Op-12A-4-drc
(SC) L21-1/VZ
Ser. 0150212
 
                           EXACT COPY
                                
                        Navy Department
            Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
                           Washington
 
                                   December 23, 19431..
 
From:          The Chief of Naval Operations.
To :           The Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.
 
Subject:       Transportation of short range aircraft to the Philippines.
 
References:    (a)  General MacArthur's secret radiogram of December 23, 1941.
          (b)  Asst. Chief of Staff, WPD, U.S. Army, secret memorandum of December             23, 1941.
 
     1.          In the existing strategic situation delivery of aircraft to the Philippines over the
direct route from the Hawaiian area is not practicable in any type of ship.
 
          2.          Diversion of aircraft carriers from their necessary functions as fighting ships for
the purpose of movement of short rAnge aircraft to the Philippines via the southern route is
likewise impracticable in the existing strategic situation.
 
          3.          As agreed after extensive consideration of previous proposals of a similar nature,
the best way to move Army pursuit and dive-bombers to the Far East at the present time is by
shipment in cargo vessels, including those converted for use as aircraft transports. It is
recommended that no change be made in our present plans for movemerit of aircraft to the Far
East by cargo vessels.
 
          4.          The question raised concerning the strategic plans of the Pacific Fleet will be
covered separately.
 
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                              (Sgd.) H. R. Stark 
                              H. R. STARK