BATTLE OF NORTH AFRICA

The situation in the Mediterranean area, Where England is employing superior forces against our allies, requires that Germany should assist for reasons of strategy, politics, and psychology.

I therefore order 'as follows:

1. Commander-in-Chief Army will provide covering forces sufficient to render valuable service to our allies in the defence of Tripolitania, particularly against British arrmoured divisions. Special orders for the composition of this force will follow.
2. X Fliegerkorps will continue to operate from Sicily. Its chief task will be to attack British naval forces and British sea communications "between the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

In addition, by use of intermediate airfields in Tripolitaania conditions will be achieved for immediate support of the Graziani Army group by means of attack on British port facilities and bases on the coast of Western Egypt and in Cyrenaica...

Extract from Hitler's War Directive No 22:

German Support for battles in the Mediterranean Area.

11 January 1941