f. Defensive installation.
           Extensive fixed defenses, including harbor defense and 
AA guns, balloon barrages, booms, anti-submarine nets and 
mines are found in the area, particularly near TARANT0, 
GALLIPOLI, BRINDISI, and BARI.
 
14. General 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 reentry into the Continent.
 
 
 
                                      - 10 -