would have been dealt a crippling blow. In this event:(a) If Russia were defeated, Germany would, so soon as she could release the necessary forces from the Russian front, drive towards Iraq and the Persian Gulf. In the spring an advance against the Persian Gulf could develop from North Persia. Germany would have at each end of the Mediterranean compliant states, namely Spain and Turkey. (b) If Russia had not been defeated, Germany might be unable to reach Iraq and the Persian Gulf. On the other hand the elimination of the Allies from all strategic positions in the Eastern Mediterranean would have vastly increased the difficulty of any Allied counter offensive.