S E C R E T
 
after this date. It therefore appears that sufficient air-
craft will be available for this operation.
         e. Naval   (CAROLINES)
             The CAROLINES operation requires 4 BB and 9 0BB, total
13. Assigned to the PACIFIC as of January 1, 1944, are 6 BB
and 8 0BB, total 14. One additional BB becomes available
for assignment in the 3rd quarter of 1944.
             Thirty-one cruisers are required for this operation.  
Assigned to the PACIFIC as of January 1, 1944, are 9 CA, 12 CL,
4 0CL, a total of 25. Assuming the 2 CA and 5 CL which
become available in the first half of 1944 are all assigned 
to the PACIFIC, and no attrition after January 1, 1944, there
will be 32 cruisers in the PACIFIC on July 1, 1944, available
to meet all the requirements of that area.
     Ten CV are required for the CAROLINES. Nine will be
available for the PACIFIC on January 1, 1944. Assuming the
5 which become available in the first half of 1944 are all 
assigned to the PACIFIC, and no attrition after January 1,
1944, on July 1, 1944 there will be 14 CV available to meet
all the requirements of that area. Seven ACV will be re-
quired and will be available.
     It is estimated that destroyers and other types can be
made available.
 
25. Summary as to availability of means
 
      a. Ground
          From the above, it is estimated that the capture of NEW
GUINEA, and the MARSHALL and CAROLINE ISLANDS will require
the shipment of 7 additional Army divisions to the PACIFIC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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