A Far Eastern war creates an Axis opportunity

An American entry would probably deter Italy and Germany from widening the conflict, so this branch keeps the United States outside the Allied war. Britain, France, and the Soviet Union instead cooperate against Japan and supply one another. Fighting and negotiating together could make a later German-Soviet agreement over Poland less likely, although the scenario leaves that outcome unresolved. Much of the Soviet contribution may initially be pressure and demands for supplies because geography, mountains, snow, and ice restrict operations against Japan. The same Far Eastern commitment draws Allied attention and forces away from the Mediterranean and North Africa, creating the opportunity on which the European branch depends.