An Allied Italy in 1939 frees the Mediterranean route and strengthens the Far East

How would the Pacific war change if Mussolini died in 1939 and Italy joined the Allies?

The open Mediterranean and Allied Italian fleet would free, repair, and reinforce many more ships for the Far East, potentially shortening the wider war.

With Italy on the Allied side, the Mediterranean and Suez route would become easier to use for reinforcement. The scenario also raises the possibility of Italian support for France or action through Austria, making France's defeat less certain. Fewer Mediterranean losses and less overstretch would allow more regular British refits, including at Malta and Gibraltar. Those gains could release a larger British force for the Far East. Italian ships designed with Indian Ocean operations in mind would offer additional reinforcement. A shorter wider war is considered possible, with no definite outcome established.