Britain's prewar threat assessment put Japan ahead of the European dictatorships as the most immediate naval danger. Japan had an organized military, a large navy, developed regional infrastructure, and an active expansionist war in China. British and Japanese forces had recently pointed weapons at one another, making the danger more concrete than belligerent statements from Germany or an under-fueled Italian fleet. The resulting policy tried to deter Japan while building enough strength for simultaneous commitments in the Far East, Mediterranean, North Sea, and home waters.
Notable Point · 10:20-13:39
Britain's 1939 threat picture put Japan first
Active Japanese expansion in China and recent armed confrontations made the Far East Britain's most immediate naval danger in early 1939, even with Germany and Italy closer to home.