NOTE: This Text Version attempts to reflect the addition of handwritten comments or deletions of typewritten material. Such changes are noted in RED type. Some of the notations, however, are not legible as they appear in the printed book - and when such a word or words cannot be identified they are indicated in this document with "###" symbols.

SECRET [Originally stamped - then Marked out]
[Another stamp - completely marked out as to be illegible]

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
 
May 6, 1942.
 
MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL GEORGE MARSHALL:
  Chief of Staff
 
 
1.    I have yours of May sixth regarding the Pacific Theatre versus "Bolero". In regard to the first paragraph I did not issue any directive on May first regarding the increase of combat planes to Australia to a total of 1,000 and the ground forces to a total of 100,000. I did ask if this could properly be done. I understand now that this is inadvisable at the present time and I wholly agree with you and Admiral King.
 
2.    In regard to additional aircraft to the South Pacific Theatre, it is my thought that all we should send there is a sufficient number of heavy and medium bombers and pursuit planes in order to maintain the present objective [changed from strength] there at the maximum.
 
3.    I do not want "Bolero" slowed down.
 
4.    The success of raiding operations seems to be such that a large scale Japanese offensive against Australia or New Zealand can be prevented.
 
F.D.R.
[Signed Initials "FDR"]
 
 
 

A Stamp Regrading the
document as Unclassified
by Order of Sec Army by
TAG per 08489

 

Incl 4 [in handwriting]

Page created 10 January 2002

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