The main object will be to strengthen this ring, and close the gaps in it, by sustaining the
Russian front, by arming and supporting Turkey, by increasing our strength in the Middle East,
and by gaining possession of the whole North African coast.
 
13.  If this ring can be closed the blockade of Germany and Italy will be complete, and German
eruptions, e.g. towards the Persian Gulf, or to the Atlantic seaboard of Africa will be prevented.
Furthermore, the seizing of the North African coast may open the Mediterranean to convoys, thus
enormously shortening the route to the Middle East and saving considerable tonnage now
employed in the Long haul round the Cape.
 
The Undermining and wearing down of the German Resistance
 
In 1942, the main methods of wearing down Germany's resistance will be :-
 
     (a ) Ever-increasing air bombardment by British and American Forces based in the U.K.
 
     (b ) Assistance to Russia's offensive by all means in our power.
 
     (c ) The blockade.
 
     (d ) The maintenance of the spirit of revolt in the occupied countries, and the organisation
     of subversive movements.  Development of land offensives on the Continent
 
15.  It does not seem likely that in 1942 any large scale land offensive against Germany except
on the Russian front will be possible. We must, however, be ready to take advantage of any
opening that may result from the wearing down process referred to in paragraph 14 to conduct
limited land offensives in North-Western Europe or across the Mediterranean.
 
16.  In 1943 the way may be clear for a return to the Continent, either across the
Mediterranean or from Turkey into the Balkans, or by simultaneous landings in several of the
occupied countries of North-Western Europe. Such operations wi1l
 
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