What did the declassified documents reveal?

Declassified. Today, we delve into a declassified C-I-A record concerning U.S. intelligence on China, specifically, a February twenty-third, nineteen-fifty-one cable from General Douglas MacArthur, discussing the effects of U.S. military aid. This document is available at documents2.theblackvault.com. This record, originating from Headquarters, Far East Command, was reviewed and approved for declassification on March sixth, nineteen-fifty-six. It was publicly released as part of a larger collection of U.S. intelligence on China. The document begins as a message from Commander-in-Chief, Far East, Tokyo, Japan, to the Department of the Army, Washington D.G. The subject is "Comments on J-C-S 2118 slash 5 slash 15." Quote: "The following comments are submitted on J-C-S 2118 slash 5 slash 15. The capability which the latter gives the Chinese Communist Army of eventually defeating Nationalist Forces and maintaining internal security brings to the fore the importance in these considerations of developments on the mainland which can only be speculated upon at this time such as: One. Degree of Chinese Communist's success in continuing campaign to suppress guerrilla activity. Two. Extent of improvement in C-C military forces as the result of Soviet aid and advice. Three. Success of C-C Government in consolidating territorial gains and in gaining public support, willing or unwilling. In general, these trends appear to indicate that action against Communist China would be more timely at an early date than it would be later. China has not been within the scope of responsibility of the F-E-C. Hence, there is no direct access to sources of information pertaining to that area. Without additional information an unqualified estimate of what might be accomplished in China by guerrilla warfare alone cannot be made. The discussions of the probable Chinese Communist reaction to each of the proposed courses of action and its probable effects are plausible enough but available information is not sufficient to warrant their acceptance as conclusions. Our sponsorship of guerrilla activity would result in neutralizing to some extent Communist China's capabilities for military action along other lines more inimical to our interests. It is improbable, however, that any large scale defection of Communist troops or citizens will take place until it is believed that the Nationalists have a good chance of remaining on the mainland. It is doubtful that this condition of mind for the attainment of short range objectives, particularly the prevention of [three lines redacted under exemption B1] can be created until a major force has gained a lodgement there. Unless employment of Chinese Nationalist Forces in areas contiguous to China is considered of paramount importance, resort to guerrilla warfare might possibly result in dissipation of the asset we now have in the C-N-F to the detriment of longer range objectives. The development of guerrilla potential into guerrilla power is…

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-006Declassified

Filed OCT 24 · 2026Runtime 1 min

CIA Today, We Delve Into A Declassified C I A Record Concerning U.s.

U.S. public record · FOIAUpdated October 24, 2026

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◆ BLUF — The short version

Declassified. S. S. military aid. com. This record, originating from Headquarters, Far East Command, was reviewed and approved for declassification on March sixth, nineteen-fifty-six. S. intelligence on China. G. " Quote: "The following comments are submitted on J-C-S 2118 slash 5 slash 15.

Date: OCT 24 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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Episode notes

Declassified. Today, we delve into a declassified C-I-A record concerning U.S. intelligence on China, specifically, a February twenty-third, nineteen-fifty-one cable from General Douglas MacArthur, discussing the effects of U.S. military aid. This document is available at…

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Questions about this case

What was CIA Today, We Delve Into A Declassified C I A Record Concerning U.s. about?: Declassified. S. S. military aid. com. This record, originating from Headquarters, Far East Command, was reviewed and approved for declassification on March sixth, nineteen-fifty-six. S. intelligence on China. G. " Quote: "The following comments are submitted on J-C-S 2118 slash 5 slash 15.
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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