17.    In 1943 the way may be clear for a return to the
Continent, across the Medit. erranean~ from Turkey into the Balkans, or
by landings .in Western Europe. Such operations will be the prelude to
the final assault on 6ermany itself, and t;he scope of the victory
program should be such as to pr0vide means by which they can be
carried'out..
 
THE SAFEGUARDING OF 'VITAL INTERESTS IN TIrE EASTERN THEATRE
 
       18. The security of Australia~ New Zealand~ and India must be
maintained~ and the Chinese war effort supported. Secondly, points
of'vantage from whichanoffensiveagainstJapan can eventually be
developed must :be secured, our immediate object must therefore be to
hold'-
 
a. Hawaii and Alaska.
 
b_. Singapore, the East Indies Barrier~ and the Philippines. c_.
Rangoon and the route to China. d. The Maritime PrOvinces of Siberia.
 
                  The minimum forces required to hold the above will
have to be a matter of mutual discussion.
 
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