(2) Civil Commitments Germany would avoid the necessity of providing essential commodities such as coal, oil and to a certain extent food for the life of Italy. She would thereby save railway rolling stock and cut down her economic commitments in Italy. This is not a vital factor. (3) German Air Force Fighter forces would be released for the defence of vital targets in South Germany, the Balkans and South France. Of the force of 180 fighter aircraft now in Italy one third is committed to provide support for the Army, which, in view of the Allied air opposition, is ineffective, whilst the remainder have the double task of defending targets in north Italy and providing advanced defence for South Germany.