Just a follow on thought....
If the UK-France-Holland purchased arms from Italy specifically for the Asian theatre (so as not to antagonize the Germans), it could potentially put the nail into any possible Italian shenanigans in the Mediterranean and in this timeline it becomes a win-win for everyone:
1. More weapons for Asian colonies who are currently unprepared for any type of Japanese incursions
2. Fewer weapons for Italy to use for any imperial adventures that would undermine the allied efforts
3. Economic support and jobs for Italy....and always important gold for their aristocracy
I'll let others smarter than me to pick an exact weapons fit, but on the surface it would seem that their 149mm and 203mm heavy howitzers and 90mm anti-aircraft cannons would be fantastic for reinforcing key strategic positions like Singapore, while their light 75mm mountain howtizers (with matching Italian Trucks), 45mm mortars and Beretta 38 submachine guns (in 9mm) would be ideal for mobile units fighting in areas with poor infrastructure. Add in orders for aircraft, torpedo boats, more trucks, wheat, wine, etc., and it could provide a very meaningful economic boom for the Italian population (and by satisfying them, provide great stability to Mussolini).
If the UK-France-Holland purchased arms from Italy specifically for the Asian theatre (so as not to antagonize the Germans), it could potentially put the nail into any possible Italian shenanigans in the Mediterranean and in this timeline it becomes a win-win for everyone:
1. More weapons for Asian colonies who are currently unprepared for any type of Japanese incursions
2. Fewer weapons for Italy to use for any imperial adventures that would undermine the allied efforts
3. Economic support and jobs for Italy....and always important gold for their aristocracy
I'll let others smarter than me to pick an exact weapons fit, but on the surface it would seem that their 149mm and 203mm heavy howitzers and 90mm anti-aircraft cannons would be fantastic for reinforcing key strategic positions like Singapore, while their light 75mm mountain howtizers (with matching Italian Trucks), 45mm mortars and Beretta 38 submachine guns (in 9mm) would be ideal for mobile units fighting in areas with poor infrastructure. Add in orders for aircraft, torpedo boats, more trucks, wheat, wine, etc., and it could provide a very meaningful economic boom for the Italian population (and by satisfying them, provide great stability to Mussolini).
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