ABSTRACT
Allied planners agreed that the Soviets' major objective in a war with the West would be the conquest of Western Europe, But they were also certain that the Soviets would be impelled to undertake a simultaneous conquest of the Middle East. The Soviets would have to attack and occupy those bases close to her borders which posed a threat to those of her own territories and of her satellites vital to her war potential. As Britain's global position deteriorated, American strategists had to consider what they could do either to prop up or to take the place of, Britain in the Middle East. A protracted debate was conducted between the State and Defense departments about the ability of the United States to support the British military effort in the Middle East. By mid-1948, American strategists drew pessimistic scenarios about the outcome of a future war with the Soviets.
