12.    RUSSIAN S ITUATION. -
 
                 It was stated that it is not practicable at this time for Russia to begin operations in the
Far East as it might jeopardize her efforts in the west and that Stalin should not be urged. The
Prime Minister had quoted Stalin as saying that Russia was not ready to enter the war in the Far
East now but perhaps would be able do so in the spring.
 
         13.        SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.-
 
                  ADMIRAL STARK brought up the question of German intentions in the Iberian
Peninsula, and expressed fear of German action through that area.
He asked Admiral Pound for his views, who replied that British Joint Intelligence reports no signs
of concentration of German troops in the south of France. ADMIRAL STARK remarked that,
nevertheless everyone should be on guard. He then asked Marshal Dill as to the significance of the
change in the German high command. MARSHAL DILL stated that it probably concerned a
difference of opinion on future operations.
 
         14.        AIRPLANE CARRIERS.-
 
                    ADMIRAL STARK said that the United States situation with respect
to airplane carriers was very bad and that while the Navy was making plans to convert passenger
ships and tankers into ariplane carriers, in view of possible troop transport requirements, he had
agreed to discuss proposed conversions with General Marshall. ADMIRAL STARK stated that.
with respect to flying boats for the British the situation was such that the United States could not
furnish any.
 
         15.        P.B.Y's FOR THE BRITISH.-
 
                  The conversation then was directed to the supply of heavy bombers and P. B.Y's for
the British. ADMIRAL TOWERS remarked that our present production of P.B.Y's was 46 per
month, and that this was being stepped up to 150 of all types. ADMIRAL KING pointed out that
the bottleneck was really one of personnel rather than anything else.  ADMIRAL STARK
remarked that all possible help has been given the British in the matter of aircraft. REAR
ADMIRAL TOWERS pointed out that the four-engine bomber program can not but interfere
with the Naval aircraft progress for at least the next eight months. To emphasize his statements he
remarked that some American Naval aircraft factories, because of the four-engine bomber
program, can only obtain material enough for an eight hour, five-day week.
 
        16.        BRITISH CREWS FOR AMERICAN SHIPS.-
 
                 ADMIRAL STARK said that available personnel for American merchant ships is so
limited that he would like the British to consider the possibility of having British crews man
American ships. ADMIRAL POUND said the
 
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