c. Naval.
 
 
                                                            DODECANESE CRETE Total
     (1) Covering force (Ionian Sea): 
          Battleships                                            4                  (4)        4    
          Carriers                                                 2                  (2)        2
          Cruisers                                                8                  (8)        8     
          Destroyers                                          20                (20)      20
 
     (2) Naval attack force:
 
        (a) Escort group 
                    PC's and SC's                           40                (40)      40
          Destroyers                                          18                (18)      18
 
        (b) Fire Support group
 
          Cruisers (10,000                                 10                (10)      10
            ton U.S. type)
          Destroyers                                          20                (20)      20
 
        (c) Air support group 
          Carriers                                                4                    -          4 
          Cruisers                                               4                    -           4   
          Destroyers                                         12                    -         12
 
        (d) Control, salvage and 
                       minesweeper group                Miscellaneous vessels
                                                                        as required
 
    d. Naval forces (Follow-up)
 
        Destroyers                                               -                  15        15
 
          (1) The same covering force used for the DODECANESE can 
be used again for CRETE.
 
     (2) Although in the naval attack force the same escort 
and fire support group can be used in both operations, any 
losses sustained in the DODECANESE operations must be made
good.
 
12. Political and economic estimate
      a. DODECANESE.
 
          (1) The people are largely of Greek origin, and 
although now Italian subjects, are mildly dissatisfied 
with the present regime. Little aid should be expected 
by an invading force from the local population.
 
                                               -8-