pressure against Japan, and would necessarily gradually re-
 
orient our policy in the Far East. The full national offensive 
 
strength would be exerted in a single direction, rather than be 
 
expended in areas far distant from each other. At the conclu-
 
sion of the war, even if Britain should finally collapse, we 
 
might still find ourselves possessed of bases in Africa suit-
 
able for assisting in the defense of South America.
 
     Under any of these plans, we must recognize the 
 
possibility of the involvement of France as an ally of Germany,
 
               I believe that the continued existence of the British 
 
Empire, combined with building up a strong protection in our
 
home areas, will do most to ensure the status quo in the Western 
 
Hemisphere, and to promote our principal national interests.
 
As I have previously stated, I also believe that Great Britain 
 
requires from us very great help in the Atlantic, and possibly 
 
even on the continents of Europe or Africa, if she is to be 
 
enabled to survive. In my opinion Alternatives (A), (B), and
 
(C) will most probably not provide the necessary degree of 
 
assistance, and, therefore, if we undertake war, that Alterna-
 
tive (D) is likely to be the most fruitful for the United 
 
States, particularly if  we enter the war at an early date. 
 
Initially, the offensive measures adopted would, necessarily, 
 
be purely naval. Even should we intervene, final victory in 
 
Europe is not certain. I believe that the chances for success 
 
are in our favor, particularly if we insist upon full equality 
 
in the political and military direction of the war.
 
 
                               -24-