Top Secret war-dated TLS signed “Ira,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington letterhead, May 10, 1945. Eaker responds to an inquiry made by Barney M. Giles, commanding general, Pacific Ocean Area. In part: “I note by the cables that you arrived safely at Guam and have told General Kenney when you will be over to Manila. I image that you have found by now there is a real job to do in that area. We here are gravely concerned over the result of the command at Saipan passing to the Navy with the relief of General Jarman. It seems to us that the major activities are Army, since the B-29s are the only offensive effort being conducted from the Island against the Japs, and that it would be much better to have an Army officer commanding as we have on Tinian. This subject was discussed this morning at General Marshall’s conference, and it was agreed that I write to you and suggest that you sound out Admiral Nimitz on this subject, and after discussion with him give us yours and his views. A proposal has come from the Navy that the present divided command of Kwajalein crease and that a Navy Commander take over. We are concerned as to whether this will affect our Air Transport Command base operations through Kwajalein. It will help us if you will give your advice on this subject as soon as possible. It may be that you will have received a cable from us before you receive this letter, in which case disregard this if you have in the meantime cabled your reactions. I want to make it very clear that nobody here wants to interfere with Admiral Nimitz’s complete control as Theatre Commander. We do feel, however, that we have a tremendous stake on Saipan because of the great B-29 base it is becoming. I am sure your views after a conference with Nimitz will help us here tremendously. It may be wise for you and for us that you do not indicate that you have been queried by me on this subject but merely represent your own and the Twentieth Air Force interests in regard to this point at time. Please give me all the facts at the earliest convenient date.
We here, of course, are tremendously interested in the reaction of Admiral Nimitz and his Staff, General MacArthur and General Kenney to the studies you carried with you with respect to the Air Command set up in the Pacific. Any information you can give me in private correspondence will also help in our planning here…General Arnold is expected back here on the 12th. I talked to him yesterday on the telephone and was greatly reassured by his confident attitude. I am hoping he is going to return to the office greatly rested and that there will thereafter be no question about his ability to carry on. You will know better than anyone that I have been pretty busy during the past few days. You will also know that now since the Germans have folded up, we are all completely and wholeheartedly centered on finishing off the Japs in a minimum of time. It is a very fine thing for you and all the Army, Navy and Air Forces in the Pacific and very bad for the Japs that we not have but one war to fight.” Both pages of the letter are stamped twice “Top Secret.” Intersecting horizontal and vertical folds, uniform toning, a few handwritten notations, staples holes and a paper clip impression at the top left corner, and two filing holes at the top of the page, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by carbon copies of two follow-up letters sent by Giles to Eaker, an earlier memo dispatched by the general, and unsigned photo.
This incredible “Top Secret” correspondence, from the newly named deputy commander of the Army Air Forces and Chief of the Air Staff, presents a comprehensive summary of the state of war against Japan—now the Allies sole remaining enemy in World War II. With strategic bombing having greatly contributed to the resolution of the war in Europe, Eaker—who oversaw those raids and was now assigned to a new theater of war—understood the importance of B-29 attacks on Japan. Realizing the consequences of failure against Japan—an enemy that had constantly pledged to fight to death—the general endorsed having the Army...and not the Navy...lead the assault “since the B-29s are the only offensive effort being conducted...against the Japs.” Eaker’s intention was not only to defeat the enemy, but also involved a ‘friendly rivalry’ to ensure that his Army would claim the glory of the victory...not the Navy. “It may be wise for you and for us that you do not indicate that you have been queried by me on this subject but merely represent your own and the Twentieth Air Force interests in regard to this point at time,” Eaker points out, a carefully added disclaimer designed so as not to irritate his naval counterparts. At the time, theater commanders like General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Chester Nimitz, and General Joseph Stillwell all coveted the B-29s for tactical support alone. Three months later, it would be two B-29 bombers—Enola Gay and Bockscar—that would deliver their individual payloads of an atomic bomb, finally bringing the war to an end. A gritty and determined letter with superior content and references to all of the service’s ‘heavy hitters!’ Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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