Possible Axis Action in Syria in the near Future. Note by Secy.

For the first three sub-paragraphs of paragraph 4 substitute "4. By the Italians. Troops could be transported to Syria by air from aerodromes in Italy, North Africa or Greece (assuming that the Italians had obtained control of aerodromes in that country). It is estimated that a maximum of 30 troop carrying aircraft, capable of flying direct from Italy to Syria, could be made available for this purpose, giving a lift on the first day of some 900 fullyequipped men. In addition it is estimated that 50 troop carrying aircraft could be made available capable only of flying from Italy to Syria by" refuelling in the Dodecanese Islands, giving a lift on the first day of some 650 fully-equipped men.