2. Sonnenblume.
a. The Air Force must intervene as soon as possible with Stuka and Fighter forces. Bases and jumping-off bases in accordance with decisions made in North Africa. It is desired that the Italian fighter forces be placed under German orders.
b. The 10th Flieger Korps is to take over the task of protecting the transports to East Africa, in the closest cooperation with the Italian Air Force and Naval Commander in Catania.
c. The 10th Flieger Korps is to strike a strong blow against the British troops in Cyrenaica as soon as possible (with the use of the heaviest bombs).
The main task is to disrupt British supplies by land and sea; next, to combat the British fleet.
First of all, attempts must be made to subdue the air base of Malta.
d. The Army is to continue the transport of the blocking unit. This is, however, to be reinforced at once with armor. Preparations for adding one Armored Division (II Staffel from Marita). Flank forces on ahead. 1st General Headquarters to be established immediately. United German Supreme Command over all mobile forces will be proposed to the Italians.
Certified
Distribution: [signature illegible]
Chef L Captain
I H
I K
I L
IV
PARTIAL TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 873-PS
TOP SECRET
L IV/Qu
Fuehrer's Hq., 1 May 1941
For senior Officers only
Only by officer
1 original copy
Conference with Chief "L" on the 30 April 1941