66 REPORT OF COMMISSION VII 
quickly examined under lights, and is enlarged under a suitable magnifying- 
glass, in order to analyze and identify the targets of importance. This kind of 
first phase interpretation can naturally even be done on quickly prepared prints 
when this is suitable and desirable. The result is immediately reported by signal, 
or perhaps by telephone, to the staffs and units concerned. 
More thorough analysis of the reconnaissance photographs, in order to ob- 
tain from them detailed intelligence for strategic and tactical purposes (see 
below) is done by specially trained photo-interpreters from certain staffs and 
units. Both complete photographic laboratories and material for photo-inter- 
preting are at their disposal. The results of such exhaustive work are delivered 
as soon as possible—in any case within the same 24 hours—to the commanders 
or staffs concerned, in the form of detailed photo-interpretation reports which 
are also known as second phase reports. Statements and estimations in these 
reports are usually illustrated by annotated photos (see Figures 8-10, 13-14) 
or sketches which correctly reproduce identification and measuring results. 
Transparent tracings, superimposed on mosaics, may possibly be used. 
Naturally, it ‘takes longer to analyze reconnaissance photos more closely, 
especially for technical purposes, such as estimating dimensions and other data 
for new types of material and technical equipment of various kinds. This should 
be done only at certain higher staffs, where other forms of time-requiring treat- 
ment of photo material such as the presentation of photo maps for tactical 
purposes etc., should also be carried out. 
STRATEGIC APPLICATION 
Earlier in this paper the strategic application of aerial photo reconnaissance 
—the very exhaustive photo reconnaissance activity, which usually precedes 
an amphibious operation—was given as an example. In this case the defender 
uses photo reconnaissance to obtain intelligence about the intentions and prepa- 
rations of the enemy. Through interpreting reconnaissance photos of embarka- 
tion places, one can calculate not only the size and kind of the assembled trans- 
port tonnage, and even obtain a comprehensive survey of the troops and ma- 
terial of the invasion, but also get a good idea of how long the embarkation 
takes. The latter is dependent on disposable quay space, and for embarkation 
and loading, on suitable beach sectors, available crane arrangements and crane- 
ships as well as communications; about all of these well trained photo-inter- 
preters ought to be able to give exhaustive reports. When, later on, the photo 
reconnaissance reveals congestions of troops and materials bound for the har- 
bors in question, the intentions of the enemy should be absolutely obvious. 
Examples of the tasks of the strategic interpretation in connection with 
observation aerial photo reconnaissance are: establishing the number and types 
of ships in the enemy harbors, basing aircraft at more important airfields (see 
Figure 10), to estimate the volume and direction of the traffic by rail, high 
road and sea within the area in question, to try to fix depot organizations and 
areas of strategic concentration, to follow activities at certain vital war indus- 
tries and the development of new industries of this kind, to reveal decoys and 
establish the existence of new military constructions of different kinds such as 
radar stations, launching stations for self propelled missiles and anti-aircraft 
batteries, etc. 
Aerial photos of the enemy’s shipyards are always of the greatest interest 
from a naval operative point of view. With the help of stereo instruments it is 
possible to closely determine the dimensions of workshops, building ways and 
docks, and also the types of cranes and their working radius. Furthermore, 
through continuous photo reconnaissance and interpretation, it is possible to 
follow the various stages in the development of ships being built—from the as-