WAR    DEPARTMENT , WASHINOTON
 
Deoember 20, 1941.
 
ME~0~J~DUM_ ,,,,FOR THE P.RF_S!D~T=
 
_A_ ,,su2~ested ,,an.a~lsis o.f.,the basic topics and ' ", their_attendant p~blems
 
IO
 
The North Atlantic
 
Our Joint war plans have recognized the North Atlantic as
 
our principal theatre of operations should America become inked in
 
the war.
 
Therefore it should now be given primary consideration and
 
carefully reviewed in order to see whether our position there is safe.
 
Its safety mast underlie all our other efforts .in the war.
 
I suggest the following topicas
 
AO
 
The safety of the B,.ri. tish isles
 
"~:!
 
1. Have the beach defenses been improved?
 
2. W~~is the condition of the mobile forces defendirg the Isles?
 
3. Should America land any major forces other than air forces in the British Isles?
 
Should not American forces take over the defense of Ireland, releasing the present British forces in North Ireland?
 
It is assumed that air forces are 'to go into the Isles.
 
Q. oq b o'l