In early October 1943, Hitler was persuaded by his Army Group Commander in Southern Italy, Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, that the defence of Italy should be conducted as far away from Germany as possible.
I starten af oktober 1943 blev Hitler overbevist af hans armégruppekommanderende i Syditalien, Feltmarskal Albert Kesselring, at forsvaret af Italien bør laves så langt væk fra Tyskland som muligt.