WAR DEPARTMENT
              HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY AIR FORCES 
                           WASHINGTON
 
                              August 19, 1942
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:
 
      Subject: Reply to Peter Masefield's criticism of Flying Fortresses and Liberators.                     
         
       The following message has been received from General Spaatz in reply to my request for data
relative statement made by Peter Masefield covering unsuitability of Flying Fortresses and
Liberators:
 
       "Bombing attack on Rouen far exceeded in accuracy any previous high altitude bombing in
this theater either by German or Allied aircraft. Strong fighter protection accompanied this
bombing mission. American bombers will not be sent indiscriminately into Germany and daylight
attacks on enemy will be progressive. Experience will dictate the depth of penetration. The above
mentioned raid justifies our belief in the feasibility of daylight bombing. Enemy attacks were not
pressed home, apparently due to crossfire of bombers in formation and heavy fighter protection.
Definite conclusions cannot be reached as to feasibility of bomber attacks unsupported by fighters
until determined enemy attacks are made. Four tons of bombs have been carried in practice flights
which is the same as British Maximum normal bomb load. Combat crews are enthusiastic about
flying fortresses as the gunners are confident and the turrets are working perfectly. It is my
opinion and conviction that the B-17 is suitable as to speed, armament, armor, and bomb load. I
would not exchange it for any British bomber in production. It is believed the reference tonight
bombardment was a reference to glow caused by the turbo superchargers. These must be
dampened for night operations."
 
       Insofar as the glow from the engines is concerned, dampeners for these supercharger
exhausts are now in production and it is only a matter of time until all planes are equipped.
 
       The above more than vindicates our faith in the Flying Fortresses and precision bombing.
Similar message was received this date covering our Medium Bombardment airplanes operating
out of England.
 
                                             H.H. ARNOLD
                                        Lieutenant General, U.S.A.
                                   Commanding General, Army Air Forces.