King's initial support for British leadership of ABDA is explained by the limited American forces available for the region. The American commitment could also be temporary, making it harder to build the command around those forces. Keeping the command away from MacArthur is presented as King's other, more important motive. Within the counterfactual, Phillips is then proposed as the likely choice over Wavell. That final selection is an interpretation of the changed circumstances, rather than an appointment that occurred.
Notable Point · 1:22:18-1:23:04
Why King favored British leadership of ABDA
Limited American forces and a desire to keep ABDA away from MacArthur explain King's preference for British command.