What did the declassified documents reveal?

This declassified Central Intelligence Agency record, dated November thirtieth, nineteen-fifty-one, details the effects of anti-Communist activity in China. It is notable for its direct assessment of guerrilla resistance during the early years of the People's Republic. This document was released to the public through the Freedom of Information Act and is available for review at documents2.theblackvault.com. The information presented originates from a U.S. Army Liaison Office in Hong Kong, directed to Commander-in-Chief Far East in Tokyo, Japan, with information copies to the Department of the Army in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Army Attaché in Taipei, Formosa. The message, identified as HONG KONG 646, states: "Considered opinion is slowly weakening anti-Communist guerrilla activity Kwangsi and Kwangtung still constitutes resistance factor materially tying down large numbers militia, public security, and regular army troops being used protect communications and supplies. Proof evidenced by guerrillas being quick exploit any weakened P-C-O measures various areas over recent past. Kwangsi guerrilla activity currently much less magnitude than Kwangtung. C-I-N-C-F-E being furnished all our guerrilla reports on continuing basis. Most prominent Kwangsi leaders identified here are listed Hong Kong reports R 76-51, 129-51, and 127-51. For Kwangtung refer you Hong Kong reports R 66-50, 5130-51, 108-51, 148-51, pouched your H-Q, and R 93-51 from which delete name of Cheng Yi Ming who believed be 'only guerrilla broker'. Estimate now remaining Kwangsi armed guerrillas seventy thousand of which approx eleven thousand eight hundred presently active, remainder lying low. Kwangtung one hundred sixteen thousand five hundred armed guerrillas with approx eighteen thousand two hundred presently active: remainder lying low. [Four lines redacted under exemption B1] Immediately available as reserve, or future known potential personnel now engaged other livelihoods. Harrold comment: Although no evidence exists that many guerrilla force engaged in major operations there is constant harassment in form murder, robbery, sabotage, and wrecking which causes constant feeling insecurity and forces employment large numbers troops on internal security assignments as well as goading Commies into constant military campaigns against elusive guerrilla bands. Feel value of guerrillas lies in facet they force Commies deploy large numbers of troops unprofitably in South China, create economic losses by destruction supplies and installations, keep officials constantly in fear that security South China threatened by possibility commando attacks from sea staged in coordination with guerrilla operations logistically supported from outside. NOTE: C-X 57492 NOT IDENTIFIED… C-X 58016 NOT IDENTIFIED." The Black Vault's editorial summary notes that the document highlights the ongoing resistance in South China and the challenges it posed for the Communist forces, even in the absence of major…

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.

This Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record, Dated November Thirtieth

◆ BLUF — The short version

This declassified Central Intelligence Agency record, dated November thirtieth, nineteen-fifty-one, details the effects of anti-Communist activity in China. It is notable for its direct assessment of guerrilla resistance during the early years of the People's Republic. com. S. S. Army Attaché in Taipei, Formosa.

Date: OCT 16 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was This Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record, Dated November Thirtieth about?: This declassified Central Intelligence Agency record, dated November thirtieth, nineteen-fifty-one, details the effects of anti-Communist activity in China. It is notable for its direct assessment of guerrilla resistance during the early years of the People's Republic. com. S. S. Army Attaché in Taipei, Formosa.
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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This Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record, Dated November Thirtieth

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