S E C R E T (4) Permit limited bombardment attacks on the mainland of JAPAN. (5) Make extensive preparations for the eventual operation of large air forces to be used in the air offensive against JAPAN proper. (6) Give support to Chinese ground forces. g. Air operations in and from CHINA are considered a vital and necessary step in the "Strategic Plan for the Defeat of JAPAN," J. C. S. 287/1. The scale and tempo of the air operations must be carefully gauged as they progress, in the light of probable Japanese reaction. If advanced too rapidly they might precipitate a large scale land offensive by the Japanese in CHINA, at an earlier date than we consider desirable. h. Following these limited operations, the large scale, sustained air offensive against JAPAN proper becomes feasible when supply routes to CHINA are developed to the point where the forces involved can be logistically maintained. This latter phase will undoubtedly require logistic support through a CHINA port in order that it may be conducted on the scale we contemplate. 10. Operations to open the STRAIT OF MALACCA. a. After the recapture of BURMA, operations should be initiated to open the STRAIT OF MALACCA. Such operations will compel JAPAN to disperse her forces and will provide an additional front in which Japanese forces may be engaged. These operations probably wilI extend from the RANGOON area down the KRA PENINSULA towards SINGAPORE and to SUMATRA. b. The operations should be undertaken by British Common- wealth Forces because the area is one of British strategic -6- |