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I was thinking in the political terms of The Admiral's scenario. The deal itself may be more important than the equipment. Like sending F-5Es instead of F-15Cs.The Ki-27 was definitely a major improvement over the RAAFs front line fighter on Dec 7, 1941 (the Hawker Demon) but the Ki-43 would have been a much better option.
If the deal goes through the new geopolitical circumstances will see the RAAF using its new fighters against the Italians and Germans in North Africa. Ki-27 vs. Bf 109 or even the Re.2000 might not go well.The Ki-27 was definitely a major improvement over the RAAFs front line fighter on Dec 7, 1941 (the Hawker Demon) but the Ki-43 would have been a much better option.
There was effort on this - see here:Had they taken the order Japan's relations with Australia might have taken a different route. Japan desperately needs a face saving exit back to its recognized borders in Manchuria and Korea - perhaps something brokered by Oz?
If the deal goes through the new geopolitical circumstances will see the RAAF using its new fighters against the Italians and Germans in North Africa. Ki-27 vs. Bf 109 or even the Re.2000 might not go well.
Fascinating info, thank you for sharing. It's interesting how reticent Britain was in recognizing Manchukuo when it was so quick to recognize and sign-off on Germany's annexation of Austria and Sudetenland in 1938. There is some precedent, as Britain refused to recognize Italy's annexation of Ethiopia in 1936, but clearly, the threat of Japan to Australia and Britain's empire in the east, including India was not taken seriously by London.There was effort on this - see here:
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The Manchurian crisis and the genesis of Australian foreign policy | The Strategist
September 2021 marked 90 years since the Manchurian crisis, when the Imperial Japanese Army attacked and proceeded to occupy the Chinese province of Manchuria. This action precipitated the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo ...www.aspistrategist.org.au
If Australia has found the mettle to tell London to STFU then I expect Canberra has become a little more conditional on the forces being sent outside of the I/PTO for Britain's sake.The "RAAF" squadrons in the middle east were actually RAF units with Australian in the title so your proposal is probably not a likely outcome.
The "RAAF" squadrons in the middle east were actually RAF units with Australian in the title so your proposal is probably not a likely outcome.
I don't see the problem. Those seem like consistent not contradictory routes. Australia is telling Britain they need more imperial defence and preparing to go it alone if it's not forthcoming. Given the importance of Britain's Australasian and SSE Asian territories for manpower, rubber, tin, food, etc, it's remarkable how little Britain invested into its defence between the wars.Problem was, the Australian government was publicly admonishing the British for not being able to help the colonies, but smarter Australians were working behind the scenes at procuring aircraft.
I don't see the problem. Those seem like consistent not contradictory routes
That will not go well for the British, giving Australia, already smarting from Gallipoli, 61k deaths in WW1 et al the nudge it needs to go its own way. For starters forget about the three Oz infantry divisions for North Africa, they'll either stay home or maybe go to Malaya. And for the RAAF, they'll buy/trade for whatever they can for whomever is selling. Diplomatically Aus will be looking for new friends, including the Japanese. Next the Kiwis and South Africans will question their imperial ties.Let's say the Brits turn around and say, right, you ungrateful sods, go buy someone else's aeroplanes, then!
Next the Kiwis and South Africans will question their imperial ties.
you have to remember that Britain still controlled most of Australias foreign affairs and tax and finance and Aus had to beg for money to make non-British purchases - and pay import duty to Britain on them.Let's say the Brits turn around and say, right, you ungrateful sods, go buy someone else's aeroplanes, then!