Chapter 110 Volume Three, Chapter Thirty-Seven, Returning to the Storm

Additional documents on the war after Anglo-American negotiations Expansion of the U.S. Army Expansion of the Air Force Increased production of munitions and ships Importance of sending an American army to Northern Ireland Rommel's staunch resistance and the postponement of the North African plan The need to continue Engagement to deplete Germany's air force Russian victory in the South Turns us into a potential danger in the Ancaucasus War against Japan We need to regain the initiative Mobile assault forces attacking Japanese conquests Last meeting at the White House on January 12th Anglo-American Unanimous opinion General Marshall's question We depart home President's concern Boeing I want to use it Portell and Pound's expert opinion Decides to fly instead of Duke of York I address Bermuda Parliament on a long haul flight Dawn The crisis of the moment arrived at Plymouth.

While I was resting in Florida, I drew up a fourth memorandum in two parts to the Chiefs of Staff and the Belligerent Cabinet Defense Committee.It was also written for Americans to read.It differs from the previous three documents in that it was written after the discussions between the President and myself, his advisers, and the joint Chiefs of Staff began in Washington.Then, when I got back to London, I circulated all these documents to the War Cabinet for their information.Much agreement has been reached between our two countries, and the War Cabinet actually agreed to a very large extent with the direction laid down for our business.Here, I only present those more general aspects. 【１】

【1】Due to space constraints, the ninth, tenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth sections are omitted. To General Ismay to the Chiefs of Staff and Defense Committee January 10, 1942 I have taken advantage of some days of quiet and seclusion to review the character of the war as it has appeared after my deliberations here. The United States has been attacked and is at war with the three Axis powers, and desires to move its trained troops to the front as quickly and efficiently as possible.This was not possible on a large scale in 1942 due to the tightness of the ships. During this period the United States Army will rise from a strength of a little over thirty divisions and five armored divisions to a total of about sixty divisions and ten armored divisions, with about 3.75 million men currently in possession or about to be called up Incorporated into the Army and Air Force (more than one million people).The manpower reserves are practically unlimited, but to muster greater numbers at this stage would be a misdirection of the war effort.

2. It seems that the number transported to the actual combat front in 1942 will not exceed one-fourth to one-third of the above-mentioned U.S. troops.But in 1943, the enormous increase in tonnage of ships resulting from previous and recent shipbuilding programs must have been able to carry much larger troops across the seas, so that the summer of 1943 could be launched with a massive offensive. Actions characterize it, and these actions should be carefully studied during this period. 3. The already strong but rapidly growing US Air Force could participate in large-scale combat operations within 1942.A strong bomber fleet based in the British Isles should attack Germany and invade the ports, which was already planned.American fighter squadrons could be involved in the defense of Great Britain, as well as control of coastal areas of France within range of the fighters.

4. The President had announced to Congress that the enormous increase in American munitions and ship production would take place in 1942 and reach its full height in 1943; this made Hitler feel more necessary than ever to be under full American pressure Previously, a decisive battle took place in 1942. 5. Hitler had time to prepare (maybe mass produce) tank transport vehicles that could land on any beach.Undoubtedly he has developed, to an incalculable extent, raids by airlifted troops by parachute, and especially by glider.The president had declared Great Britain a vital bastion for the United Nations, an opinion shared by leading US strategists.Great Britain is indeed the only area in which the critical campaign of 1942, which is about to begin, is likely to lose the war.It would be most imprudent to endanger the effective defense of the British Isles.

6. Therefore, the sending of four American divisions, one of which is armored, into Northern Ireland is a most necessary operational measure and should not be hindered in any way. The replacement of the British army in Iceland would free up another British division.It has been suggested, however, that the US authorities should be asked to consider training as many troops as possible in Iceland to fight in the mountains and snow, as only a large number of such trained ski mountain troops will be able to liberate Scandinavia for the future Prepare for battle on the Via Peninsula. 7. Stubborn enemy resistance in Cyrenaica, possibility of General Rommel retreating or fleeing with the same part of the army, reinforcements which may have reached Tripoli and others which must be expected to arrive during the delay, and especially ours Difficulties in feeding the advancing troops will delay, or even prevent, the full completion of the Acrobatics' battle plan (clearing of Tripoli).Thus, we were able to study the super sportsman operation plan more thoroughly (joint occupation of French North Africa by Anglo-American forces) and carry out Operation Magneto (U.S. troops to Northern Ireland) most quickly.

8. The German front-line air force is already smaller in number than the British front-line air force.A considerable part of it must now be left for Russia.However the bulk of the British air force had to be tied down at home and could not be moved, although at present faced with a much more dispersed German bomber and fighter plane than before, because the enemy maintained good internal lines of communication and had the ability to move rapidly .In addition, there is the Italian Air Force to be considered. 11. The object which we should place before us is the gradual exhaustion of the German air forces by means of constant engagement.This is being done on the Russian front.On the British front it could only be done to a limited extent unless the enemy resumed his bombing or day offensive.But in the Mediterranean area, the enemy shows an intention to open a front; so we should meet him there with superior forces, which can only be obtained by the arrival of the United States Air Force.The most important thing is to keep the Luftwaffe in constant combat at every possible moment and at every point of attack.We are far more able to withstand this drain than they are.Indeed, noting the great supplies to come in the future, we can, as General Grant[1] did in his last campaign, be able to withstand a loss of almost two to one.One German plane or one German pilot out of combat in 1942 was worth two or two in 1943.Only by making him constantly engaged in air combat can we compel the enemy to exhaust his air power beyond the replenishment of his aircraft factories and aviation schools.In this way we can regain the initiative, since the enemy will be as completely occupied with daily needs and reluctant support as we have always been.

【1】Ulysses Simpson Grant (1822｜1885) was the commander-in-chief of the Union Army during the American Civil War.In May 1864, in the last battle with the Confederate Army, the Northern Army finally won despite heavy casualties.translator 12. We should applaud the successful resistance of the Russian armies along the Don and in the Crimea, which has allowed Russia to maintain control of the Black Sea, to our great relief.Three months earlier we had had to expect the German advance through the Caucasus to the Caspian Sea and the oil fields of Baku.That danger is almost certainly averted for perhaps four or five months until the end of winter, and the continued successful resistance of the Russian troops in the south will of course keep us completely protected.

13. But this danger may reappear in late spring.The strain on oil supplies which had become so severe in Germany and the countries conquered by Germany made the capture of Baku and the oil fields of Persia an objective of paramount importance to Germany, second only to the need for a successful invasion of the British Isles .The great strength of the German Army may be immediately reasserted after the weather conditions improve.In this case they may well be content to adopt a defensive posture along the northern and middle sectors of the Russo-German front and direct the offensive southeast via the Caucasus to the oil fields located there.

war against japan 17. It is generally believed that a collapse such as Germany's defeat would put Japan under irresistible pressure; whereas Japan's defeat would by no means bring the world war to an end.Moreover, the vast distances in the Pacific and the favorable key points of advance which the Japanese have captured or are likely to capture will make a serious invasion of the Japanese homeland protracted.The recovery of islands, airfields, and naval bases in the Southwest Pacific area entrusted to General Wavell by forces based mainly in Australia and India would be equally protracted.Victory over Germany seemed likely to come sooner than victory over Japan.In view of our other tasks to be performed and the limitations of our ships, we cannot expect to develop sufficient naval, air and ground superiority in the above-mentioned areas for a considerable period in any case.

18. Although the war against Germany should therefore be placed first, it would be wrong to say that we are on the defensive against Japan; on the contrary, it will allow us to spend the middle period in the Far East before Germany is defeated The only way to do this is to restore the initiative, even on a smaller scale. 19. In a region with thousands of islands, many of which could be converted into temporary naval and air bases, a purely passive defense would run into insoluble problems.Now that the Japanese had gained temporary control of the seas and air superiority over a wide area, they had the power to take almost any point they wanted, with the exception, it was hoped, of the fort of Singapore.They can go everywhere with a traveling force and clear out any garrisons that we or the Dutch have hitherto been able to hold.They would try to maintain their holdings by means of a well-planned network of air bases, and no doubt they hoped to secure fortress Singapore within a number of months.Once this place and Manila were occupied, and air bases were established at various central places, they established a naval and air defense system capable of long-term resistance.U.S. naval superiority, to be assisted vigorously by Great Britain, should be restored by the summer of 1942. 20. Thereafter, or as soon as possible, attacks should be organized against islands or seaports already occupied by the Japanese.From what I understand, the President has ordered the creation of a guerrilla-like army on the west coast of the United States.Due to its special performance, this kind of army is very useful for attacking key strongholds and fortifications in amphibious operations.It needs to be supported by many small brigades, the mobility and equipment of which are just right for the particular tasks anticipated, each of which is prescribed by study.No presence is required on captured or recovered islands unless required for strategic reasons.It is enough to annihilate or capture the local defenders, destroy any useful facilities, and leave.The exact composition of the army required for each mission and operation is a matter of separate study.According to our experience, it seems necessary that there should be sufficient cover of carrier aircraft and tank troops and tank landing craft.The enemy cannot be prepared, and he must be extremely vulnerable in many places.After even a few successful operations of this nature (all of which have been invaluable coaching experience for troops and commanders), the enemy will be too frightened to Weak forces will defend some places, but will be forced to concentrate forces on some strong strongholds.At that time, if we do not want to keep too many islands, we may easily acquire some suitable islands, and on these islands, temporary or permanent air bases and refueling stations can be temporarily established. The terror among the isolated garrisons of the enemy appeared to be an invaluable preparation for a larger operation to recover lost ground and establish a strong base as a stepping-stone for the northward advance from Australia. I gave this document to the President. When I returned to the White House, I found that the work of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had come a long way, largely in agreement with me.The President called a conference on January 12, at which time there was complete agreement on the general principles and objectives of the war.Differences were limited to priorities and emphases, and everything was governed by that stern and arbitrary ship of factors. According to British records, the President placed great emphasis on organizing a supersportsman operation, the joint American-British expedition to North Africa.A tentative timetable has been drawn up for sending 90,000 American troops and 90,000 British troops into North Africa, along with a huge air force.The purpose of the decision to send two divisions of American troops to Northern Ireland has been stated above.The President has privately stated to me that he would send fifty thousand American troops to Australia and the islands controlling the Japanese approach as quickly as possible if necessary.25,000 troops will move out as soon as possible to occupy New Caledonia and other footholds between the United States and Oceania.In terms of major strategy, the staff agreed that only the minimum necessary troops should be drawn from the German operation to defend vital interests in other theaters.No one was more involved in reaching this fundamental decision than General Marshall. The general came to see me one evening and asked a difficult question. He once agreed to send nearly 30,000 American soldiers to Northern Ireland.We have of course given him two ships of the Queen's class to use for this purpose, the only ships of 80,000 tons in the world.General Marshall asked me exactly how many people we should have on board, and mentioned that the boats, rafts, and other flotation devices would only provide for about 8,000 people.If this is ignored, 16,000 people can be loaded.I gave him the following answer: I can only tell you what we did.You must judge for yourself the risks you will run.Assuming this is a direct part of actual military operations, we can load as many men as the two ships can accommodate. If it were merely a matter of mobilizing troops at reasonable times, we should not exceed what lifeboats, rafts, etc. allow.This is for you to decide. He was silent when he heard this, and our conversation turned to other matters.The ships were loaded with a small number of troops on their first voyage, but were later loaded to the side.It so happened that fate helped our friend. The time has now come when I must leave the hospitality and excitement of the White House and of the American people, who stood firm and outraged against tyrants and aggressors.The places I have to go back to are not some sun-soaked vistas.Though I longed to be back in London, and was sure of our final victory, I felt constantly at the approach of a period of great calamity which must last for many months.My hope that Rommel would be destroyed by victory in the western desert was gone.Rommel had escaped.Auchinleck's achievements in Sidi Rezeg and Gachala are not conclusive.These achievements did give us less momentum in drawing up all our plans for the Anglo-American raid on French North Africa, so that the operation was conspicuously postponed for some months. Prime Minister to Keeper of the Seal January 12, 1942 As I will be silent for some time soon (though I am sure it will not be permanently), I look forward to telegraphing me tonight of any important matter that needs to be decided here before I leave. I bid farewell to the President on the fourteenth.He seemed apprehensive about the dangers of the voyage.The news of our stay in Washington has been known to the world for many days, and the charts show that there are more than twenty German U-boats on our home route.We flew from Norfolk to Bermuda in bright weather, where the destroyer Duke of York and escort were waiting for us in the coral reef.We flew in a giant Boeing seaplane that gave me the best impression.During the three-hour flight, I made friends with the lead pilot, Capt. Kelly Rogers, who appeared to be a man of great talent and experience.I have mastered the manipulator for some time, trying this gigantic machine in the air that weighs thirty tons or more.I love this plane more and more.Not long after, I asked the captain, how about flying from Bermuda to England?Can it carry enough gasoline? Despite his dull appearance, he showed obvious excitement.Of course we can.Forty miles an hour wind blowing behind us, according to the current forecast.We can complete the flight in twenty hours.I asked how far it was, and he said, about 3,500 miles.I can't help but think about it. But after we landed, I raised the matter with Porter and Pound. Extraordinary events are happening in Malaya; we should all go home as soon as possible.The Chief of the Air Staff immediately said that he considered the risk completely unjustified and that he could not be held responsible for it.The First Sea Lord supported his colleagues.With the Duke of York and her destroyers there, everything is ready for us, and she will provide us with comfort and security.I said: What about those German submarines you once pointed out to me?The admiral gave them a gesture of contempt, which showed his real opinion of the threat to a well-guarded and fast battleship.It occurred to me that both officers thought my plan was for me to fly myself and let them go home on the Duke of York, so I said: Sure, we'll all have seats.After the two of them heard this sentence, their expressions changed significantly.After a considerable pause, Porter said the matter could be looked into, and that he would discuss it in detail with the captain of the plane and study the weather situation with the Bureau of Meteorology.That's all for now. When they were both back two hours later, Portell said he thought it would work.That aircraft, under the right conditions, must have been able to accomplish its mission; The forecast weather is particularly favorable due to strong tailwinds.Undoubtedly, it is very important to return home quickly.Pound said that he held the captain in high esteem, and he did have a wealth of experience.Of course it was a risk, but on the other hand there were German submarines to consider.So we decided to fly unless the weather turned bad.Departure time is two o'clock in the afternoon of the next day.It was felt necessary to reduce our luggage to a few boxes of important papers.Deal will remain in Washington as my personal military representative to the President.Our party will be just myself, the two Chiefs of Staff, and Max Beaverbrook, Charles Wilson, and Hollis.All the rest will sail on the Duke of York. That afternoon, I addressed the Bermuda Parliament, the oldest parliament in the Western Hemisphere.I persuaded them to agree and assist as much as possible to establish a United States naval and air base on this island, and they felt a little embarrassed about it.The survival of the entire empire is now at stake.The smooth development of our alliance with the United States makes final victory inevitable, however long the journey will be.They didn't object.The Governor, Lord Norris, gave a banquet that evening for notables and soon departing guests of the island.We are all in high spirits.Only Tommy [1], whom I called the lieutenant colonel's staff, was afraid that he wouldn't get a seat on the plane.He stated how sad he was at the thought of returning home by water.I reminded him to think of his devotion to the Navy and the pleasures a career at sea affords a brave sailor.I spoke at length of the undeniable dangers from the German submarine side.He is a very difficult person to appease.Yet he has a way.He has persuaded a flight attendant to let him take his place; he will do the dishes himself.But what did the captain mean, I asked?In Tommy's mind, if the captain came across such an arrangement at the last moment, he would have no objection.He had found out that he weighed less than the waiter.I shrugged and we went to bed, it was late at night. [1] Lieutenant Colonel Thompson, Royal Navy. I woke up prematurely, thinking in my heart that I would never fall asleep again.I must admit, I felt rather intimidated.I thought of the vastness of the ocean, and of the thousand miles we had to cover before approaching the land of the British Isles.It occurred to me that I might have done a rash thing, that it was a matter of luck.I've always dreaded flying across the Atlantic, but this matter has been decided.Nevertheless, I must admit that if, at breakfast, or even before lunch, they came to me to report that the weather had changed and we had to return by sea, I would have been apt to listen to those who had traveled a long way. The magnificent warship that picked us up took us on a voyage. The sun is shining brightly on the island, and the weather situation has been confirmed as good.At noon we arrived at the plane by motorboat.We were delayed an hour on the pier because a duty boat was taking longer than scheduled to collect luggage from the Duke of York.Tommy looked gloomy.The captain had, in the usual way of captains, dismissed his plans.The caterer was a trained crew member; he couldn't take another person on board; every tank was full of gasoline.Based on this, it is not an easy task to leave the water and take off.So we glided to the far end of the harbor and left Tommy sad like Lord Erling in the poem, but for a different reason.We have never been apart on this type of travel, before and since. [1] Thomas Campbell's poem "Lord Erling's Daughter". (Translator's note: Campbell (1777｜1844) is a Scottish poet. "Lord Erlin's Daughter" describes the daughter of Lord Erlin who elopes with her lover. back, and therefore extremely sad.) As the captain expected, it was not easy to fly out of the water.Indeed, I thought it would be difficult for us to fly over the low hills that surround the harbor.Actually, there is no danger; we have reliable people with excellent skills.The plane clumsily rose a quarter of a mile from the reef, saving us from gaining a few hundred feet.There is no doubt about the comfort equipment on board such a huge aircraft.I had a nice big bed in a twin cabin at the back of the plane, with huge windows on either side.It is a fairly long passage of thirty or forty feet to go down through the various rooms to the drawing room and dining room, where food and drink are available.The flight was smooth, the vibrations were not unpleasant, and we had a pleasant afternoon and a jolly dinner.This type of aircraft has two floors, and a conventional escalator leads to the control room.It was dark and all reports were good.We were flying through the fog at an altitude of seven thousand feet.One can see the leading edge of the wing with the huge hot exhaust stream pouring over the wing.At this time, a large rubber tube that expands and contracts intermittently is used on such aircraft to prevent freezing.The captain explained to me how it worked, and from time to time I saw the ice crack and fall off as it swelled.I went to bed and slept soundly for a few hours. I woke up just before dawn and went to the control room.It was getting brighter and brighter.Below us is an almost continuous cloud cover. After an hour in the passenger seat, I became aware of a sense of apprehension all around me.We were supposed to be approaching England from the southwest, we should have flown over the Isles of Scilly, but we didn't see them through any gap in the clouds.Since we had been flying in the fog for more than ten hours, and had seen only one star in that time, we were probably slightly off course.Radio contact was of course restricted by normal wartime rules.Obviously, from the discussions that are going on, we don't know where we are.Soon, Porter, who had been studying the position, had a word with the captain, and then said to me: We will immediately turn to fly north.This was done, and after another half hour in and out of the clouds, we had England in sight, and were soon over Plymouth, where, avoiding the glowing anti-aircraft balloons, we landed safely. As I got off the plane, the captain said, I've never felt so much relief in my life as when I landed you safely in port.I didn't understand the meaning of his words at the time.I later learned that if we continued on our course for another five or six minutes before turning north we would be over the German batteries at Brest.We were too far south when flying at night.Moreover, the decisive correction was that we were flying not from the southwest, but from the east-south, that is to say, from the direction of the enemy and not from the direction from which we were expected.This had the result, I heard a few weeks later, that our plane was reported to be an enemy bomber flying from Brest, and six Tornadoes from the Fighter Corps were ordered to dispatch We shot them down, but they didn't do their job. I telegraphed to President Rufus that we arrived here on a long flight from Bermuda with a tailwind of thirty miles an hour.