Accordingly, the spearhead of the German attack is likely to be directed eastward. A covering force only, made up mainly of Italians, would be sent up the Nile to hold any of our forces which may have withdrawn in that direction. The strength and composition of this force, however, must necessarily depend upon the strength of the British forces in question. Italian forces would also be responsible for security in Cairo and the Delta area, possibly aided by the Egyptian army. The probable composition of the covering force is given in the Appendix.