This decision caused sectors loyal to the Empire (or at least ruled by powerful Moffs) to dismiss it as illegal, but many sectors who had been on the edge, decided to side with the New Republic. Some sectors' loyalties proved sharply divided, leading to hundreds of battles between rival Imperial task forces that further diminished the Empire's ability to wage war. Admiral Gial Ackbar later admitted this decision delivered more worlds to the New Republic than any dozen campaigns could have.
- The Essential Guide to Warfare