How an early Italian exit could end the North African campaign

An early Italian political break could divide Axis command in North Africa. Italy might seek neutrality, but a German attempt to restore Mussolini could push it toward the Allies. In this December 1941 scenario, Germany lacks the forces already inside Italy that would shape events later in the war, while Italian troops could secure the country. Italian forces in North Africa greatly outnumbered the Germans and could withdraw home or intern their former partners. Rommel and other key personnel might escape through Vichy French territory, but there were too few aircraft to remove the whole force readily. The campaign could therefore end almost immediately. A peace agreement might also let British forces cross Italian North Africa to recover French North Africa for the Free French, including its ships and other assets. The long supply route is an explicit reason why that further advance might not happen.