What did the declassified documents reveal?

This declassified government record, a one-page memorandum from December sixteenth, nineteen-sixty-four, reveals a proposal to assist the government of the Republic of China with raids against mainland China. This document is available on the Black Vault at documents2.theblackvault.com. This document was declassified by the National Archives and Records Administration, N-A-R-A, on August twenty-sixth, two-thousand-and-thirteen, under the authority of the Assassination Records Review Board, A-A-R-B. It was released to the public under Freedom of Information Act case F-O-I-A ninety-six-three-zero-five-one-zero. The document is a memorandum titled, "Proposal to Assist G-R-C Raids Against the Mainland by Loan of a Vessel." It is addressed from Josiah W. Bennett to W-V-C-Six. "Since the attached memorandum of October twenty-sixth was received, we have been informed that the vessel described therein, which was to be lent to the G-R-C, is no longer available. Another vessel is being sought in its place, but to acquire it will take some time. We understand that our approval in principle for the loan of the vessel to the G-R-C is still sought, though we have been told informally that this matter is 'on the back burner.' I have discussed this matter with Mr. Grant of A-G-A, who is inclined to recommend against giving approval. I feel myself that we do not have sufficient information on the project to make a decision intelligently. I therefore propose, and Mr. Grant concurs, that we ask the Agency to meet with us to give us more facts. I think we could use this meeting as an occasion to bring ourselves up-to-date on G-R-C raiding activity and to review in general the degree to which it should receive U-S guidance and support. Although we have been told the matter is not urgent, I think it would be prudent not to hold it in suspense much longer. Perhaps we could set up a meeting with the Agency right after the Christmas holiday. Attachment: Memorandum of October twenty-sixth." This document from the State Department's Office of Far Eastern Affairs reveals internal deliberation regarding a covert operation involving the lending of a U-S vessel to the G-R-C, the Nationalist Chinese forces, for raids against mainland China. The cautious tone indicates a desire for more information and a comprehensive review of U-S involvement in such activities. This is what the public record looks like at its most ordinary. For more declassified government records, visit storyflo.com, and view this document at archive.org/download/us-china-intel-CI01646/CI01646djvu.txt.

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.

This Declassified Government Record, A One Page Memorandum From December

◆ BLUF — The short version

This declassified government record, a one-page memorandum from December sixteenth, nineteen-sixty-four, reveals a proposal to assist the government of the Republic of China with raids against mainland China. com. This document was declassified by the National Archives and Records Administration, N-A-R-A, on August twenty-sixth, two-thousand-and-thirteen, under the authority of the Assassination Records Review Board, A-A-R-B.

Date: AUG 30 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was This Declassified Government Record, A One Page Memorandum From December about?: This declassified government record, a one-page memorandum from December sixteenth, nineteen-sixty-four, reveals a proposal to assist the government of the Republic of China with raids against mainland China. com. This document was declassified by the National Archives and Records Administration, N-A-R-A, on August twenty-sixth, two-thousand-and-thirteen, under the authority of the Assassination Records Review Board, A-A-R-B.
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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