THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
                                         WASHINGTON
 
March 17, 1942
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:
 
                          In accordance with your memorandum of March 16, Secretary Stimson and I
conferred this morning on the matter of the use of aerial torpedoes in the southwest Pacific.
 
                          The conference was attended by Admiral King and Admiral Towers and myself
on behalf of the Navy, and Secretary Stimson, General Marshall and General Arnold on behalf of
the Army.  A very satisfactory arrangement was completed under which the torpedoes are made
immediately available to the Army and the necessary number of Navy fliers to use the torpedoes
who are now in Australia,.without planes,are ordered to report to the Army to carry out the
mission. This very satisfactory arrangement brings together both the planes to carry the
torpedoes, the torpedoes themselves and provides the pilots who are trained in the use of
torpedoes, to fire them.
 
                          I understand the necessary orders are going out at once to carry out this
agreement.
 
                              Frank Knox