With no European war absorbing its attention, Britain might feel strong enough to continue supplying Japan instead of joining American sanctions. The proposed bargain reduces Japan's incentive to attack British interests. It also buys time for infrastructure investment and further defensive preparations. This is one possible accommodation within the counterfactual, rather than an assumption that British and American policy must remain aligned.
Notable Point · 7:35-8:03
British supplies to Japan could buy time for rearmament
Britain could keep supplying Japan to reduce the threat to its possessions and buy time for defensive infrastructure.