What did the declassified documents reveal?

This is Declassified. Today, a declassified Central Intelligence Agency record, a Top Secret cable from July twenty-fourth, nineteen-fifty-eight, concerning the Taiwanese Reconnaissance Program, as forwarded to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other agencies. This document is notable for its discussion of a covert reconnaissance program and the challenges faced by the United States and Taiwan in intelligence gathering over mainland China during the Cold War. You can find this record at documents two dot the black vault dot com. This document was released under the Freedom of Information Act. While a specific FOIA case number is not cited in the public archive, it was declassified by the C-I-A and made available via the Black Vault. This cable offers a glimpse into the operational realities and strategic considerations of aerial reconnaissance in the late nineteen-fifties. The document, an urgent naval message dated July twenty-fourth, nineteen-fifty-eight, is from C-I-N-C-P-A-C, or Commander in Chief, Pacific, and addressed to Headquarters U-S-A-F, Chief of Naval Operations, and others, concerning the China Reconnaissance Program. The message states: "Noting U-S-A-F offer for R-F-one hundred photo reconnaissance aircraft for China-Taiwan special program, desire make our position clear this subject. C-I-N-C-P-A-C is of opinion that deep penetration reconnaissance of China mainland is increasingly important now in view troubled situation in Middle East and possibility outbreak communist activity elsewhere in attempt divert U-S attention. Much time has elapsed since U-S has received photo reconnaissance of inland China beyond Hankow/Hengyang line. Most existing inland coverage taken during nineteen-forty-nine period. Believe U-S requirement for this vital photo intelligence much greater than China-Taiwan requirement. China-Taiwan is extremely unhappy because of inability successfully reconnoiter inland bases. R-F-O-M-F and R-B-fifty-seven able aircraft have been intercepted and shot down. China-Taiwan has openly expressed feelings to C-O-M-T-D-C / M-A-A-G personnel that U-S attempting obtain results from China-Taiwan reconnaissance effort without providing equipment suitable to requirements. And evidence China-Taiwan reluctance to continue reconnaissance with current equipment is now widespread. Do not mean to imply that current recession in China-Taiwan reconnaissance effort is wholly fault of U-S. On contrary, we recognize that certain China-Taiwan fighter type reconnaissance tactics have contributed directly to failure of missions. However, only patience and calm direction of their efforts will correct this situation. At present it appears two courses of action are open: A. Continue providing aircraft with only marginal or no performance superiority over Chinese Communist interceptors and continue attempts influence reconnaissance tactics to increase possibility of success. B. Provide limited quantity latest type high performance reconnaissance…

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-385Declassified

Filed SEP 22 · 2026Runtime 1 min

Today, A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record, A Top Secret Cable

U.S. public record · FOIAUpdated September 22, 2026

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This is Declassified. Today, a declassified Central Intelligence Agency record, a Top Secret cable from July twenty-fourth, nineteen-fifty-eight, concerning the Taiwanese Reconnaissance Program, as forwarded to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other agencies.

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

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What was Today, A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record, A Top Secret Cable about?: This is Declassified. Today, a declassified Central Intelligence Agency record, a Top Secret cable from July twenty-fourth, nineteen-fifty-eight, concerning the Taiwanese Reconnaissance Program, as forwarded to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other agencies.
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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