Hopkins Papers
The Chief of Staff United States Army (Marshall) to the Presidents Special Assistant (Hopkins)
Dear Harry: I am returning the papers that you sent me from Dr. Soong.1
His outline of the tonnage agreements lacks certain small provisos, [Page 298] but I do not think it is necessary to propose a modification of his statements.
As to paragraph 5, I am attaching a proposed substitute.2 The fact is, we have not yet taken up the detailed consideration of Anakim, though we have heard Dr. Soong on the subject as well as Wavell, Stilwell and Chennault. I assume that nothing must be said at this time that in any way conveys the idea that Anakim is definitely to be modified; as a matter of fact we have not reached a final decision in this matter. Therefore the suggested paragraph.
There is a further complication in this matter, which involves the question of landing craft and the fact that we have not yet reached an agreement regarding the Mediterranean and a modified Roundup. These matters of course affect the landing craft situation, and the Mediterranean decision will have a direct bearing on the question of the availability of a British fleet in the Indian Ocean next November.
Faithfully yours,