for President Johnson's direct request to do so, but pointed out (correctly) that the French had sold out to Peiping and would force a break between Paris and Taipei. He also said this would be a shattering blow to…

Why was this case declassified?

This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The originating source document is linked on this page so the citation chain is auditable.

Central Intelligence Agency Memorandum, Dated March Second

◆ BLUF — The short version

Declassified. S. relations with the Republic of China. S. policy in Asia. com. This document was approved for release in October two-thousand-and-two, under exemption E. O. one-three-five-five-eight, B. one, one zero, P. two, five, two, C. five, two, eight. S.

Date: SEP 6 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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Declassified. This is a declassified Central Intelligence Agency memorandum, dated March second, nineteen-sixty-four, concerning a visit by Deputy Director for Intelligence Ray Cline to Taipei, and U.S. relations with the Republic of China. This document is notable for its insights into the morale…

View the primary source document

Questions about this case

What was Central Intelligence Agency Memorandum, Dated March Second about?: Declassified. S. relations with the Republic of China. S. policy in Asia. com. This document was approved for release in October two-thousand-and-two, under exemption E. O. one-three-five-five-eight, B. one, one zero, P. two, five, two, C. five, two, eight. S.
Why was this case declassified?: This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Storyflo narrates it directly from the public release.

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Central Intelligence Agency Memorandum, Dated March Second

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