What did the declassified documents reveal?

From Declassified, a storyflo podcast that reads public domain government records aloud as audio briefings. This episode features a declassified Department of the Army cable from October tenth, nineteen fifty, offering insight into Chinese intentions regarding the Korean War. This document is archived at the Black Vault, documents two dot the black vault dot com. This document, labeled OP two two eight, was declassified under an unspecified authority and released to the public. It provides a contemporary assessment of the motivations behind Chinese Communist statements and actions during a critical period of the Korean War. The document begins: "Secret. Department of the Army. Staff Communications Office. Secret paraphrase not required. From Assistant Military Attaché, Taipei, Formosa, to Department of the Army, Washington D.C., for C-S-D. Re-your War nine three five eight three. Doubt there was any direct relationship between Chou's speech and referenced paragraphs. Believe Chou's speech was probably simply standard example of Chi Commie propaganda which is always keyed to highest pitch of braggadocio and vituperation. Believe if Chou really desired deliver virtual ultimatum to U.S. not to cross thirty eighth parallel he would have made sure we were informed through means other than propaganda speech which he probably knew we might not take too seriously. M-N-D agrees in above and points out that moves of First and Third Artillery Divisions took place before speech was delivered and probably before it was drafted. The Sov-directed action to raise army of one million for service in Siberia was also initiated before Chou's speech. Speech of course obviously good both as propaganda blast which did not commit Chi Commies to too much and for covering possible later moves in Korea and Indo-China. Believe Chi Commies have already decided on participation in Korean fighting as reported moves indicate but whether this participation will be greatly stepped up as result U.S. troops crossing into North Korea is probably one of toughest decisions the Chi Commies ever had or ever will have to make. Decision must consider Sov desires to save something from Korean debacle, possible Chi Commie desire avoid clash with U-N Forces which would certainly lessen their chances of getting seat in U-N and desire avoid severe pushing around which they must know liberation army with inferior training and equipment stands good chance of getting in Korea. How much Soviet pressure, Chi Commie desires, and possibly common sense on part of Chi Commie will affect final decision is question of vital significance to future of world. Knowing how much Chinese, no matter how much hepped up with love for Sov Union and hatred of U.S. dislike to stake everything on one throw feel Chi Commies will try make enough motions in Korea to stall off Sov Union, justify on home front their terrifically high keyed propaganda, and at same time not become too deeply involved with U-N and…

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-002Declassified

Filed NOV 1 · 2026Runtime 1 min

Army: From Declassified, A Storyflo Podcast That Reads Public Domain Government

U.S. public record · FOIAUpdated November 1, 2026

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◆ BLUF — The short version

From Declassified, a storyflo podcast that reads public domain government records aloud as audio briefings. This episode features a declassified Department of the Army cable from October tenth, nineteen fifty, offering insight into Chinese intentions regarding the Korean War. This document is archived at the Black Vault, documents two dot the black vault dot com.

Date: NOV 1 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was Army: From Declassified, A Storyflo Podcast That Reads Public Domain Government about?: From Declassified, a storyflo podcast that reads public domain government records aloud as audio briefings. This episode features a declassified Department of the Army cable from October tenth, nineteen fifty, offering insight into Chinese intentions regarding the Korean War. This document is archived at the Black Vault, documents two dot the black vault dot com.
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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Army: From Declassified, A Storyflo Podcast That Reads Public Domain Government

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