AIR MARSHAL PORTAL said that the experience in London
has been that the highest authority is the only one that can decide as
to the allocation of forces; and when the allocation is decided upon,
the directlye has been formulated, and the forces allotted, everything
else moves smoothly. If allocations are controlled from Washington,
there should be no difficulty.
 
                 GENERAL MARSHALL said that the British and ~nnericans
are in complete agreement as to allocations; what he was speaking of
was operations in the field.
 
         5.        DISPOSITION OF FORCES DESTINED FOR TKE FAR EAST.-
 
                 AIR ~LiRSHAL PORTAL said that the disposition of our
forces must be planned first. This can be considered a Staff study,
without commitments, based on ultimate dispositions under the following
two conditions'
 
            a.    The Philippine Islands holding.
 
b_. In case the Philippine Islands can not hold.
 
                    ADMIRAL KING said that he felt this study should
probably have first
priority.
 
                 ADMIRAL POUND inquired as to whether or not a study
could be made of this entire problem, stating that it was of such an
urgent nature that other things should be set aside, and inquired as to
the proper directive. The consensus was that this should be done, and
the senior members of the Planning Committee were calied in and so
informed.
 
                 ADMIRAL ST iRK requested Rear Admiral Turner to give
his opinion as to the question of allocations of aircraft
reinforcements now going to the Far East. REAR ADMIRAL TURNER replied
that responsibility should be given to
    General MacArthur if he is in a position to accept it where the
planes are to be delivered; otherwise to General Brett.
 
                 There followed a discussion as to the proper
directire, and several preliminary directives were drafted by various
members of the Chiefs of Staff group.
 
%
                As the ~nnerican officers were due at the White House
for a meeting, the conference adjourned at 5'20 p.m.
 
.... ....
 
                 After the main conference adjourned, ADMIRAL POUND
called into consultation Colonel Jacob, Commander Coleridge, and
Colonel Robinett, and discussed the various phases of proposed
directives. A directire for submission to the senior members of the
Planning Committee was drawn up and submitted to
 
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