Britain would probably try to block the Panama Canal before or at the start of a 1946 war. Even a temporary closure would prevent rapid American reinforcement of the Atlantic from the Pacific. A southbound route would expose U.S. forces to interception near the Falkland Islands, while an Indian Ocean route would encounter British Mediterranean and Pacific forces falling back on bases such as Ceylon. American numerical strength would remain formidable, but routing, carrier air defense, escort carriers, and the luck of the first strike would strongly shape the contest.
Notable Point · 2:17:51-2:19:08
The Panama Canal would shape an Anglo-American naval war
British plans against the Panama Canal could delay a U.S. Pacific Fleet transfer and redirect the war toward the Falklands or Indian Ocean.