3. In Italy and in the Istria-North Slovenia area there is at present a total of 22 German divisions. Of these :(a) 5 are engaged in fighting with the Partisan forces in Slovenia and Istria. We have assumed that by 1st January 1944 two of these can be liberated to take part in the main operations. (b) The remaining 17 are taken as being in Northern Italy and 14 of these as being available to take part in the battle, it being assumed that although "Mussolini" Italian troops and police have been raised and made responsible for the guarding of lines of communication, three German offensive divisions would also be required to guarantee the vital L.