Capture of a Certain Island. Note by the Secy.

These reinforcements could be found from the present German and Italian garrisons in Southern France and by withdrawing Italian forces from the Balkans. It is believed that the Germans and Italians would be prepared to take the risk of weakening their forces on the mainland to the extent required, on the grounds that Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica are strategically vital outposts for the defence of the mainland of Southern France and Italy. Rate of Reinforcement Assuming, as seems reasonable, that the decision to reinforce Sardinia and Corsica was taken immediately after the Axis had been driven out of Tunisia, the reinforcements detailed above could arrive within 2 months, subject to the degree of delay imposed by Allied air and sea action.