The Mediterranean Fleet reinforces the Far East

Italy's departure would release British Mediterranean strength immediately after the loss of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse. If Germany attacked Italy, the Allies could reinforce an existing European front through Italian territory, avoiding the later sequence of invasions into North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. An Italy that joined the Allies could also contribute its own ships. Convoys and concentrated anti-submarine forces are expected to make the Mediterranean supply route substantially safer. The hypothetical Far Eastern fleet could then combine Somerville's forces with Cunningham and ships released from the Mediterranean.