_a That, due to Spanish resistance, the Germans will require a period of three months before they can mount a land attack from Spain against Morocco; b That once the Spanish mainland has been invaded by Germany, our forces will be admitted freely to Spanish Morocco, and that the Spanish tilere will not attack us; and .c That French forces will offer only sporadic resistance, if any. During the period in which we await this opportunity we think that plans and preparations should be completed and that the movements referredto above (Paragraphs 2, 3, 4) should continue. 6. If we undertake the North Africa operation, it will have the following adverse effects on other projects' Reduction in British troop movements to the Middle East and Far East by 25,000 men. b_ Suspension of major operations against the Callaries, Cape Verdes, and Diego Suarez. c Suspension of the relief of British troops ill Iceland by United States troops. _d Reduction in the rate of movement of United States troops to North Ireland. e eakening of British strength in the United Kingdom. _f Inability to move sizable forces to Northeast Brazil if such action should become necessary. g Reduction in the supply of British fighter aircraft to Russia. h Serious delay in the despatch of urgently needed United States reinforcements and supplies to Pacific island positions and the Far East, to the Pacific Fleet, aud to the outlying island bases. i Reduction in Atlantic convoys to the United Kingdom and Russia, due to diversions of shipping and escorts. (NOTE' If any of the other operations mentioned in this paper are undertaken, they will adversely affect other operations in some or all of the above ways to a greater or less extent) . -- 2 -- |