4. Conclusions.
 
    a. Advantages.
 
          (1) The operation continues pressure on the AXIS in the 
    MEDITERRANEAN region, thereby decreasing AXIS forces avail-
    able for deployment in RUSSIA or in western EUROPE.
 
          (2) It provides advanced bases, bringing the PLOESTI 
    oil fields and DANUBE RIVER traffic within effective heavy 
    bomber range.
 
          (3) It can be accomplished by UNITED NATIONS forces in 
    the MEDITERRANEAN area.
 
          (4) It contributes directly toward the elimination of 
    the Italian Navy as a factor in the MEDITERRANEAN.
 
          (5) Successful accomplishment will stiffen Spanish 
    neutrality and will be an added factor to induce TURKEY 
    to join the UNITED NATIONS.
 
          (6) It establishes a base for further operations against 
    AXIS forces in the Balkans.
 
          (7) It offers an opportunity for active assistance to 
    guerillas in YUGOSLAVIA and GREECE. 
 
    b. Disadvantages.
 
          (1) The initial landing cannot be supported by land-
    based fighters.
 
          (2) Support by carrier aircraft brings the carriers 
    within effective range of enemy shore-based aircraft and 
    motor torpedo boats, and exposes them to submarine attack.
 
          (3) The Heel cannot in itself be regarded as a major 
    bridgehead for teentry into the Continent.
 
          (4) The AXIS reaction to the operation may be an advance 
    through SPAIN.
 
            (5) The lodgement will depend on vulnerable lines of 
    communication. 
 
 
    c. Advisability of the operation.
     The operation should be undertaken only if the use of 
    aircraft carriers is feasible and if the collapse of Italy is
    imminent.
 
 
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