What did the declassified documents reveal?

This is a declassified government record: a memorandum from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Brigadier General Goodpaster, dated July fifth, nineteen sixty, requesting the resumption of low‑altitude photographic reconnaissance operations over the People’s Republic of China. The document was released to the public through The Black Vault. It appears in the online collection under the identifier CI‑01390 and was made available as part of a broader declassification effort by the National Archives. The release date listed on the archive is twenty‑second of March, twenty‑twenty‑three, and the declassification authority is noted as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The memorandum reads as follows. “THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM FOR: Brigadier General Goodpaster SUBJECT: Request for Resumption of Photo‑Reconnaissance Operations 1. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, CINCPAC and the intelligence community have identified a vital requirement for photo reconnaissance over the People’s Republic of China. CINCPAC has requested the mission of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to resume these operations. 2. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have concluded that a low‑altitude penetration, because of its low altitude aspect, would be more provocative than a high‑altitude reconnaissance platform such as the U‑2. The reasons for this conclusion in relative terms are as follows: a. A low‑level penetration of the target area at approximately one thousand feet allows the aircraft to climb to the photo‑objective area, conduct coverage of targets, and then depart. At this low level, no one on the ground can see the aircraft until it is within the immediate vicinity of the penetration route, making detection difficult. Even conventional small‑arms fire, although ineffective, could be directed against the aircraft. b. At this low altitude, if a mishap occurred, including mechanical difficulty, there would be little chance of the aircraft escaping. Loss of the aircraft for any reason at this time could negate or delay obtaining more comprehensive coverage of tactical and strategic photo objectives, which are of the highest priority and of vital importance. c. An aircraft operating at optimum altitude, that is, over sixty thousand feet, can obtain complete photo coverage of the area, but the altitude limits the ability of our forces to react effectively to any hostile action. 3. As you are well aware, collateral reports have indicated a continuing build‑up by the People’s Republic of China of all military capabilities. Some of these reports have indicated that the most advanced hardware is being fielded in the region. Continuous photo surveillance, so long as intelligence indicates aggressive intentions, is essential. 4. I recommend that we resume low‑altitude reconnaissance operations on a limited basis in order to meet the requirements of the Department of Defense and the Department of State. 5. Defense and State have concurred in my recommendation. Signed, Chairman of…

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.

Government Record: A Memorandum From The Joint Chiefs Of Staff To Brigadier

◆ BLUF — The short version

This is a declassified government record: a memorandum from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Brigadier General Goodpaster, dated July fifth, nineteen sixty, requesting the resumption of low‑altitude photographic reconnaissance operations over the People’s Republic of China. The document was released to the public through The Black Vault.

Date: SEP 17 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was Government Record: A Memorandum From The Joint Chiefs Of Staff To Brigadier about?: This is a declassified government record: a memorandum from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Brigadier General Goodpaster, dated July fifth, nineteen sixty, requesting the resumption of low‑altitude photographic reconnaissance operations over the People’s Republic of China. The document was released to the public through The Black Vault.
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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Government Record: A Memorandum From The Joint Chiefs Of Staff To Brigadier

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