What did the declassified documents reveal?

Declassified presents a Central Intelligence Agency memorandum, dated May twenty-third, nineteen-sixty-three, titled "Requirements for Project [redacted] Includes Attachments." This document outlines intelligence requirements regarding Communist China, with a focus on missile and petroleum facilities. The full, declassified record can be found at documents2.theblackvault.com. This document was released by the C-I-A in two-thousand-seven, under a mandatory declassification review initiated in nineteen-ninety-nine. The declassification authority was the A-A-R-O, or Assassination Records Review Board, which reviewed records related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The document opens: "This memorandum describes our requirements for consideration under Project [redacted] and related projects: A) suggested targets in Communist China of special interest to [redacted], and B) our thoughts regarding possible ways of improving collection by sensory means. Particular attention has been given to identifying priority targets against which O-R-R needs have to date not been satisfied by other collection methods. For targeting purposes, requests have been submitted to installations within fourteen hundred miles of the China coast. Requirements are divided into priority needs and targets of opportunity from which information is desired if higher priorities do not conflict. Significant, detailed data is urgently needed on the status and activity of the Chang-Hsien-Tien Liquid Rocket Test Facility (C-L-R-T-F). This facility is a large liquid rocket test site about forty-five nautical miles south-southwest of Peiping." The memorandum continues: "In addition to close-up, low-height photography that could satisfy [redacted] needs, the Annex [redacted] is believed to have intelligence possibilities. Close inspection is in order to support intelligence research on the present status of the guided missile program of Communist China. At the present time, this is the only known missile installation within range, which O-R-R believes is worth consideration for priority collection by means of sensors adaptable to [redacted]." The document also details petroleum intelligence needs: "Intelligence on the production of petroleum and petroleum products in China is an important indicator of Chinese economic activity and military capability, although not so clear-cut as the need for intelligence on [redacted]. By available sources, collection against the Chinese petroleum refineries to the extent possible by [redacted] methods is suggested." The document then lists specific facilities, including the Shanghai Refinery, the Tientsin Refinery, and the Tu-Mu oil plant, noting, "It is suggested [redacted] these installations to assess their [redacted] and other industrial activities. Attached as Annex B is a list of [redacted] within range." The document concludes with a distribution list, noting: "This memorandum may be used in S-E-C-R-E-T channels when the codeword…

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.

CIA Requirements For Project [redacted] Includes Attachments.

◆ BLUF — The short version

" This document outlines intelligence requirements regarding Communist China, with a focus on missile and petroleum facilities. com. This document was released by the C-I-A in two-thousand-seven, under a mandatory declassification review initiated in nineteen-ninety-nine. The declassification authority was the A-A-R-O, or Assassination Records Review Board, which reviewed records related to the assassination of President John F.

Date: SEP 8 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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Episode notes

Declassified presents a Central Intelligence Agency memorandum, dated May twenty-third, nineteen-sixty-three, titled "Requirements for Project [redacted] Includes Attachments." This document outlines intelligence requirements regarding Communist China, with a focus on missile and petroleum…

View the primary source document

Questions about this case

What was CIA Requirements For Project [redacted] Includes Attachments. about?: " This document outlines intelligence requirements regarding Communist China, with a focus on missile and petroleum facilities. com. This document was released by the C-I-A in two-thousand-seven, under a mandatory declassification review initiated in nineteen-ninety-nine. The declassification authority was the A-A-R-O, or Assassination Records Review Board, which reviewed records related to the assassination of President John F.
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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CIA Requirements For Project [redacted] Includes Attachments.

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