be the prelude to the final asssnlt on Germany itself, and the scope of the victory programme
should be such as to provide means by which they can be carried out.
 
The safegaurding of vital Interests in the Eastern Theatre
 
 
 
 
17.  First of all, the security of Australia, New Zealand and India must be maintained and
Chinese resistance supported. Secondly, points of vantage from which an offensive against Japan
can eventually be developed must be secured. Our immediate object must therefore be to hold :-
 
     (a ) Hawaii and Dutch Harbour.
 
     (b ) Singapore, the East Indies Barrier and the Phillippines.
 
     (c ) Rangoon and the route to China.
          The minimum forces required to hold the above will have to be a matter for mutual
          discussion.
 
                              /s/ DUDLEY POUND
 
Washington, D.C.                   J.G. DILL
 
22nd December 1941                 C. PORTAL