From Admiral Leahy, Chief of Staff to the President.
My immediately following message is top secret and should be seen
only by General Stilwell, a decoder appointed by him, and the
Ambassador3 who is then to deliver it to the British
Ambassador4 upon receipt. If possible it should be
delivered by the two Ambassadors at the same time to the
Generalissimo. Message should be carefully but closely
paraphrased before delivery. Acknowledge receipt and
delivery.
From Admiral Leahy, Chief of Staff to the President.
Top secret and personal to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek from
President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill.
We have just concluded our conference in Quebec during which
we discussed ways and means to bring about the earliest
possible defeat of Germany so that we can reorient the
entire weight of our forces and resources against Japan. We
hasten to inform you of plans for our mutual effort,
particularly in Southeast Asia.
- First: We are determined fully to employ all available
resources toward the earliest practicable invasion of
the Japanese homeland. To
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this end we have devised courses
of action and are taking vigorous steps to expedite the
redeployment of forces to the war against Japan
following the defeat of Germany.
- Second: To continue and extend present operations
under Admiral Mountbatten in North Burma to provide
additional security for intermediate air ferry bases in
the Myitkyina area, and at the beginning of favorable
weather to launch a determined campaign to open overland
communications between India and China. These operations
will require continued effective cooperation of the
Chinese troops who have already so distinguished
themselves in Burma, as well as of your armies that are
now engaged west of the Salween. The detailed operations
will involve overland and airborne advances by the
British from Imphal to seize Kalewa, thence the
Yeu-Monywa area with exploitation toward Mandalay. At
the same time, the Chinese, British and American forces
now in the Myitkyina area will push on to
Indaw-Katha-Bhamo, thence toward Mongmit-Mogok.
Concurrently, your Chinese armies now engaged west of
the Salween should drive vigorously toward Hsenwi and
Lashio. All these operations will be fully supported by
our preponderant air strength, and by adequate air
supply. Small-scale amphibious operations on the Arakan
coast, and activities by long range penetration groups
will contribute to our success. We feel that the
vigorous prosecution of these operations should result
in securing an area by next spring which will permit the
extension of the Ledo Eoad with accompanying pipelines
in order to support the heroic effort of your
forces.
- Third: Without prejudice to the North Burma operations
to protect the air ferry line and establish overland
communications, Admiral Mountbatten has been further
directed to continue planning and preparations for a
large scale amphibious and airborne operation in South
Burma to be undertaken as soon as developments in the
European Theater will allow the necessary resources to
be made available.
