S E C R E T
 
recognize the equal priority of SICKLE. They will probably ad-
vocate extending operations in the Eastern Mediterranean as soon
as practicable, and support their proposals on the ground that
such operations -
 
     (a) will maintain momentram of HUSKY
     (b) give timely support to Russia
     (c) tend to knock out Italy
     (d) bring in Turkey
     (e) use resources available in Mediterranean, which other-
   wise would not be put to immediate use.
They will maintain as before, that the build-up for
BOLERO cannot be done in time to support Russia this year, but
can continue as rapidly as possible. They will argue that the
proposed Mediterranean operations will not seriously interfere
with SICKLE.    The probable reasons behind the British pro-
posals are:
     (a) They do not want to face what they honestly believe
   to be the great hazards and the heavy losses of cross-Channel
   operations.
     (b) They want to end the war with a position in the
   Mediterranean stronger than their pre-war position.
     (c) They think the outcome of Mediterranean operations
   is sufficiently promising from a Military point of view, 
   to ultimately lead to the defeat of the Axis.
 
                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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