Hitler's proposal to Mussolini

As early as November 20, 1940, Hitler proposed, in a letter to Mussolini, that the German airforce start operations against British shipping from Italian airbases. Erhard Milch was sent to Italy to make the arrangements. The Germans had hoped that the operation, dubbed "Mittelmeer" would only last until February. Fliegerkorps X was brought from Norway to commence operations from airfields in Sicily. 96 bombers had arrived by January 8th, 1941. By the tenth, 25 Me-110's had arrived. By the 15th, they had a total of 186 aircraft in the theater. They would soon have a big impact on British operations.