(2) Renders an AXIS advance southward into EGYPT or eastward into the LEVANT impossible as long as the UNITED NATIONS hold CRETE. (3) Has a beneficial moral effect on TURKEY. (4) Is a step towards opening the AEGEAN. (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 DODECANESE and the PELEPONNESUS. (6) Encourages subversive activities in the BALKANS. (7) Contains present German Air Forces in the BALKANS and might cause diversion of additional units from the Russian Front. (8) Permits operations against the AXIS lines of com- munication through the AEGEAN. b. Disadvantages. (1) Is a difficult amphibious operation out of effective tactical range of land-based UNITED NATIONS fighter air- craft. (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. A direct assault on CRETE would be an expensive opera- tion. 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 in- vasion of the BALKANS via GREECE could be mounted from SICILY, thus eliminating the necessity of an operation against CRETE and/or the DODECANESE. -2- |