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CIA
@CIA
We are the Nation's first line of defense. We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go. https://t.co/yhjtYvFBiJ

Jan 11, 2018, 5 tweets

OTD 1958
CIA & Panda Diplomacy: The story of Allen Dulles & Chi Chi the Giant #Panda

1.usa.gov/1tF6XIN

Late 1950s:

US relations with Communist China were virtually nonexistent. US prohibited import of goods originating in or passing through Communist China.

There were rarely any exceptions, even for #pandas.

An animal dealer & a noted animal importer both asked Dulles for help getting @USTreasury permission to bring Chi Chi the giant #panda to US. Several US zoos were interested in giving Chi Chi a home, including the @BronxZoo.

@USTreasury @BronxZoo Dulles put his aides to work on the #panda problem to include his assistant, who was soon nicknamed the "Vice President of Pandas” by his colleagues.

@USTreasury @BronxZoo 10 JAN 1958
Dulles received @USTreasury decision: allowing Chi Chi to enter US would be “a serious departure from the basic policies.”

The #panda matter was closed.

bit.ly/2CZBHOX (PDF)

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