Op-38-MG
 
                                                  25 August 1941.
 
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS.
 
       1.      We have already carried out the escort of 
several Icelandic flagships in each direction.
 
       2.      Three U.S. flag tankers are now under 
escort to Reykjavik.
 
       3.           In the preparations to fully execute W.P.L. 
51 the one item which has required rather extensive 
arrangements has been the acquisition of merchant ves-
sels in the necessary number and of proper characteristics 
to ensure that at least one is fully ready and will
positively be in each convoy we escort, eastbound and 
westbound.
 
       4.       Close collaboration has been had with the 
Maritime Commission to obtain the required vessels which 
obviously must be under naval control (N.S.&T.S.) as re-
gards sailing dates and routing, and they must be acquired 
through the Maritime Commission; the first list compiled
contained only a very few 10 knot ships, the great 
majority being rated at only 9 knots; all units of a 
more recent list appear to have acceptable characteristics 
and it is expected to have the necessary initial units 
at Reykjavik by 8 September and to initiate the escort 
schedule on or about 14 September.
 
       5.          Convoy schedule (eastbound), as now presented 
by Canadian authorities, is as follows: Depart Halifax 
27 August - 2 September - 8 September - 14 September, and
every 6 days thereafter.
 
 
                              R.M. Brainard,
                              Rear Admiral, USN.