Freed Commonwealth forces strengthen Southeast Asia

How much could stronger Allied positions in Southeast Asia help supply Chiang Kai-shek against Japan?

They would make resupply much easier, while an early end to the North African campaign could free substantial Commonwealth forces for Southeast Asia.

Pro-Allied positions in Southeast Asia would make resupplying Chiang Kai-shek much easier. An end to the North African campaign in late 1940 would also release Australian, New Zealand, Indian, and British formations. Britain would not yet have the invasion shipping ready for Sicily or Italy, and an Italian collapse could remove the need for those operations. A large number of the freed troops would therefore be expected to reinforce Southeast Asia.