AHC: SE Asia independent immediately after WWII

[vuun]

Is it possible for the European colonial powers to accept independence of SE Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam etc.) in 1945 instead of trying to reclaim their colonies after the Japanese defeat?

[tonsofun]

Not very likely. But with American pressure they might.
After ww2 the British wanted to make Thailand part of it's empire as punishment for siding with Japan, but was dissuaded from such action by the Americans.
Maybe the Americans could even persuade the Europeans to give up their colonies without any fighting but I am sceptical.

[ccdsah]

Originally Posted by tonsofun

Not very likely. But with American pressure they might.
After ww2 the British wanted to make Thailand part of it's empire as punishment for siding with Japan, but was dissuaded from such action by the Americans.
Maybe the Americans could even persuade the Europeans to give up their colonies without any fighting but I am sceptical.

Maybe in exchange for being accepted in the Marshal Plan?