Received 18 February 1945 [1]

I send you herewith for your personal information a summary of the
major operational decisions reached in the Anglo-American and
tripartite military discussions at Malta and Yalta.

A. Anglo American Discussions
2. The U-Boat war. In view of the possibility that German U-Boats
may again constitute a serious threat to the North Atlantic
shipping lanes a directive was approved for issue to all
Commanders concerned ordering an intensification of counter
measures such as the bombing of assembly yards and operating
bases, air mining and attacks on enemy minesweepers.

3. Operations in North West Europe. General Eisenhower's plan of
operations is first to seize the Rhine crossings north of Cologne
and subsequently to direct his main offensive north of the Ruhr.

He intends also to carry out a secondary offensive in the South in
the general direction of Frankfurt. The maximum possible strength
will be allotted to the main offensive, the secondary thrust being
designed to retain German forces in the south or to take advantage
of their withdrawal.

4. Strategy in the Mediterranean. It was agreed that the primary
object in the war against Germany should be to build up the
maximum possible strength on the Western Front and to seek a
decision in that theatre. Accordingly five divisions and certain
air forces are to be withdrawn from the Italian theatre to General
Eisenhower's command. These divisions are to be Canadian and
United Kingdom thus bringing about the concentration of the whole
Canadian Army in one theatre and strengthening the forces under
the command of Field Marshal Montgomery. [2] The transfer is
commencing at once but its completion is dependent upon the
release of British forces from Greece.

5. A directive has been issued to Field Marshal Alexander
instructing him by means of such limited offensive action as may
be possible after the withdrawal of the above forces to contain
the German forces now in Italy and prevent their withdrawal. The
maximum advantage is also to be taken of any weakening or
withdrawal of German forces from the Italian front.

6. Operations in the Pacific Area. The programme of operations in
the Pacific will depend to some extent upon the end of the German
war. A point will be reached in the American advance towards Japan
when operations will be of such magnitude that they cannot be
conducted until forces are released from the European theatre.

Various alternative programmes are being studied: the one to be
adopted will depend upon progress in Europe. It is not intended to
give the Japanese any respite.

7. Operations in South East Asia Command. A new directive has been
approved for the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia, which
gives as his first object the liberation of Burma. His next main
task is to be the liberation of Malaya and the opening of the
Straits of Malacca.

8. Admiral Mountbatten has been asked to prepare for approval a
fresh programme of operations in the light of his new directive.

9. Planning dates for the end of the war against Germany and
Japan. Following dates for planning production and allotting
manpower
were agreed:-

German War. Earliest date 1st July, 1945.

Date beyond which war is unlikely to continue 31st December, 1945.

Japanese War. Eighteen months after defeat of Germany.

10. The Russians were in general agreement with planning dates for
the German War.

11. Shipping. The cargo shipping position in the first six months
of this year is extremely acute. At the beginning of the
Conference it seemed that there were deficiencies on required
sailings which would be of unmanageable size. Intensive study of
the problem of the economical use of shipping led to a reduction
in the deficits to dimensions which are likely to be manageable
though some cuts in programmes will be unavoidable. The shipping
position for the whole year is to be reviewed again and a report
presented to the Combined Chiefs of Staff not later than 1st
April, 1945.

B. Tripartite Military Discussions
12. The Tripartite Military discussions between the United
Kingdom, American and Russian High Commands were officially
confined to the war against Germany and dealt with the military
situation in its broadest aspects. Discussion was very frank and
complete agreement was reached as to the timing and scope of
future operations against Germany from the East and West. The
Russians intend to prosecute their offensive without relaxation
though pause may be forced on them by the thaw which usually
occurs about the middle of March and lasts till May. ENDS.