S E C R E T
 
     c. Our present strategic concept does not contemplate 
further amphibious operations west of the ALEUTIANS. Our 
forces there will assume a defensive role until conditions
are favorable to operations in support of RUSSIA in the
KAMCHATKA PENINSULA-Siberian area.
 
  17. Naval operations in the PACIFIC
     Both ANAKIM (discussed in J.C.S. 297) and the Revised
ANAKIM Plan (J.C.S. 303) provide for naval operations in the
PACIFIC to hold Japanese naval forces in those waters. A positive 
naval operation in the fall of 1943 will have to be undertaken
for this purpose. It is unlikely that operations in the SOLOMONS-
NEW GUINEA area will have the desired effect. Probably a
carrier-based air attack on JAPAN will be required.
 
Availability as to Means
 
  18. General
        One of the controlling factors for the operations dis-
cussed above is the availability of amphibious divisions and
amphibious equipment.
        a. Amphibious divisions
            The only amphibious divisions available in May 1943 are
two Marine Corps divisions in the SOUTH PACIFIC and one in
the SOUTHWEST PACIFIC. Readiness for action dates are:
     1st Marine Division, (Southwest Pac)    June 1
     2d Marine Divi sion, (SoPac)                 June 1
     3d Marine Division, (less 1 Regt.)
                       (SOPac)                             June 1
 
     1 Regt., 3d Marine Division                   July 15
 
     Commander SOUTHWEST PACIFIC has set June 15 as target
date for commencing operations designed to'continue as far as
MADANG (NEW GUINEA) - western NEW BRITAIN - BOUGAINVILLE,
and has stated that sequence and timing is subject to 
fluctuation of tactical circumstances. Three amphibious
divisions are required in these operations.
 
 
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