MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES I am asked to say my opinion of the production requirements of the United States for war weapons in 1942. I confine my recommendations to tanks and anti-tank guns, to aircraft and anti-aircraft guns. These are the principal weapons in any programme, whether of defence, attack, or assistance to other countries. The programmes allied to these projects should of course be stepped up accordingly. But the main purpose must always be the production of these four weapons. Now the stock of the United States in medium and light tanks appears to have been 631 on October 1st last. On the other hand, the stock of the United Kingdom on the same date was 5,163 tanks, on account of the generosity of the United States in helping Great Britain. About 500 obsolete light types are included in these figures. . But it is evident that the United States has a duty during the year 1942 not only to replace shortages of existing supplies, but also to secure an output consistent with needs. I heard Mr. Knudsen's suggestion that the output should be no less than 45,000 medium and light tanks, including of course a few heavy tanks. This discussion took place in the Cabinet Room last Friday. The proportion of tanks should be as suggested: |