The Merger of Chinese History with Western Civilization

Abstract

In our general conception, the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States is a secret service apparatus whose good and bad deeds, given a legendary touch, readily become themes of fictional thrillers, sometimes put on movie screens. Yet a specific function of the Agency is not always appreciated by the general observer. It also collects data of academic value in a nonconfidential manner. For instance, a meteorological report on China is produced annually by the CIA, with illustrations, and copies are made available to educational institutions on request. At this point on my desk is a copy of a twelve-page report entitled China's Economic Performance in 1985. The text comes from the CIA's report to the Joint Economic Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives on March 17, 1986. After the session copies of this report were offered to the public for the asking. My copy came by return mail after a request was sent on a postcard.