JOINT BOARD ESTIMATE OF
               UNITED STATES OVER-ALL PRODUCTION
                          REQUIREMENTS
                                
I.   DIRECTIVE (Cont'd)
 
     I believe that the confidential report which I am asking you to make to me would be of
great assistance, not only in the efficient utilization of our productive facilities but would afford an
adequate opportunity for planning for the greatly increased speed of delivery which our defense
program requires.
 
I am asking Mr. Hopkins to join with you in these conferences. I would appreciate it if the
Secretary of War could take the initiative in those conferences.
 
                                   Very sincerely yours,
     
                                        /s/  Franklin D. Roosevelt."
 
     2.   In solving this problem, it is first necessary to conceive how our potential enemies
may be defeated. Having arrived at this conception, it is possible to estimate the military forccs
required to carry out the operations planned. Once a statement of the major forces is completed,
the critical items of equipment may readily be computed.
 
     3.   The production requirements mentioncd in The President's letter refer to the
materials which the United States will be called upon to provide for supporting successful military
action against our potential enemies. Any military action by the United States ought to undertaken
only in accordance with sound military policy necessarily based upon sound strategy. This paper,
therefore will present views as to how the national policy of the United States, or by the armed
forces of other powers which may be associated with the United States.  Categories of forces and
approximate strengths which the United States should raise, or which it should support in whole
or in part.  In the interest of brevety, lies of reasoning and supporting arguments are omitted.
 
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