What did the declassified documents reveal?

This Declassified briefing is a research memorandum from the Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, dated June twenty-second, nineteen-sixty-two. It outlines Chinese Communist motivations in a possible offshore islands probe. This document is archived at vault.fbi.gov and documents2.theblackvault.com. This document was released under Executive Order one one six two two, with a declassification date of February twenty-eighth, two thousand one. It was reviewed by the A-A-R-O, the Assassination Records Review Board, and carries the archival identifier R-Q-three dash three three. The document reads: Research Memorandum S-S-G-two, June twenty-second, nineteen sixty-two. To: W. Averell Harriman. From: Roger Hilsman. Subject: Chinese Communist Motivations In A Possible Offshore Islands Probe. Abstract: Should the buildup of Chinese Communist forces in Fukien province result in resumed bombardment of Quemoy or higher levels of attack, we believe that Peiping's objectives will be both defensive and offensive. Peiping may have decided to pre-empt a later G-R-C attack, and to regain lost prestige at home and abroad by testing U-S-G-R-C relations for exploitable gains, extracted by force. Pre-emptive Factors: Indicators of Chiang Kai-shek's intentions to attack the mainland, whether to spark an uprising or to exploit a local revolt, apparently caused Peiping particular concern this spring. Chinese Communist authorities may believe that there are strains in U-S-G-R-C relations which can be exacerbated by pressure on the offshore islands, O-S-I, before possible agreement is reached between Taipei and Washington on Chiang's plans. Peiping may believe a secret agreement already exists but that logistical preparations prevent immediate implementation of a G-R-C attack. Chinese Communist pressure on the O-S-I might then, in Peiping's view, upset U-S-G-R-C calculations of mainland weakness and perhaps arouse sufficient concern within the U-S and among its allies to force Washington to disavow Chiang's plans. Finally, the Chinese may calculate that since their economic situation is bad and cannot improve markedly within the next six months, it would be wiser to seize the initiative now rather than leave it to the enemy later when conditions may have worsened even further. Calculations Behind Probe: Chinese Communist views of the U-S compound exaggerated fear of our intentions with underestimation of our willingness to take risks when confronted by an open challenge. Peiping knows that the present administration launched a clandestine attack on Cuba, is actively participating in [four lines redacted under exemption B1] war with the Viet Cong, has sent troops to Thailand in an implicit threat to commit them in Laos, and is preparing an expanded inventory of military capabilities with increased attention to unconventional warfare. Against this evidence that "Kennedy is worse than Eisenhower" (to use Peiping's language) the Chinese may see the…

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-373Declassified

Filed SEP 13 · 2026Runtime 1 min

CIA This Declassified Briefing Is A Research Memorandum From The Department

U.S. public record · FOIAUpdated September 13, 2026

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This Declassified briefing is a research memorandum from the Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, dated June twenty-second, nineteen-sixty-two. It outlines Chinese Communist motivations in a possible offshore islands probe. com. This document was released under Executive Order one one six two two, with a declassification date of February twenty-eighth, two thousand one.

Date: SEP 13 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
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What was CIA This Declassified Briefing Is A Research Memorandum From The Department about?: This Declassified briefing is a research memorandum from the Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, dated June twenty-second, nineteen-sixty-two. It outlines Chinese Communist motivations in a possible offshore islands probe. com. This document was released under Executive Order one one six two two, with a declassification date of February twenty-eighth, two thousand one.
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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