4. Conclusions.
 
    a. Advantages
 
          (1) Permits operations against AXIS lines of communica-
tion through the AEGEAN.
          (2) Contains present German air forces in the BALKANS, 
and might cause diversion of additional units from the Russian front.
          (3) Has a beneficial moral effect on TURKEY.
          (4) Acquires air bases for:
                  (a) Strategic bombing operations as far north as 
            PLOESTI and the DANUBE.
                  (b) Land-based fighter support for landing operations 
     against CRETE.
 
          (5) Encourages subversive activities in the BALKANS.
 
    b. Disadvantages.
 
        (1) Is a difficult amphibious operation out of effective 
    tactical range of land based UNITED NATIONS fighter aircraft.
        (2) Is impossible to advance into the BALKANS without 
    additional amphibious operations in the face of strong AXIS 
    opposition.
        (3) Does not contribute materially to the collapse of 
    ITALY.
        (4) Will not seriously dislocate German strategic plans, 
    nor provide any substantial diversion of strength from the 
    Russian front. 
 
    c. Other pertinent remarks.
            A direct assault on the DODECANESE would be an expensive 
operation. Even though an invasion of EUROPE via the AEGEAN 
and GREECE were envisaged, the results to be obtained would 
not be commensurate with the cost. This is true since an in-
vasion of the BALKANS via GREECE could be mounted from SICILY, 
thus eliminating the necessity of an operation against CRETE
and/or the DODECANESE.
 
 
 
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