Evening star., 1947-06-02
~. S. Prime Target for Aggressor Commission Warns

disregarding the conventions of the
past is matter on which we car
only guess.
| 8. The ''sneak attack" of the type
delivered upon our forces at Pear
Harbor is made vastly more probable
by the increased range of aircraft
and the enormous destructive ca
pacity OF atomic weapons. For a
period estimated by responsible
scientists at not less than four years
and not more than 10 years, we can
expect immunity from such an at
tack because we alone possess the
atomic bomb. After that the signal
for the start of a war against us
will, it is to be expected, be large
scale, long distance onslaught with
atomic explosives against our prin-
ciple centers of population and
production.
4. The speed and force of attack
make imperative the maintenance
in constant state of readiness of
counterattacking force that can
retaliate instantly with the most
modern and powerful weapons, Never
again will our Nation have months
of relative immunity after the out
break of war to mobilize, train and
equip an effective fighting force. Our
preparation must be such that we
can stand alone if necessary from
the very beginning of the attack
and win.
S. Every form of warfare has be-
come more highly mechanized. The
prospect is for steady, and perhaps
perpendicular, decrease in the num-
ber OF troops physically exposed at
the fronts and an increase in the
number required in the rear as tech
nicians and supply components and
for home-defense duty.
Every City Combat Zone.
6. Under these conditions of mod
tern warfare. every city, every fac
tory, and every farm would become
part of the zone of combat. The
entire population must not only be
actively engaged in the conduct of
the war but will be subject to per-
sonal attack by the enemy.
7. Fifth column activities would
become an even more important fac
tor in the plans of an aggressor than
they were under Hitler. The enemy
would seek, as preliminary to at
tack. to undermine the confidence
of the people in the virtues of our
form OF government; to inhibit our
defense preparations through dis
unity and sabotage: and to spread
defeatism in the hope that the first
major blow will bring surrender.
Before considering the impact of
these characteristics of modern war
| fare, let us take note of some posi-
BILE ways in which the United States
might become involved in war
through the activities of hostile
nations:
| l. We may be attacked directly
| by powerful enemy or comhina-
| ton of enemies. Such an attack
| is unlikely until potential aggres-
sor achieves the quantity produc-
ton of atomic bombs or equivalent
methods of mass destruction. If,
however, the United States is to
be attacked in accordance with the
long-range plan of any unfriendly
power, it is reasonable to assume
that there would be a preliminary
softening-up period in which sub
versive agents would endeavor to
sap the solidarity and defensive
strength Of this country. These
agents. utilizing to the full the help
of domestic allies and dupes and
operating through host of front"
organizations, would combine the
practice of espionage and sabotage
with the all too familiar preaching
| of doctrines calculated to divide
and dishearten our people.
| Foe Would Seek Quick Victory.
When the time for attack arrived,
the enemyis primary purpose would
be to immobilize us militarily, In
dustrially, and politically through
the force Of his initial assault and
the effectiveness of his fifth column.
In the effort to achieve victory be-
fore we could react with significant
strength. the enemy would give as
much weight to creating peeic and