What did the declassified documents reveal?

Declassified. This is a declassified United States Department of State memorandum of conversation regarding U.S. intelligence on the Chinese "Third Force", dated April second, nineteen-fifty-one. It offers a rare glimpse into early Cold War perceptions of Chinese political factions. This document is available at archive.org. This record was released through an unknown Freedom of Information Act request, with the specific declassification authority remaining unstated. It is presented as a "Best Available Copy" with some quality degradation common to aged records. The document begins: Subject: Remarks on the Chinese "Third Force." Confidential. Department of State. U.S. Government Printing Office. The "Third Force" referred to is a political alternative to both the Chinese Nationalists and Communists. The document discusses efforts to ascertain the potential of a "third force" within China, led by a President whom intelligence suggests is "one of the best brains in China." It notes that this individual has been attempting to contact the United States government for a considerable time. The memorandum mentions that a prominent Chinese figure, who has previously worked in Taiwan, arrived in Hong Kong. He stated that the "third force" was "quite a reality" and that its program would appeal to the Chinese masses. He further asserted that the United States would have to recognize this force eventually, as they are the "only possible way of escaping Communist control." The individual proposed a plan calling for "initiative," "quick action," and "implementation." He stated that the "Communist control is very superficial" and that "the Chinese people are not Communists." He advised that the U.S. should assist those who have "lost hope" in the Nationalist government. The document is unclear about the full scope of the proposed plan due to redactions, but indicates discussions of potential American involvement in fostering this alternative. While no formal contextual statement was issued by the Department of State, the document exists within a larger collection concerning U.S. intelligence operations in China during the early years of the People's Republic of China, highlighting ongoing American efforts to understand and influence the political landscape in the region. This is what the public record looks like at its most ordinary. Find this document and more at storyflo.com, and at archive.org/download/us-china-intel-CI00693/CI00693djvu.txt.

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.

CIA United States Department Of State Memorandum Of Conversation Regarding U.s

◆ BLUF — The short version

Declassified. S. intelligence on the Chinese "Third Force", dated April second, nineteen-fifty-one. It offers a rare glimpse into early Cold War perceptions of Chinese political factions. org. This record was released through an unknown Freedom of Information Act request, with the specific declassification authority remaining unstated.

Date: OCT 22 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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Declassified. This is a declassified United States Department of State memorandum of conversation regarding U.S. intelligence on the Chinese "Third Force", dated April second, nineteen-fifty-one. It offers a rare glimpse into early Cold War perceptions of Chinese political factions. This document…

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Questions about this case

What was CIA United States Department Of State Memorandum Of Conversation Regarding U.s about?: Declassified. S. intelligence on the Chinese "Third Force", dated April second, nineteen-fifty-one. It offers a rare glimpse into early Cold War perceptions of Chinese political factions. org. This record was released through an unknown Freedom of Information Act request, with the specific declassification authority remaining unstated.
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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CIA United States Department Of State Memorandum Of Conversation Regarding U.s

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