◆ SpookStack

POP SSE T attacks against the beachhead will be undertaken within 2k to 48 hours of the landing but the perimeter can easily be held against attacks along the most direct ap- proach routes. The terrain may well prevent any sizeable attacks (providing the enemy air force has been rendered ineffective) until the opposition force is ready to attempt to break out of the beachhead. d. The timing and direction of such offensive action will depend upon the course of events in the island,* At least three directions of break out are possible. Because of the canalization of the approaches to the beachhead from the interior, a break out will require close support by tactical air to be successful unless enemy forces are thoroughly disorganized. The opposition force will have the option, however, of undertaking an amphibious assault with tactical air support against a different objective area if it should seem desirable. 4. Political Action: The beachhead area proposed to be occupied is both large enough and safe enough so that it should be entirely feasible to install the provisional government there as soon as aircraft can lend safely. Once installed, the tempo of the operation will permit the U.S. Government to extend -5- . #176622