BASE. The only suitable main base in the area is ~Casablanca. This port 'is well d~veloped~ served~by railways and roads, and lies outside the Straits of Gibraltar. It would be unsound to use as a main base any port inside the Straits as the sea communications to it from the Atlantic would be liable to interruption once the Germans reached South Spain. Initially, owing to scarcity of anti-aircraft defenses and air forces, a single main base must be used for the whole force in North Africa. ESTABLIStBiENT OF BASE. There is the possibility of at least token resistance by .French forces at Casablanca, which 'has a considerable garrison and coast defenses. The first force to enter must, therefore, be combat loaded. The United States Marine Div. ision is eminently suitable for this task, and there would be much greater likelihood of French acquiescence in the entry of Amer. ican forces rather than Bnitish. SUPPORT TO FRENCH IN TUNISIA. The immediate result of our forces gaining.an entry in Western Morocco, or perhaps a condition of their entry~ would be a demand from the French for support against a German threat in Tunisia. We must, therefore, have a suitable force prepared to meet this. This might consist of an ArmoredBrigade, an Infantry Brigade, two Anti-aircraft Regiments, and three Fighter Squadrons. The forces should be ready to go straight through by sea to, say, Algiers almost simultaneously with the arrival of the advance guard at Casablanca. DEFENSE OF MOROCCAN AREA. It will be essential to get sufficient forces into the Casablanca area in the early stages to avoid the possibility of the expedition being driven out by German air forces opera~ing from Southern Spain. This paints to the very early establishment of adequate air forces and anti-aircraft defenses. The early arrival of a substantial Army contingent is also essential in order to rally the .French and Spanish forces and secure the key positions in Morocco. The Joint forces which we should aim at landing during the fir~t three months are estimated at'- - 2 - |