BASE.
 
        The only suitable main base in the area is ~Casablanca. This
port 'is well d~veloped~ served~by railways and roads, and lies outside
the Straits of Gibraltar. It would be unsound to use as a main base any
port inside the Straits as the sea communications to it from the
Atlantic would be liable to interruption once the Germans reached South
Spain. Initially, owing to scarcity of anti-aircraft defenses and air
forces, a single main base must be used for the whole force in North
Africa.
 
ESTABLIStBiENT OF BASE.
 
        There is the possibility of at least token resistance by
.French forces at Casablanca, which 'has a considerable garrison and
coast defenses. The first force to enter must, therefore, be combat
loaded. The United States Marine Div. ision is eminently suitable for
this task, and there would be much greater likelihood of French
acquiescence in the entry of Amer. ican forces rather than Bnitish.
 
SUPPORT TO FRENCH IN TUNISIA.
 
        The immediate result of our forces gaining.an entry in Western
Morocco, or perhaps a condition of their entry~ would be a demand from
the French for support against a German threat in Tunisia. We must,
therefore, have a suitable force prepared to meet this. This might
consist of an ArmoredBrigade, an Infantry Brigade, two Anti-aircraft
Regiments, and three Fighter Squadrons. The forces should be ready to
go straight through by sea to, say, Algiers almost simultaneously with
the arrival of the advance guard at Casablanca.
 
DEFENSE OF MOROCCAN AREA.
 
It will be essential to get sufficient forces into the Casablanca area
in the early stages to avoid the possibility of the expedition being
driven out by German air forces opera~ing from Southern Spain. This
paints to the very early establishment of adequate air forces and
anti-aircraft defenses.
 
       The early arrival of a substantial Army contingent is also
essential in order to rally the .French and Spanish forces and secure
the key positions in Morocco.
 
        The Joint forces which we should aim at landing during the
fir~t
three months are estimated at'-
 
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