The Nation's Outlying Defenses in 1941 The peacetime strategic
frontier of Alaska-Oahu-Panama that was recommended in 1933 1 as
America's outlying western defense line readily commended
itself. It was a line that the United States could probably
maintain with its normal forces. Also it was one that the United
States would have to maintain as a minimum for the full security
of the west coast. The need of holding a sea frontier marked out
by those specific land areas was apparent. (1) Alaska's long
line of Aleutian Islands bordered the Great Circle route from
Japan to the west coast ports; developed by America, it would
provide a series of bases for defense against any attack from
the northwest; on the other hand, in enemy possession it could
offer continuous threat of harassing raids, if nothing more,
against coastal cities, and obviously an enemy should be
prevented from getting a foothold in any part of Alaska. (2)
Oahu, the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands and the site of
Pearl Harbor, provided a natur