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have no effect against the Japanese air power.  Consequently, what will have to be done is to push an offensive from island to island through the north by way of Canada, Alaska, the Euriles, to the coast of Japan, making direct attacks on the centers of strength of the Japanese empire.  I believe that an operation along that line would be perfectly practicable and would require much less outlay than any operations by way of the Hawaiian islands, Guam, and the Philippines.  The northern route cannot be turned strategically nor can its flank be attacked. It is in a decisive area whereas the southern route is not in a decisive area because of the strength of the Japanese communications.

66.  The defensive strength of an island has been greatly augmented by the advent of air power.  As air power can destroy surface shipping facilities, much smaller forces can hold islands as operating points than was the case formerly.

67.  Close watch should be kept on the Japanese air development, not only in Japan itself but in all other countries.

68.  The Japanese started the serious and continued development of their aviation in 1918.  In that year, realizing the tremen-

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