S E C R E T
 
16. 0perations in the north PACIFIC
      a. General
          Operations are now in progress for the capture of ATTU
and the occupation of SHEMYA. These operations envisage 
cutting the enemy line of communications from JAPAN to KISKA. 
The seizure of this area will provide additional bases for the
air offensive against KISKA and will enable us to base our
submarine operations further to the westward.
              Until the Japanese are driven out of KISKA, the UNITED 
STATES must keep large air and ground forces in the ALEUTIANS 
and is forced to disperse naval forces to that area. The 
Japanese must be expelled from KISKA. It may be that the air
offensive and blockade will force them to evacuate or surrender.
Based on the results of the aerial offensive which has been in 
progress for several months past, it is probable that landing
operations will be required.
          The Japanese reaction to our seizure of ATTU will de-
termine the strength of forces and length of time required
for operations in the north PACIFIC.
    b. U. S. forces now engaged
        (1) Ground
           3 Infantry Regiments, reinforced
           1 Engineer Regiment
        (2) Air         
           2 Sq. Heavy Bombardment
           2 Sq. Medium Bombardment
           6 Sq. Pursuit
         54 Patrol planes
         (3) Naval
            3 0BB, 3 CA, 4 CL, 19 DD, 3 DM, 11 0SS, 1 ACV,
            4 APA, 1 APD, 4 AP, 1 AT, 1 XAP, 3 XAK, 3 XAPc,
            6 A O, 2 AD, 11 MTB, 1 AVP, 2 DE, 1 PG, 3 AM,
            4 LST
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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