(2) Conduct a vigorous air offensive with a view to reducing GERMANY'S war potential and to making feasible a cross-channel operation and exploitation from lodgments on the Continent in the spring of 1944. (3) Build up appropriate forces in the UNITED KINGDOM for tasks (1) and (2). (4) Prepare for and return to the Continent in the event of German disintegration at any time from now on- wards with whatever forces may be available at the time. c. African area (1) Accomplish HUSKY. (2) After the completion of HUSKY, or in the event that HUSKY is cancelled, conduct limited offensive operations in the MEDITERRANEAN area. These operations will be designed: (a) To destroy Italian war potential by continuing air attacks from MEDITERRANEAN bases; (b) To continue support to RUSSIA by the diversion of AXIS forces and materials; (c) To force dispersion of AXIS forces in order to facilitate a cross-channel operation; and (d) To maintain the security of our positions and communications in the MEDITERRANEAN area. The strength of the forces to be employed in the MEDITERRAN will be so limited as not to prejudice the success of a cross-channel operation in 1944. U.S. ground and naval forces will not be employed in the MEDITERRANEAN east of SICILY. 4. OPERATIONS IN THE PACIFIC AND FAR EAST a. Conduct operations to maintain lines of communication in the PACIFIC, particularly to AUSTRALIA; to maintain pressure on JAPAN, retain the initiative, force attrition, contain the Japanese Fleet in the PACIFIC, and attain or retain positions of readiness for a full scale offensive against JAPAN; and to keep CHINA in the war. -5- |