plus a regiment. The total Italian forces in the DODECANESE 
number approximately 50,000 men. It is not believed that 
there will be any material strengthening of the larger 
garrisons beyond the concentration of troops now scattered 
on smaller islands.
 
    c. Naval forces.
        It can be expected that miscellaneous local defense 
craft and submarines will be encountered.
 
11. Estimate of UNITED NATIONS forces required.
 
      a. Air.
          Air Force                                         2,783 a/c
          Heavy Bombers                                 350
          Medium Bombers                              550
          L/D Bombers                                     300
          Fighters (exclusive
          of carrier based a/c)                           600
         Troop Carrier                                      600
         Photo Reconnaissance                          13
         Observation                                          50
                                                                  2,463
 
 
     75% of the above air force is ready for combat.
 
         Carrier based                                       320
                                                         Total 2,783
 
     There are two methods of furnishing fighter cover for
this operation; one, by the use of carrier-based aircraft; 
two, if carrier-based aircraft cannot be furnished, 22 groups 
(1600 P-38 airplanes) will be required in order to maintain 
150 airplanes continuously over the landing operations.
 
     b. Ground forces.
 
         Assault force
         One Airborne Division
         Three Infantry Divisions (Amphibiously trained) 
         0ne Armored Battalion (Medium)             
 
 
                                 - 6 -