WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF
           WASHINGTON
 
 
 
March 18, 1942.
 
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:
 
             Subject: Transporting Troops on Cargo Boats.
 
                General Somervell informs me that arrangements have
 been made, through the Maritime Commission, to make some small
 constructional alterations on United States flag cargo boats which
 will permit approximately a platoon of 50 men to be carried without
 undue hardships. These alterations can be accomplished during the 
routine turn-arounds in port and, therefore, will involve no delays.
 
                The estimate is that for all overseas cargo movements some
 20,000 men can be accommodated in this manner in a six months' period.
 This estimate does not include a similar aprangement by the British, but
 we have them looking into the matter.
 
 
G.C.Marshall
Chief Staff