8. Concept of the operations. (Seechart, Appendix "A")
 
               An amphibious operation, two-thirds in ship to shore
transportation, one-third in shore to shore transportation, 
launched from bases in the eastern MEDITERRANEAN for the pur-
pose of capturing CRETE.
     Phase I: The gaining and maintaining of air superiority
over CRETE.
          Phase II: Amphibious and airborne landing operations on 
CRETE to secure airdromes and ports.
          Phase III: Further operations to seize and occupy the 
entire island.
 
    9. Terrain estimate.
        a. CRETE consists largely of a maze of rocky mountains 
    among which are a very few plains. It is 164 miles long 
    and from 7+ to 35 miles wide. The country is generally 
    semi-arid and from May to September has an almost desert-
    like climate. The vegetation is sparse, affording little 
    concealment except in the olive groves.
          The coast of CRETE is well suited for defense because 
    of its generally rocky nature, lack of good anchorages, and 
    paucity of good roads and other exits. The principal landing 
    beaches are along the north coast.
        b. Climate.
      The climate of CRETE is Mediterranean and is character-
    ized by mild, intermittently rainy winters and hot dry summers.
        c. Conclusions.
            The terrain generally favors the defense. Autumn wind 
    and surf conditions favor amphibious operations.
 
10. Estimate of the enemy forces. (See charts, Appendices "A"
                                                      and "B")
      a. Air.
          (1) The present AXIS air strength in GREECE, CRETE, and 
      the DODECANESE consists of an air force of all types number-
      ing approximately 333 planes.  (May 4, 1943.)
 
 
 
                                            - 4 -