(8) Is a step toward opening the AEGEAN.
 
     b. Disadvantages.
          (1) Necessitates a difficu1t amphibious operation 
     against the DODECANESE 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. Pertinent remarks.
          The capture of the DODECANESE and CRETE would be an 
expensive operation, involving as it does an assault on the 
DODECANESE out of the effective tactical range of land-
based fighter aircraft. 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 invasion of the BALKANS via GREECE could be 
mounted From SICILY thus eliminating the necessity for an 
operation against the DODECANESE and CRETE.
          The possibilities of a simultaneous assault on the 
DODECANESE and CRETE were examined. It was found that the 
capture of CRETE and the DODECANESE by a single operation 
would be nothing more than a simultaneous execution of the 
separate plans for the capture of these two positions. 
Furthermore, a simultaneous operation would sacrifice the 
advantages to be gained by having previously acquired bases 
in the DODECANESE from which land-based fighter protection 
could be provided for the assault on CRETE.
 
                                           - 12 -