Finally, Armstrong is able to deftly articulate the diplomatic dealings that were such a part of the planning and preparation of the potential operation. The author utilizes numerous documents (many previously unpublished which he references in his appendix section) and solid organizational skills to detail these events. I believe readers will find the myriad of back door agreements and under the table deals very interesting.

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Undoubtedly, these interactions would provide all the nations involved with valuable experience that was used throughout the rest of World War II.

My only issue with Preemptive Strike is that in my opinion Armstrong is weak in providing readers with analysis and insight on the final two questions listed above. For review these were:

• What lessons can America learn from her failure to mount preemptive bombing raids before the attack on Pearl Harbor?
• How has American foreign policy changed in the decades following the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Armstrong leaves this discussion for a few brief paragraphs in his conclusion and consequently, does not do the subjects justice. Based on this minor treatment, I believe Armstrong would have been better off not highlighting these questions in the preface. Certainly, these are relevant questions, but perhaps not within the scope of this particular volume.

Alan Armstrong’s Preemptive Strike serves several key functions. First, for many it will be their initial exposure to Chennault and the American Volunteer Group who served in relative obscurity in the China-Burma-India Theater. I feel Armstrong’s portrayal of these subjects will perk reader’s interests into pursuing additional reading on each. Second, this volume will prove to be a real eye opener for many readers who were unaware of these potential bombing raids on Japan. For many, their knowledge of our strategy against Japan begins after Pearl Harbor as reactive measures. Finally, as in any good book of this genre, Preemptive Strike simply makes you think. After completing Armstrong’s book, readers will without a doubt ponder the question, “what if?”

In summary, Armstrong has weaved his treatment of Chennault and Flying Tigers with the “what if” aspects of a preemptive bombing raid on Japan to write a book sure to appeal to many World War II enthusiasts. As the author so aptly states, “The facts revealed in America’s planning for bombing raids on Japan before the attack on Pearl Harbor are bizarre. Few Hollywood screenwriters employing all their imagination and talents could have created such an intriguing story.” Fortunately for us, Armstrong has told this intriguing story.

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