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,