What did the declassified documents reveal?

National Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, declassified record concerning Nationalist Chinese aircraft in Hong Kong, dated April twelfth, nineteen fifty. The cable is notable for its detailed account of diplomatic and operational discussions about the custody of CNAC and CATC aircraft following the Communist takeover of mainland China. The document was released to the public through a Freedom of Information Act request and posted on The Black Vault website. The electronic transcription is hosted on archive.org and was made available as part of the agency’s ongoing declassification program. The record bears the declassification authority of the Central Intelligence Agency. The document reads as follows: “Action from: Hong Kong Control. Received April twelfth, nineteen fifty. Secretary of State. No. 774, April twelfth, two p.m. Far Eastern Affairs. Priority. Sent Department 774, repeated. General Chermault reports that Mogs, Hong Kong Civil Aviation Chief, and Kendall, Hong Kong Manager, Philippine – Kirlines, called at his house March thirty‑first. Kendall apparently endeavored to excuse himself and depart when confidential subjects about be discussed but with Moses, Chennault suggested remain. Moss opened by saying he was talking as private individual and that some arrangement should be worked out whereby CNAC‑CATC planes would be maintained at Hong Kong free of charge as a contribution of the Hong Sye‑government until some ultimate solution could be achieved. Moss said planes should be kept as an entity for use of China. Chennault then said he could not enter serious discussion until return. Willauer, p.p. 1. … Willauer, Moss met April second and in opening … Moss repeated unofficial character his representation to DayR, sentiments and that he desired keep planes together for “Chinese people.” Willauer told Moss that he thought some solution should be found, that the situation was very controversial and that feeling was running high in Washington against giving planes to Communists. Willauer said it would be possible to arbitrate the matter but highly unlikely an agreement could be reached between parties. Moss said that if Chennault and Willauer agreed, he would approach Colonel C… defecting Managing Director CNAC now returned Hong Kong. Both agreed but Willauer added stipulation that (A) we for our part would never consent to having the matter decided by Hong Kong courts or appointed by them, (B) since ex‑... would take time, ... (C) Moss would like to explore with Colonel Chen, defecting Managing Director CATC as well as Colonel Liu. Chennault added that he would wish to discuss any proposed solution with the Chinese Government, to which Willauer added such move legally unnecessary but probably political. Moss replied he could and would prevent movement of planes and parts. Moss closed conference by emphasizing once were his capacity as private individual; that he had not consulted his government and insisted they not consult…

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.

Case File · ARCHIVE-010Declassified

Filed NOV 11 · 2026Runtime 1 min

National Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Declassified Record

U.S. public record · FOIAUpdated November 11, 2026

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National Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, declassified record concerning Nationalist Chinese aircraft in Hong Kong, dated April twelfth, nineteen fifty. The cable is notable for its detailed account of diplomatic and operational discussions about the custody of CNAC and CATC aircraft following the Communist takeover of mainland China.

Date: NOV 11 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was National Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Declassified Record about?: National Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, declassified record concerning Nationalist Chinese aircraft in Hong Kong, dated April twelfth, nineteen fifty. The cable is notable for its detailed account of diplomatic and operational discussions about the custody of CNAC and CATC aircraft following the Communist takeover of mainland China.
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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