How much could a British-Australian-Dutch command formed in 1940 under Roger Keyes disrupt Japan's moves in 1941?
Short answerIt could materially improve coordination and local defenses, even if the Allies had few additional forces to commit.
NotesAn authoritative chain of command could make British, Australian and Dutch resources work together before the crisis. Roger Keyes's seniority as an admiral of the fleet would give him the standing to challenge local objections to defensive preparations in Malaya. Economic plans and confidence that the colony would escape attack would be harder to use as reasons for delaying construction. The improvement would come chiefly from organizing existing forces and overcoming competing local authorities, since many additional ships or aircraft might never become available.