Odessa is an important town for several reasons. For one thing, it is the last bridgehead of the Soviet Army on this side of the Black Sea. If we want to drive on towards the Dnepr and beyond it must be in our hands. For another, the last airbases within striking range of our oilfields are here. They must be taken and the bombing raids stopped. Lastly, the enemy is preparing for a siege here. We must strike quickly before they entrench themselves too deeply.