Even in 1940, the Germans were preparing to intervene in North Africa

During the summer of 1940, the Italians kept begging for German equipment, but the German preferance was to send their own troops, instead. The initial plans were for two armoured divisions and one motorized division. The Germans were focused on the Suez Canal, and thought it unlikely that the Italians would be able to capture it. The General staff dispatched General von Thoma to Libya to survey the situation. The 3rd Panzer Division was to make preparations to be sent to North Africa. General von Thoma submitted an unfavorable report, and the 3rd Panzer ceased their preparations.