British commerce warfare is defined here by capture rather than indiscriminate sinking: cruisers would intercept Japanese merchantmen, place prize crews aboard, and send usable ships home. Blockade enforcement could therefore enlarge Allied shipping while denying Japan cargo capacity. The scenario also occurs before Germany, Italy, and Japan are joined by the Tripartite Pact. No treaty obliges Germany or Italy to enter the conflict for Japan. They might prefer Britain and France to remain distracted in the Far East, making the timing of alliances as important as fleet strength.
Notable Point · 50:00-50:51
Prize-taking and the missing Axis pact
British cruisers might capture Japanese merchantmen rather than sink them, while Germany and Italy are not yet bound to enter the conflict for Japan.