What did the declassified documents reveal?

Declassified. Today, we present a declassified Central Intelligence Agency memorandum for the record, dated June twenty-second, nineteen-sixty-one, documenting the minutes of a Special Group meeting concerning covert operations and intelligence gathering. This document offers a glimpse into high-level discussions regarding sensitive national security matters during the Cold War. You can find this record at documents2.theblackvault.com. This document was released to the public under the Freedom of Information Act and reviewed under Executive Order one-two-nine-five-eight, Section three-point-six. The sanitization authority is identified as A-L-K I-A-slash-zero-seven, and the release date is marked as June twenty-second, nineteen-sixty-one. The document, titled "Memorandum for the Record, Subject: Minutes of Special Group Meeting, 22 June 1961," lists Messrs. Bowles, Gilpatric, Bundy, Dungan, and Dulles as present. Under the agenda item "Cuba," Mr. Dulles summarized four papers recommending redirection of certain activities. Mr. Bowles indicated the State Department had not had sufficient time for detailed consideration. Mr. Gilpatric stated that the Defense interest was only peripheral. Accordingly, it was agreed that State (A-R-A) and C-I-A would prepare an agreed paper for the next week's meeting. Mr. Bowles asked whether V-O-A could not take over Radio Swan. Mr. Dulles explained briefly the difficulties involved, including conflicting wavelengths. Mr. Bundy commented that the State Department should soon assume the chairmanship of the Cuba Task Force. In answer to a question about Haiti, he said that since this Task Force is a State Department creation to begin with, it should be chaired by State, with a White House representative included. Mr. Bowles said that he wanted to check this proposal with Secretary Rusk before giving State concurrence. He agreed with Mr. Bundy that the international climate has deteriorated since the Group last considered the matter, and indicated that this fact would no doubt have a bearing on State's position. It was agreed that if State concurs, the final decision will be referred to higher authority. This will include not only the South China-North Vietnam area, which is of the highest military priority, but also the longer-range coverage of the rest of China. Mr. Gilpatric vigorously supported the program from the point of view of military requirements. In response to questions, it was noted that the flights would almost certainly be tracked, but that it is believed interceptor and missile capabilities of the Chinese are not yet sufficient to bring down the vehicle — always provided that engine failure or other unforeseen mishap does not occur. Mr. Parrott indicated that the best estimate of sorties planned for the southern area would be two to four, depending largely on the weather, and that the first flight could be mounted very soon after final approval. He felt that the target date of mid-July for completion…

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 Present A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Memorandum

◆ BLUF — The short version

Declassified. Today, we present a declassified Central Intelligence Agency memorandum for the record, dated June twenty-second, nineteen-sixty-one, documenting the minutes of a Special Group meeting concerning covert operations and intelligence gathering. This document offers a glimpse into high-level discussions regarding sensitive national security matters during the Cold War.

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

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What was Today, We Present A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Memorandum about?: Declassified. Today, we present a declassified Central Intelligence Agency memorandum for the record, dated June twenty-second, nineteen-sixty-one, documenting the minutes of a Special Group meeting concerning covert operations and intelligence gathering. This document offers a glimpse into high-level discussions regarding sensitive national security matters during the Cold War.
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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