What did the declassified documents reveal?

Declassified. This is a declassified Department of State memorandum, dated approximately February nineteen sixty-five, concerning United States intelligence on China and Vietnam. It is notable for its discussion of the escalating risks of military intervention in Vietnam. You can find this document at documents2.theblackvault.com. This document, identified as CI Zero One Six Five Seven, was released by The Black Vault, an organization dedicated to the declassification of government records. The specific Freedom of Information Act case number and declassification authority are not cited in the provided archive entry, but the document is publicly available. Reading from the document, page one: "DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Viet-Nam This memorandum has been discussed with Bob McNamara, McGeorge Bundy and Ambassador Thompson and has been revised to reflect their suggestions. Except for the major difference in positions set forth on page ten, it can be taken as representing the generally agreed views of all four of us. The memorandum consists of two major parts. Part One is a discussion of the probable risks inherent in a program of gradually mounting military pressure on the North. In spite of these risks, we are in general agreement on this program. We have taken account of these risks in connection with the military actions already taken. As we move – step by step – up the scale of military action, you will certainly wish to appraise the level of risk at each point – although admittedly your ability to control exposure to risk is likely to diminish as the scale and intensity of military pressure increases. Part Two of the memorandum is a program of political action. Such a program is an essential accompaniment to the military program. It is needed for several reasons: a. To make clear to the world that our objectives are peace and freedom. b. To minimize the danger of M I G engagement and Chinese and Soviet involvement, giving the Soviets an alternative to support of Chinese militancy. c. To preempt a probable peace offensive by the Communists. d. To enable you to opt for a political settlement at any point where you determine that the risks of further military pressure have become prohibitive in the light of our over-all interests. PART ONE RISKS OF OUR MILITARY PROGRAM A. Nature and objectives of the Proposed Military Program The course of action we are now proposing to follow (subject to refinement by exchanges with Saigon and further staff work here) envisages continued air attacks, on a joint United States/South Vietnamese basis, against military targets directly related to North Vietnamese infiltration. It also contemplates attacks on targets such as railroad lines, in response to Viet Cong attacks on corresponding targets in the South. We would continue to justify such air strikes as responses to Viet Cong action in the South. Viet Cong attacks on United States personnel and installations would call…

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.

Department Of State Memorandum, Dated Approximately February Nineteen

◆ BLUF — The short version

Declassified. This is a declassified Department of State memorandum, dated approximately February nineteen sixty-five, concerning United States intelligence on China and Vietnam. It is notable for its discussion of the escalating risks of military intervention in Vietnam. com.

Date: AUG 29 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

↯ Dispatch — press play1:00

0:001:00

↯ Share

X in r/

Episode notes

View the primary source document

Questions about this case

What was Department Of State Memorandum, Dated Approximately February Nineteen about?: Declassified. This is a declassified Department of State memorandum, dated approximately February nineteen sixty-five, concerning United States intelligence on China and Vietnam. It is notable for its discussion of the escalating risks of military intervention in Vietnam. com.
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.

intelligence-vault

Related cases

✉ Dispatches

A short dispatch when a new file is released — narrated, answer-first, and linked straight to the primary source. No spam; unsubscribe anytime.

↯ Subscribe to the feed

RSS feed Browse all cases

Department Of State Memorandum, Dated Approximately February Nineteen

Questions about this case

Related cases

Today, A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record, Dated February

CIA "di/usaf Contribution To Nie 27

CIA Today, A Declassified C I A Record On Clandestine Intelligence Collection

Today, We Examine A Declassified Government Record Concerning United States

Today, A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record From March Seventh

Questions about this case

Related cases

Today, A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record, Dated February

CIA "di/usaf Contribution To Nie 27

CIA Today, A Declassified C I A Record On Clandestine Intelligence Collection

Today, We Examine A Declassified Government Record Concerning United States

Today, A Declassified Central Intelligence Agency Record From March Seventh

Get the next declassified case in your inbox