SEIZURE OR PEACEFUL OCCUPATION OF THE AZORES
                                
              Report by Joint War Plans Cormmittee
 
 
 
1.   A study to determine the merits and possibilities of a seizure of the AZORES either
peacefully or by an occupation through force is contained in Enclosure "A."  A brief thereof is set
forth below.
 
2.   The utilization of air and naval bases in the AZORES will contribute materially to meeting
the U-boat threat by providing VLR land-based aircraft cover for the presently uncovered areas
of the central North ATLANTIC.
 
3.   The AZORES consist of a group of 9 islands. The three most important, SAN MIGUEL,
TERCEIRA, and F AYAL, contain the majority of thepopulation of 260,000. Level stretches of
land are the exception.  Landing beaches are scarce. The islands all have circumferential road
systems but movement over the interior in most areas must be on foot.
 
4.   There are two artificial harbors, PONTA DELGADA on SAN MIGUEL ISLAND, and
HORTA on FAYAL ISLAND, which accommodate a limited number of vessels.  Anchorage,
exposed to the seaward, for large vessels can be found at PONTA DELGADA, HORTA, and
ANGRA.  It is estimated that the addition of the necessary floating maintenance and repair
facilities sufficient to support 20 DE's would tax all port capacities to the maximum.
 
5.   Two military airfields now exist on the islands, which should be capable of supporting
VLR aircraft operations within 15 days of occupation. Additional sites are available for
development.
 
6.   Average weather conditions present no bar to the operation of land-based aircraft from the
AZORES.
7.   Portuguese armed forces in the AZORES are the best of the nation, but are lightly armed
and equipped with obsolete aircraft.  It is felt that their resistance to a well-balanced aggressive