Phase III. Extension of the bridgehead, seizure of air-
fields in those areas and the establishment of land-based 
support aviation.
 
     Phase IV. Capture and occupation of TARANTO and of the
BARI-METAPONTO line.
 
8. Physiographic estimate (Appendix "B" - omitted*)
     a. Terrain.
         The HEEL OF ITALY is a plain, 50 - 300 feet high. It 
is rocky, almost devoid of streams, and broken by sink holes, 
fissures (as much as 50 feet deep) and low cliffs which 
parallel the ADRIATIC coast.
         The LE MURGE area is almost streamless, with thinly 
wooded hills which rise to 1200 - 1600 feet.
 
     b. Climate.
          Unusual weather, such as would impede military opera-
tions, is comparatively rare. The Heel is relatively dry 
and climatically is similar to southwestern CALIFORNIA.
 
9. Estimate of enemy forces (Appendix "C" - omitted*, except 
   chart Annex "A" to Appendix "C")
 
    a. Ground.
 
         At present, an Italian corps of two infantry divisions, 
and coast defense and anti-aircraft units are located south-
east of the BARI-METAPONT0 line.
         German troops are now used to protect air fields, 
tunnels, power stations, supply depots, ports, and rail 
centers of strategic importance. After the seizure of SICILY, 
it is likely that GERMANY will reinforce ITALY with 5 divisions 
of which one will be located in the Heel.
         Initially, therefore, no more than 3 divisions will be 
deployed in the area.
 
* Appendices marked "omitted" are available in the office 
   of the Secretariat.
 
 
 
 
                                           -4-