The opening phase assumed local inferiority and used cruisers and a cruiser carrier for economic warfare, forcing Japan to disperse forces against raiders. A reinforced fleet with battle carriers would then fight through the Singapore approaches, before amphibious forces retook Weihaiwei as a forward base. Converted liners and the landing craft already under development would support that seizure. Strike carriers could then threaten the Japanese fleet at sea or in harbour. After enough Japanese ships had been disabled, a blockade would maintain pressure while heavy units returned to Europe to watch Germany and Italy. The sequence aimed to make a three-power war sustainable by reducing the strength needed in one theatre.
Chapter · 17:51-21:26
The Royal Navy's three-phase Far East plan
A three-phase plan moves from cruiser warfare, through a protected fleet advance past Singapore, to seizure of a forward base and pressure on Japan.