Continued earnings from Malaya and the sterling area would help Britain meet the costs of war in this scenario. Japan could also remain a market for raw materials from the British Empire. American goods could sail from the west coast across the Pacific and Indian Oceans to supply North Africa. That route would take longer than crossing the Atlantic. Without a Pacific war, however, merchant ships could sail independently through those oceans with less demand for convoy escorts. Atlantic and Mediterranean shipping would still face their own wartime requirements.
Notable Point · 41:08-42:51
A peaceful Pacific supports trade and supplies for North Africa
Malayan earnings, Japanese demand for raw materials, and a safer ocean route could ease Britain's economic and shipping pressures.