Analysis of the Washington War Conference Strategy

SOURCE: The First Washington Conference (Code named ARCADIA) held between December 24, 1941 and January 14, 1942. WASHINGTON WAR CONFERENCE, AMERICAN-BRITISH STRATEGY. MEMORANDUM BY THE BRITISH CHIEFS OF STAFF. REVISED BY U. S. CHIEFS OF STAFF.

I. GRAND STRATEGY (A-B abbreviation stands for American and British)

 

1. At the A-B Staff conversations in February, 1941, it was agreed that Germany was the predominant member of the Axis Powers, and consequently the Atlantic and European area was considered to be the decisive theatre

2. Much 'has happened since February last, but notwithstanding the entry of Japan into the War, our 'view remains that Germany is still the prime enemy and 'her defeat is the key to 'victory. Once Germany is defeated, the collapse of Italy and the defeat of Japan must follow.

3. In our considered opinion, therefore, it should be a cardinal principle of A-B strategy that only the minimum of force necessary for the safeguarding of vital interests in other theatres should be diverted from operations against Germany:

 

II. ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF OUR STRATEGY

 

4. The essential features of the above grand strategy are as follows:

   Each will be examined in greater detail later in this paper.

                    a. 'The realization of the 'victory program of armaments, which 

                        first and foremost requires the security of the main areas of war industry

                    b. The maintenance of essential communications.

                     c. Closing and tightening the ring round Germany.

    d. Wearing down and undermining German resistance by air bombardment, blockade, 

     subversive activities, and propaganda.

                    e. The continuous development of offensive action against Germany.

                    f. Maintaining only such positions in the Eastern theatre as will safeguard vital 

                       interests and deny to Japan access to raw materials vital to her continuous war 

                       effort while we are concentrating on the defeat of Germany.