What did the declassified documents reveal?

This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified C-I-A record concerning U.S. intelligence on China, specifically, the U.S. position on offensive action against Fujian air bases in June, nineteen-fifty-five. This two-page cable, designated "U.S. Position on Offensive Action against Fujian Air Bases," is accessible through The Black Vault's archive at documents two dot the black vault dot com. This document was released under a Freedom of Information Act request, case number C-I-A nine eight zero zero zero four eight nine five five, on November second, two thousand and seventeen, under the declassification authority of the C-I-A. It is presented in its original form as retrieved from the digital archives. The document, an incoming telegram from Taipei, dated June fifteenth, nineteen-fifty-five, at five P.M., reads as follows: "Department also pass C-I-N-C-P-A-C for information. Departmental Telegram six eight six and seven five one, Embassy Telegram eight zero six. After receipt of first reference telegram re prior U.S. agreement for use of Fujian airfields, I conveyed substance of Department's position to Foreign Minister and requested interview with President Chiang where three of us could discuss matter. He immediately informed President of Department's attitude and I have since referred to matter in conversations with Chiang on several occasions. However, President's annual inspections of military establishments and spate of U.S. official visitors resulted in others being present, before whom it was preferable to avoid detailed discussion. "Shortly before second reference telegram was received, I learned President would see me this morning with Foreign Minister before latter's departure for San Francisco later today. Meanwhile, I took precaution on June ninth of summarizing Department's position in memo to Foreign Minister which Chiang today told me had passed on to him. "In this morning's conversation, I stated once more U.S. position that offensive action by G-R-C against Fujian airfields requires our prior agreement except in clear-cut case of retaliation. I went on to say that without in any way diluting U.S. position as stated, it would seem to me unfortunate if our governments to become involved in argument over hypothetical case. Fact that Fujian airfields in question are near seacoast and vulnerable to attack suggest their primary purpose is for such as to provide staging and that concentration of aircraft suitable bombing target seemed unlikely. "I proposed in future that matter be lifted to higher level and considered part of broader question of retaining control of air over Taiwan Strait which is essential to defense of Taiwan as well as Kinmen and Matsu. I assumed responsible G-R-C and U.S. air force commanders would continue close consultation as situation developed and would make recommendations re any appropriate action to meet given situation as it arose. I assumed in this connection there would be prior consultation…

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-391Declassified

Filed SEP 25 · 2026Runtime 1 min

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

U.S. public record · FOIAUpdated September 25, 2026

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◆ BLUF — The short version

This is Declassified. S. S. position on offensive action against Fujian air bases in June, nineteen-fifty-five. S. Position on Offensive Action against Fujian Air Bases," is accessible through The Black Vault's archive at documents two dot the black vault dot com.

Date: SEP 25 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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Episode notes

This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified C-I-A record concerning U.S. intelligence on China, specifically, the U.S. position on offensive action against Fujian air bases in June, nineteen-fifty-five. This two-page cable, designated "U.S. Position on Offensive Action against Fujian Air…

View the primary source document

Questions about this case

What was CIA Today, We Examine A Declassified C I A Record Concerning U.s. about?: This is Declassified. S. S. position on offensive action against Fujian air bases in June, nineteen-fifty-five. S. Position on Offensive Action against Fujian Air Bases," is accessible through The Black Vault's archive at 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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