Tentative U.S. Views on Subjects
                 of British Memorandum, Dec. 18
 
     (I) The broad strategic objective of the Associated Powers is the defeat of Germany and
her Allies. While initially mainraining the strategic defensive, conduct local offensives in
appropriate theatres. Ultimately conduct an all-out offensive (1) against Germany and her
European Allies, (2) against Japan. Since a successful air offensive must precede any other form
of decisive offensive action, the early development of the required air forces, their logistic support
and the ground forces necessary to secure their bases must be assured. The first consideration to
each of the Associated Powers, Russia, the British Commonwealth, China and the United States,
is its own national security. The common purpose demands maintenance of essential
communications, especially sea communications via the North Atlantic and air communications
via the trans-African Far East route.
 
     (ii) The British Commonwealth is operating offensively against the Axis in the Middle East
and with air power in Germany. The United States lacks defensive equipment against air raids on