(2) Capabilities for operation of air forces.
             There are certainly nine and possibly as many as 
eighteen airfields in SARDINIA; only three of these are 
known to be equipped as airdromes. There are four air-
fields on CORSICA, and facilities are practically 
unlimited in ITALY and SOUTHERN FRANCE. 
    
   c. Naval forces.
 
          The Italian Navy totals at present (May 3, 1973) 159 
vessels (7-BB, 3-CA, 10-CL, 1-CVS, 71-DD, 67-SS). Of this, 
the effective strength is 120 vessels (6-BB, Z-CA, 5-CL, 
1-CVS, 53-DD, 53-SS). The effective strength in smaller 
vessels will have been considerably reduced in the battle 
for SICILY. (Major units are assumed to have been restricted 
to the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN). Some MAS's (fast MTB's) are 
known to be in Sardinian waters.
 
     d. Probable AXIS strength to be encountered.
 
     Ground (all Italian):    Garrison:      2 Inf Divs.
                              2 Coastal Divs. 
               Reinforcements:     1 Inf Div in 1 week
                                                                        1-2 Inf Dlvs in 6 weeks
 
     Air: 1500 - 2000 aircraft of all types
 
          Navy: Some submarines, destroyers and lighter surface 
                       craft, with the possiblity of some cruisers.
 
11. Political estimate.
 
      a. SARDINIA contains a population of about one million, 
whose standard of living is comparatively low.
 
      b. There is a possibility of enlisting local support in 
aid of an invasion by making use of a popular patriot, 
Emilio Lussu, now thought to be in Lisbon.
 
      c. There are no known political factors that will 
appreciably affect operations.
 
 
 
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