Situation in the Aegean. Note by Secretary. (Cleared by J.I.C./1702/43 to Joint Staff)

getting out examined. If it were thought that there was any chance of air forces being diverted from the Mediterranean Air Command without prejudicing operations in Italy, the Combined Chiefs of Staff might be asked to order such diversion. 3. In the light of the above the Joint Staff is requested to undertake the following tasks:Joint Intelligence Staff (a) To assess the present scale of attack on Leros. (b) To state the detail composition and strength of the Italian garrison. Strategical Planning Section (c) To prepare a short appreciation giving the pros and cons for staying in or getting out of the Aegean, including an estimate of whether or not it is worth while asking for a diversion of the necessary air effort from the Central Mediterranean sufficient to make reasonable the chances of the garrison withstanding an attack.