four divisions of infantry and two regiments of tanks in position to attack Burma. (See map for
distribution). These troops probably total 80,000. Japanese forces are believed to have a unit for
unit superiority over British troops in Burma.
 
 
                d. Air. The Japanese have the strategic air initiative in this area. Their effective air
strength in Indo-China, Thailand and Malaya totals approximately 720 operating combat planes.
Of these, approximately 468 could be used against Burma if desired. Favorable lines of
communication afford Japan access to a considerable number of reserves.
 
                              The British are on the defensive and are opposing the Japanese with a
numerically inferior air force. Favorable lines of communication still exist from the west to Burma.
 
     Japan's offensive has been successful due to air superiority.  Should this be denied her, the
entire offensive would collapse.  Indo-China appears to be the key to the whole situation. 
Japanese lines of communication are over-extended and their entire western flank is open to
attack.  In order to protect this flank, it is likely that the Japanese will launch an offensive against
Burma.  This would secure their position as far as Indo-CHina is concerned ans at the same time
would close the Burma Road, thereby making it extremely difficult to supply any air action that
might be launched against their lines of communication from bases in China or against Japan
proper.
     Strong air and ground action against the Japanese in Indo-CHina from Burma would serve
two purposes:
 
     (1) Defensive - protect Burma.
 
                      (2) Offensive- might result in driving the Japanese from Indo-China. This would cut
their lines of communication, force a withdrawal from all points south of Indo-China with a
resultant loss of the offensive. With Allied bombers based in Indo-China, the Japanese Navy could
not operate -their units could not be supplied. The least result from an offensive would be to
relieve the pressure in southern Malaya and the Dutch Indies.
 
          4. Malaya. In southern Malaya, five Japanese divisions are attacking successfully a British,
Indian and Malay force of about four divisions. The rate of Japanese advance is expected to drop
as British lines are narrowed and reinforced.
 
                         For the Acting Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2:
 
 
                              Hayes A. Kroner,
                              Colonel, General Staff