Japanese ships provide anti-submarine escorts in the Mediterranean. Other forces maintain a Far Eastern presence and conduct operations against surface raiders. Von Spee's movement toward South America is explained partly by the strength behind him in the Pacific. Returning west risks an encounter with HMAS Australia or Japanese Kongo-class battlecruisers, neither of which is an attractive opponent for his force.
Notable Point · 44:09-44:49
Japanese escorts and battlecruisers widen Allied coverage
Japanese escort work in the Mediterranean and naval strength in the Pacific extend the alliance's wartime reach.