Japan must decide whether tying Britain closely to Japanese interests offers more security than keeping its heavy ships in the Pacific. The counterfactual therefore treats the Kongo-class battlecruisers as one part of a much larger fleet commitment. Japanese forces would be divided among British commands according to their capabilities. Destroyer flotillas could accompany the detachments, but scarce cruiser numbers might concentrate cruiser support with the battlecruiser force. The proposed deployment links a substantial military contribution to the expectation of British support.
Chapter · 0:40-6:18
Japan either stays home or sends everything
Japan's proposed European deployment depends on whether committing its fleet to Britain offers more security than keeping the ships at home.