FROM ALUSNA CHUNGKING CHINA FOR OPNAV DATE DEC. 19 1941 PARAPHRASED BY RV ROBINSON 190340 CR 0239 PART I OF 4 PARTS; PERSONAL FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. THE FOLLOWING IS MY ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION AS IT EXISTS AT PRESENT. MY OWN OBSERVATIONS PLUS "INSIDE INFORMATION" INDICATE THAT THERE IS NO TIME TO LOSE. WE MUST AT ALL COSTS HOLD SINGAPORE; AND TO GAIN THIS END WE CANNOT DEPEND UPON THE BRITISH FACILITIES, THEIR ABILITY, OR THEIR INITIATIVE TO ACT PROMPTLY. FOR THE DEFENSE OF BURMA THEY HAVE BEEN SEEKING AMERICAN VOLUNTEER AIR FORCE AND CHINESE TROOPS. OUR FIGHTER PLANES AND LIGHT BOMBERS WITH ADEQUATE SPARE PARTS AND GROUND STAFF ACCOMPANYING THEM MUST BE SENT IMMEDIATELY BY CARRIERS CONVOYED IF NECESSARY BY OUR ENTIRE FLEET. WITH THEM SHOULD COME AT LEAST FOUR DIVISIONS OF TROOPS INCLUDING ARMOURED UNITS. THESE ARE FOR ASSIGNMENT AFTER ARRIVAL TO THE FAR EAST THEATRE OF OPERATIONS. (PART 2 FOLLOWS IMMEDIATELY) ACTION:00A..... PERSONAL FILE... |