Australia and New Zealand have a direct stake in keeping Japanese forces north of the Dutch East Indies. Their air forces would seek additional aircraft quickly from British or American suppliers. The United States is expected to continue selling aircraft such as the P-36 Hawk even if it does not enter the war. Japan, meanwhile, has not yet reached the carrier, aircraft, and fleet concentration associated with 1941. Timing, industrial access, allied geography, and Commonwealth self-interest all favour the coalition in January 1939.
Chapter · 37:47-38:39
Why January 1939 favours the Allies
Commonwealth air forces, access to American aircraft, and Japan's incomplete readiness make January 1939 an unusually favourable Allied moment.