A war can begin strategically before the shooting starts. Britain had already used naval forces for deterrence and conflict shaping during the Abyssinian crisis and repeated confrontations in the Far East. In January 1939, HMS Birmingham trained guns on three Japanese cruisers that were threatening a British-flagged merchant vessel at Singtao, while their guns pointed back. British planners expected a later hot war because intelligence showed Germany, Italy, and Japan were not yet ready. Aggressors may still attack before their preparations are complete if they believe their opponents are even less ready.
Notable Point · 1:09:23-1:13:55
Prewar conflict shaping in the Far East
British preparation included repeated armed deterrence before September 1939, including HMS Birmingham confronting Japanese cruisers over a merchant vessel at Singtao.