JOINT BOARD ESTIMATE OF
               UNITED STATES OVER-ALL PRODUCTION
                          REQUIREMENTS
 
IV.       MAJOR STRATEGY OF THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ASSOCIATES. 25.      c.   
(Cont'd)
 
     forces employed in and near Europe should, so far as practicable, be strong enough to    
prevent the escape of surface raiders to the open sea, and to defeat submarine and air raiders.  In
addition, a widespread distribution of naval and  air forces for direct protection of shipping foci
and shipping routes will be required.
 
d.   The enforcement of economic blockade is, for the time being, likely to be the most
     effective offensive method for use against Germany and Japan.  Naval and air forces must
     be maintained to close all avenues of sea approach to Germany.  The continued existence
     of hostile land fronts in Russia and in the Middle East is necessary if this blockade is to be
     maintained.  In addition, diplomatic, economic, and financial measures should be employed
     for increasing the effectiveness of the military blockade.
 
e.   The retention by the British of the control of the Red Sea, Irak, and Iran is necessary for
     preserving opportunities for decisive land notion against Germany.  Of great importance
     are effective land and air forces of all categories; large numbers of merchant vessels for
     their support; and adequate naval forces for the protection of communications losing to
     the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.  These forces can not fully be supported by the material    
means available to Britain.  The United States should undertake to provide a part of the 
munitions and raw materials required by these troo ps, and should supply much of the merchant
shipping for their transport.
 
 
                               -13-