Britain's Far Eastern choices cannot be separated from Italy's decision to enter the war. Without a North African campaign, many more troops, commanders, and other resources would have been available for Asia. Better leadership in Malaya was only one part of the problem because the pool from which reinforcements could be drawn was already committed elsewhere. Italy's belligerence changed the defense of Singapore indirectly by forcing Britain to divide a finite imperial war effort across additional theaters.
Notable Point · 2:03:19-2:03:47
How Italy's entry into the war weakened Britain's Far East options
The North African and Mediterranean wars absorbed troops and leaders who otherwise could have reinforced Malaya and Singapore.