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An excerpt from my next Tl that I will start writing when I finish my current Manstein Tl.

JANUARY 1941,

Taking place at a planning conference of the OKW:

Keitel: My fuhrer let me introduce General Ritter von Thoma who has just completed his inspection tour of Italian north Africa. As you know sir he has extensive experience in both armored warfare and has worked with the Italians a great deal in Spain
Hitler: Tell me your thoughts General
Thoma: My fuhrer the Italians are in full retreat and their army is a disaster. As the OKW discussed previously it is highly necessary to send German troops to backstop the retreat. If we are to conduct offensive operations they would best be carried on by German troops alone.
Hitler: I have already approved for three divisions in Operation Sunflower and the 10th Fleigerkorps to support the Italians
Thoma: If our goal is to drive the British out of Egypt then I feel these resources are too weak. Based on my own observations I believe it would take 4 full mechanized divisions to conquer Egypt. If we merely want to hold the British were they are only 1 division is needed. Given our upcoming commitments in Russia this would be the better course so that we do not use up valuable resources and men that will be sorely needed to destroy the communists. This is after all a backwater theater that will be extremely difficult to supply.
Hitler: I have made a commitment to Senor Mussolini for a corps and will not change my mind on this subject. I will accept your idea about a 4th division though. Marshal Keitel I want the 7th Panzer division sent to Naples immediately for deployment in Africa
Keitel: Yes my fuhrer I will pass the order
Hitler: Now our Africa corps only needs a commander. I am inclined to select Rommel from 7th panzer and promote him. He is an excellent tool for propaganda and his work in France was superb.
Keitel: He is extremely ambitious my fuhrer and isn't one to do well with many orders. He is not a diplomat and having to work with ours and the Italian high command will not be in his skill set. He will contrive to draw reinforcements away that we will need in Russia. I think we should chose another general.
Hitler: Do not propose general Von Funk to me again he is not committed enough to victory for this mission.
Thoma: I have a suggestion my fuhrer. General Von Manstein would be a shrewd choice for Africa. We have seen how well his staff work paid off in Poland and France.
Keitel: I have worked with Manstein and although he and I haven't always seen eye to eye I must admit he is a genius of a staff officer
Hitler: He is not such a committed national socialist I think but I do agree he has been the general staff finest operational brain. The appointment is approved. Keitel have Manstein summoned here immediately and provide a laison staff to accompany him to Napels. You are both dismissed!

to be continued....

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