WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF                         Date- 4-6-59     
               WASHINGTON
 
 
August 29, 1941
 
 
Admiral Harold R. Stark,
Chief of Naval Operations,
Navy Department,
Washington, D.C.
 
Dear Betty:
 
               I am of the opinion that the United States
 forces in Iceland should be under one commander, who
 should be given, to the extent legally possible, full authority
 and responsibility. The Commander's authority should not be
 restricted to that contemplated in "Joint Action of the Army
 and the Navy" for the exercise of "unity of command."
 
              In order to give the Commander of  United States Forces
 in Iceland the authority legally possible over the combined forces, 
I propose that Marine forces in Iceland be detached for service with
 the Army. There is attached hereto a joint letter transmitting to the
 President a draft of an Executive Order which will accomplish the 
proposed detachment.
 
              Since the Army contingent will sail on or about September 5,
 it is very desirable that this matter be expedited.
 
 
Faithfully yours