CAB80-8 — Page 201

Page 201

173

7.

On the other hand the conduct of simultaneous

operations on three fronts would be a formidable proposition,

and one which is not likely to commend itself to the Germans who prefer to undertake one campaign at a time. Moreover, the invasion of Sweden or Rumania would involve

a temporary, but serious, interruption of those supplies which Germany so urgently requires. In any event, it is

not considered that the Germans, while operating in

Scandinavia, would have sufficient forces to extend their

campaign in the Balkans to the point of directly

threatening Thrace or the Straits, except to a limited

extent by air..

Extension of the Western Front.

8..

In paragraph 73 of the appreciation it is stated that an extension of the Western Front, i.e., into Belgium, would benefit Germany who has larger reserves than the

Allies.

9.

Our view is that the carrying of the war into

Belgium would not necessarily be to our disadvantage.

The gist of the matter appears to be this: If we went

forward to the line of the Albert Canal-Meuse, we should

get an addition to our strength of some 20 Belgian

divisions, but we should unquestionably lengthen the front

we have to hold. If, on the other hand, we went forward to

a line such as Antwerp-Namur we would shorten our front,

but we might not get more than the remnants of the

Belgian army as reinforcements.

-3-

•

Page 201

Page 201

Page 201