Bottomley and Spaatz.
Directive No. 4 for the Strategic Air Forces in Europe is taken from:
Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Plans. “Directive No. 4 for the Strategic Air Forces in Europe,” 13 April 1945. Strategic Employment Directives. Air Force Historical Research Agency, Reel A1377.
These papers have been reproduced as originally written, with spelling corrections and editorial additions highlighted and bracketed in blue. If you find any errors in my transcription, please do not hesitate to contact me.
DIRECTIVE NO. 4 FOR THE STRATEGIC
AIR FORCES IN EUROPE
13 April 1945
General Mission
1. The main mission of the Strategic Air Forces in now to give direct assistance to the land campaign. Operations in support of the Russian Armies will be made only when specifically requested by the Russian High Command. The direct support of Naval Operations when necessary remain a continuing commitment.
Priorities of Objectives
2. Under this general mission you are to direct your Strategic effort, subject to exigencies of weather and tactical feasibility, as follows:
First Priority
(i) Oil Supplies, with special emphasis on petrol (gasoline) including storage.
Second Priority
(ii) Enemy lines of Communication.
Third Priority
(iii) Such other missions requested by the Supreme Commanders.
Counter Air Force Action
3. Following attacks against the GAF will be continued to the extent necessary to insure tactical conditions will prevent effective interference with our ground air operations.
Attack of Enemy U-Boat Organization
4. In view of the continuing menace of the German U-Boat developments, certain objectives in the enemy’s U-Boat organization will be attacked whenever possible by marginal effort or incidental to operations covered by the preceding paragraphs in this directive.
Targets and Target Priorities
5. The list of targets best calculated to achieve the aims set out above and the relative priorities accorded them will be issued separately. These priorities will be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the situation.
[Document drafted by GEN Carl A. Spaatz, CG USSTAF and DCAS AVM Sir Norman H. Bottomley]