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        to the strategically program that you may direct.   
 
                                                            
 
 
The 150 tank landing craft should be supplemented by 300 vessels 
                      of smaller type, each                 
 
      Carrying 4 25 ton tanks, and suitable for landings on shallow 
                          sand beaches.                     
 
                                                            
 
 
Expeditions on this scale would require in vessels to maintain 
                      sea communications: -                 
 
                         80 Minesweepers,                   
 
                                                            
 
 
      60 Small Anti-submarine vessels of 500 tons each      
 
           50 Convoy escort vessels of the D.B.E. type.     
 
                                                            
 
 
These 50 convoy escort vessels are already I projected and 
      delivery is promised in 1943. But acceleration should bring delivery 
                         to pass in 1942.                   
 
                                                            
 
 
Outside the naval program proper is the essential provision 
      of auxiliary aircraft carriers. These will be adapted merchant 
      ships. The present program is 24 fast vessels. But the merchant 
      ship building program has been increased by a third. So I suggest 
      that a further 8 slower vessels be adapted to provide convoy 
                         air protection.                    
 
                                                            
 
 
No doubt questions arise touching ship plate, and certainly 
      turbine and Diesel output. All these issues present considerable 
                          difficulties.                     
 
                                                            
 
 
But determination will certainly overcome the obstacles in 
                             the way.                       
 
                                                            
 
 
                    I am Mr. President,                     
 
      Beaverbrook