3. Discussion.
 
a.. Advantages 
 
            (1) The suggested route is safe from interruption by Axis U-boats and aircraft in
comparison with the U. S. Murmansk route.
 
            (2) Small arms, ammunition, food and other light cargoes could be shipped via this route.
 
           (3) Supplies at Ust-Kut or Irkutsk could be shipped East or West as conditions may
require.
 
           (4) In the event of a Russo-Japanese War, the suggested route might circumnavigate any
threat to cut off supplies to Russia.
 
            (S) The morale of Russians would definitely be improved by a successful operation of this
route.
 
b. Disadvantages.
 
(1) In the event of a war with Russia, the Japanese would undoubtedly direct their efforts
northward in order to sever this route, since Japanese "fishermen" are active off the East Coast of
Kamchatka.
 
            (2) With an acute shortage of shipping facilities, it would be to our disadvantage to risk
further losses due to the climatic conditions of this route.
 
           (3) The only products which could be returned in the holds of the ships would be furs,
gold and silver, as neither tin nor manganese are produced in commercial quantities in northern
Siberia at this time.
 
            (4) The limited dock facilities preclude sending heavy guns and tanks via this route.
 
            (5) Furthermore, the erection of port facilities for use during the short period that this port
is icefree would be impracticable.
 
           (6) Supplies limited to smaller items could be sent by transport planes quicker.