Thank you, consul, for bringing these matters to the Senate's attention. I think it is unnecessary to say that our first and foremost priority is to repel Carthaginian influence from Italy. From my understanding of the Consul's report and previous knowledge of Carthaginian forces, I say our best course of action is to send our Corsican and Sardinian garrisons not to Spain but to the Carthaginian holdings here in Italy. Before the rest of the house screams foul at my plan, allow me to explain myself.

The Carthaginians have but a scouting force here in Italy, one that we can easily destroy given the right number of men. Now, if I surmise correctly, the small settlement just at the foot of the Alps seized by Hannibal is one that is ill able to provide the Punic commander with much useful troops but it certainly acts as an incentive for the Carthaginians to continue sending reinforcements via sea. Deprive them of this lone outpost and we will ensure that Hannibal is completely cut off. I propose this following course of action:

1. The legion stationed near Arretium shall move against the Carthaginian settlement in order to deprive the Carthaginians of their holdings in Italy.
2. The garrison on the Punic Isles are to be ferried back to Italy as reinforcement against Hannibal's army.
3. The Punic Isles shall be turned into a staging point for the arrival of the Sicilian legion, which will be transported to Spain as a reinforcement to the west.