WAR DEPARTMENT
 
                       OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF 
 
                                       WASHINGTON
 
 
 
MEMORADUM  FOR THE PRESIDENT:
 
 
                            Subject: Defenses of Ireland.
 
              I have discussed with Admiral Stark and General 
Arnold the questions raised in the attached letter from the 
American Minister in Dublin. We feel that the matter of 
placing additional American troops in Ireland should not be 
presented to the Combined Chiefs of Staff at this time.
 
              As you know, we are in process of sending to Ire-
land a force of three triangular and one armored division 
with supporting ground troops, totaling about 105,000 men. 
Plans contemplate sending an additional 80,000 men, includ-
ing 22,000 Air Corps, when the units become available. The 
movement of these forces will require the use of all avail-
able shipping for a considerable time.
 
             A comprehensive study is now being made to deter-
mine the most effective allocation of American forces to
specific areas in 1942. This study will form the basis for 
decisions by the Combined Chiefs of Staff affecting the use
of American forces in all areas.
 
                                                        
                         Chief of Staff.
 
1 Incl:
       Ltr. to The President 
       from the American 
       Minister in Dublin, 
       2-16-42.