event of a Russian collapse and the elimination of Russian shipments, the resultant threat to the
Middle East would require a maximum of British shipping and escorts to block a probable Axis
advance into that theater.
 
 
       CARRERS, COr, JBAT LOADED CRAFT , ETC. The provision of carriers to provide
necessary air support for the operation will seriously weaken carrier strength in other areas. Of
the 3 first line aircraft carriers considered the minimum necessary for the operation, only 1 is now
available in the Atlantic. Two small converted aircraft carriers will become available during the
summer. The original Gymnast plan, developed by the Army and Navy in collaboration with the
British, required a minimum carrier capacity of 226 airplanes during the landing stage. Only 8 of
the necessary 15 combat loaded transports are now in the Atlantic and 4 more will be available by
September (others are in the Pacific and Southwest Pacific). At least 5 and probably 6 of these
vessels with their crews will be required for the training of landing craft personnel for 1943
Bolero. If the air force tentatively set up for the Middle East is diverted to this project, it would
not be of sufficient strength until December, 1942. The necessary antiaircraft regiments would not
finish their training prior to October, 1942.
 
       PORT CAPACITY. Casablanca is the only Atlantic port of Northwest Africa which can
accommodate ships of any size. Although the harbor will accommodate 43 vessels, only about 12
can be unloaded at one time. It is estimated that the equipment and supplies for 40,000 troops can
be unloaded in I month. Due to the limitation of the port amd the necessity of providing
maintenance supplies for the steadily increasing force ashore the number of troops that can be
handled will steadily decrease. To land the entire force would consume at least 6 months. Other
small ports will of necessity have to be developed to accelerate the movement.
 
       CONCLUSION'. Plans are continuously under study for an African operation should the
situation require it. However, it appears that this operation should not be undertaken in the
present situation.