What did the declassified documents reveal?

This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified government record from April twenty-eighth, nineteen-fifty-one, concerning the authorization of air reconnaissance and defense of United Nations forces in the Korean area. This document is notable for outlining specific parameters for United States air operations outside of Korea during the conflict. It is publicly available via The Black Vault at documents2.theblackvault.com. This record, identified as CI Zero Zero Seven One Five, was released through declassification authority in accordance with standard review procedures, making it accessible to the public as an unredacted historical artifact. The document, marked “Top Secret, Eyes Only,” states: “Reference your message Two Four Two. A. You are hereby authorized to use the United States Forces assigned to the Far East Command to conduct air reconnaissance over enemy air bases in Manchuria and the Shantung Peninsula. Such reconnaissance should, if practicable, be made at high altitude and as surreptitiously as possible. B. In the event of a major enemy air attack from outside Korea against United Nations forces in the Korean area, as outlined in paragraph six of said message, you are hereby authorized at your discretion without further reference to take the action specified therein. In the event that you should seek our advice in an emergency, inform the White House and the State Department.” The Black Vault's editorial summary notes that this cable from April twenty-eighth, nineteen-fifty-one, is a Top Secret authorization from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, granting General Douglas MacArthur the authority to conduct limited air reconnaissance over Manchuria and the Shantung Peninsula. It also provided discretionary authority for retaliatory action against enemy air attacks originating from outside Korea. This document highlights the strategic considerations and sensitivities surrounding military operations near the Chinese border during the Korean War. This is what the public record looks like at its most ordinary. Find this document and more at storyflo.com, under the canonical URL archive.org/download/us-china-intel-CI00715/CI00715djvu.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.

Today, We Examine A Declassified Government Record From April Twenty Eighth

◆ BLUF — The short version

This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified government record from April twenty-eighth, nineteen-fifty-one, concerning the authorization of air reconnaissance and defense of United Nations forces in the Korean area. This document is notable for outlining specific parameters for United States air operations outside of Korea during the conflict.

Date: OCT 20 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was Today, We Examine A Declassified Government Record From April Twenty Eighth about?: This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified government record from April twenty-eighth, nineteen-fifty-one, concerning the authorization of air reconnaissance and defense of United Nations forces in the Korean area. This document is notable for outlining specific parameters for United States air operations outside of Korea during the conflict.
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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Today, We Examine A Declassified Government Record From April Twenty Eighth

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