g. Roads. 0n RHODES and SCARPANT0, the limited road system would be a restricting factor in military operations. On CRETE the road system consists of a single lateral road along the north coast with a limited number of branches leading to the south coast. h. Wire and radio systems. Wire and radio systems exist on RHODES, SCARPANT0, and CRETE. I. Health. In the DODECANESE and CRETE the climate is generally healthful, but diseases typical of the eastern MEDITERRANEAN are to be found. 15. General conclusions. a. Advantages. (1) Permits operations against AXIS lines of communi- cation 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) Encourages subversive activities in the BALKANS. (5) Acquires air bases for: (a) Strategic bombing operations as far north as PLOESTI and the DANUBE. (b) Land-based fighter support for landing opera- tions against the PELEPONNESUS. (6) Renders an AXIS advance southward into EGYPT or eastward into the LEVANT impossible as long as the UNITED NATIONS hold CRETE. (7) Denies use of air and submarine bases in CRETE to the AXIS, thus improving the security of shipping in the eastern MEDITERRANEAN. - ll - |