Tentative U.S. Views on Subjects of British Memorandum, Dec. 18 (I) The broad strategic objective of the Associated Powers is the defeat of Germany and her Allies. While initially mainraining the strategic defensive, conduct local offensives in appropriate theatres. Ultimately conduct an all-out offensive (1) against Germany and her European Allies, (2) against Japan. Since a successful air offensive must precede any other form of decisive offensive action, the early development of the required air forces, their logistic support and the ground forces necessary to secure their bases must be assured. The first consideration to each of the Associated Powers, Russia, the British Commonwealth, China and the United States, is its own national security. The common purpose demands maintenance of essential communications, especially sea communications via the North Atlantic and air communications via the trans-African Far East route. (ii) The British Commonwealth is operating offensively against the Axis in the Middle East and with air power in Germany. The United States lacks defensive equipment against air raids on |