-2.
 
open for the approach of such a carrier.
 
     a.   Such a theoretically perfect outer patrol on the Pacific 
          side would consist of a patrol zone about 400 nautical 
          miles in width extending from an outer semi-circle 
          1000 nautical miles distant from the Canal to an inner 
          semi-circle about 600 miles distant. The patrolling 
          Bombers for such a zone could be most conveniently based 
          upon Guatemala City, Tehuantepec, Mexico, on the Central 
          American coast; Salinas, Ecuador, and Telara, Peru, in 
          South America; and the Galapagos Islands in the center. 
          The width of the patrol zone is fixed by the distance 
          a carrier could cover at a speed of thirty knots during 
          the twelve hours of darkness and allowing a two and a 
          half hour margin of safety. The longer arc between 
          Central America and Galapagos could be covered by the 
          faster Army four engine bombers; and the shorter arc 
          between South America and Galapagos could be covered by 
          the slower Navy PBY' s. The landing fields at Galapagos 
          will probably be complete before the end of April. 
          Unless new bases are obtained at Tehuantepec, Mexico, 
          and Telara, Peru, the patrolling of the zone from 
          Guatemala and Salinas alone would place upon the planes 
          much additional strain. The outer distance of the arc
          of 1000 miles from Panama is fixed by the possible range
          of a bomber loaded with bombs.    
 
          To effectuate this patrol all of the bombers must of 
          course be equipped with ASV's. These would give each 
          sweep an effective width of at least fifty miles.
 
     b.   The Atlantic side. At present General Andrews, the
          Commander of  Panama Defense, has no operational control over patroll-
          ing the entrances to the Carribean Sea through the gaps 
          in the Antilles. In my opinion he should be given such 
          control and an adequate arrangement should be worked out 
          with the Navy for that purpose. Otherwise a thoroughly 
          coordinated defense of the Canal is rendered difficult 
          if not impossible. Admiral Hoover, who today is commanding 
          the patrol of the gaps in the Antilles, has the mission 
          of defending shipping against submarine attack and not the 
          defense of the Canal. The difference in these missions 
          necessarily affects the conduct of the patrols and thus 
          reacts adversely on the effectiveness of the defense of
          Panama.
 
     c.   In addition to the patrolling planes, there must be a
          striking force of long distance bombers provided of sufficient 
          power to enable it to go out and sink the aircraft carrrier 
          as soon as it is located by a patrolling plane. In addition