Italian forces moving towards Egypt would also face French troops approaching along the coast from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Covering both directions would leave fewer Italian troops available against Operation Compass in December 1940. An earlier Italian attack westward into Tunisia is another possibility, especially while the French position remained weak. Taking Tunisia would give Italy more strategic depth, but a larger Allied naval and air presence would obstruct that advance. Tunisia could also support Malta across a relatively short sea crossing.
Chapter · 52:05-54:05
French North Africa could change Operation Compass
French forces advancing from Tunisia could threaten the rear of Italy's Libyan army or force it to divide its strength before Operation Compass.