What did the declassified documents reveal?

This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified Central Intelligence Agency record discussing American intelligence on China and a presidential briefing on Tibet. This record, dated approximately February fourth, nineteen-sixty, offers a rare glimpse into high-level policy discussions regarding covert support for the Tibetan resistance. It is available on documents2.theblackvault.com. This document was released under a Freedom of Information Act request, case number CI zero one three seven seven, by The Black Vault in November two thousand twenty. Its declassification authority is not explicitly stated within the document, but it was made public as part of a larger release of Cold War-era intelligence records. The document is titled, "Memorandum for Record: Discussion with the President on Tibet, four February nineteen-sixty." Present at the discussion were: White House: Mr. Gray Defense: Mr. Douglas, General Goodpaster, Mr. Irwin State: Mr. Herter, Mr. Merchant C-I-A: Mr. Dulles, General Cabell Mr. Dulles briefed the group on C-I-A involvement in the Tibetan resistance. He covered the history of the program, [four lines redacted under exemption B1], and he described [four lines redacted under exemption B1]. The Director of Central Intelligence requested approval for the continuation of the program: [five lines redacted under exemption B1] resistance elements so far identified. The President wondered whether the net result of these operations would not be more brutal repressive reprisals by the Chinese Communists, who he felt might not find continued resistance tolerable. Mr. Fitzgerald pointed out that there could be no greater brutality than had been [two lines redacted under exemption B1] in Tibet in the past. The President asked the Secretary of State whether he was in favor of proceeding as recommended by Mr. Dulles. The Secretary responded that he was so in favor after full consultation with appropriate persons in his department. He felt not only would continued successful resistance by the Tibetans prove to be a serious harassment to the Chinese Communists, but would serve to keep the spark alive in the entire area. He felt that the long-range results could mean much to the free world, apart from humanitarian considerations for the Tibetans. Mr. Dulles emphasized that this program has been, and will continue to be, subject to close review by the Designated Representatives under N-S-C five four one two slash two; that all [four lines redacted under exemption B1] will be brought to the attention of the Representatives; and that in the event anything [four lines redacted under exemption B1] consulted. The President gave his approval for the continuation of the program as outlined. Signed, Gordon Gray, Special Assistant to the President. The Black Vault’s archival entry for this document notes that it "details a meeting with President Eisenhower and the C-I-A to discuss covert operations in Tibet. Director of Central Intelligence Allen…

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 Central Intelligence Agency Record Discussing

◆ BLUF — The short version

This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified Central Intelligence Agency record discussing American intelligence on China and a presidential briefing on Tibet. This record, dated approximately February fourth, nineteen-sixty, offers a rare glimpse into high-level policy discussions regarding covert support for the Tibetan resistance.

Date: SEP 18 · 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 Central Intelligence Agency Record Discussing about?: This is Declassified. Today, we examine a declassified Central Intelligence Agency record discussing American intelligence on China and a presidential briefing on Tibet. This record, dated approximately February fourth, nineteen-sixty, offers a rare glimpse into high-level policy discussions regarding covert support for the Tibetan resistance.
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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