The Capacity of the Soviet Forces to Defend Southern Caucasia. Report by J.I.C.

"Derbent Gate". A railway and an indifferent road runs along this strip. There are scores of bridges crossing small rivers and streams between Makhach Kala and Baku. This route is therefore easily blocked by demolition, favours the defence, and should prove difficult to penetrate. 6. Invasion by sea of the Black Sea coast Successful combined operations can be ruled out as long as the Soviet Black Sea Fleet remains in being. Even in the unlikely event of the Germans succeeding in neutralising the Black Sea Fleet by making its two remaining bases, Poti and Batum, untenable, such operations are improbable.