Crete could tie Force H to the western Mediterranean

The claim that Lütjens expected Force H to be fighting off Crete is doubtful. Force H operated from Gibraltar, and reaching Crete would have required crossing the narrow central Mediterranean. A more plausible interpretation is that the battle tied down the Mediterranean Fleet while Force H covered the western Mediterranean. That commitment could reduce the British forces available in the Atlantic without requiring Force H itself to fight near Crete. This remains an interpretation of the German assessment, rather than a confirmed intelligence message.