The hypothetical alliance remains vulnerable to hostility between Germany and the Soviet Union and between the Soviet Union and Japan. Recent fighting in Manchuria and antagonism below the leadership level undermine the assumption that political agreement creates a cohesive force. A Soviet advance toward India through Afghanistan would also encounter mountains at the end of an undeveloped supply route. Roads and railways would have to support the forces moving through that terrain. An alternative through Iran still requires a workable onward logistical system. Time spent building it gives Britain more time to defend India.
Notable Point · 4:07:12-4:09:25
Why a coalition route into India still needs a supply system
Mutual hostility and undeveloped supply routes weaken the assumption that a German-Soviet-Japanese alliance could quickly threaten India.