-2. open for the approach of such a carrier. a. Such a theoretically perfect outer patrol on the Pacific side would consist of a patrol zone about 400 nautical miles in width extending from an outer semi-circle 1000 nautical miles distant from the Canal to an inner semi-circle about 600 miles distant. The patrolling Bombers for such a zone could be most conveniently based upon Guatemala City, Tehuantepec, Mexico, on the Central American coast; Salinas, Ecuador, and Telara, Peru, in South America; and the Galapagos Islands in the center. The width of the patrol zone is fixed by the distance a carrier could cover at a speed of thirty knots during the twelve hours of darkness and allowing a two and a half hour margin of safety. The longer arc between Central America and Galapagos could be covered by the faster Army four engine bombers; and the shorter arc between South America and Galapagos could be covered by the slower Navy PBY' s. The landing fields at Galapagos will probably be complete before the end of April. Unless new bases are obtained at Tehuantepec, Mexico, and Telara, Peru, the patrolling of the zone from Guatemala and Salinas alone would place upon the planes much additional strain. The outer distance of the arc of 1000 miles from Panama is fixed by the possible range of a bomber loaded with bombs. To effectuate this patrol all of the bombers must of course be equipped with ASV's. These would give each sweep an effective width of at least fifty miles. b. The Atlantic side. At present General Andrews, the Commander of Panama Defense, has no operational control over patroll- ing the entrances to the Carribean Sea through the gaps in the Antilles. In my opinion he should be given such control and an adequate arrangement should be worked out with the Navy for that purpose. Otherwise a thoroughly coordinated defense of the Canal is rendered difficult if not impossible. Admiral Hoover, who today is commanding the patrol of the gaps in the Antilles, has the mission of defending shipping against submarine attack and not the defense of the Canal. The difference in these missions necessarily affects the conduct of the patrols and thus reacts adversely on the effectiveness of the defense of Panama. c. In addition to the patrolling planes, there must be a striking force of long distance bombers provided of sufficient power to enable it to go out and sink the aircraft carrrier as soon as it is located by a patrolling plane. In addition |