The four basic principles behind any sound "Kill Japan First" strategy (KJF) are as follows: Push Japan off the Asian mainland; cut Japan's cash flow; destroy the imperial navy; and offer only token resistance to Germany. Therefore, the Axis must work together to exploit the Allies' four objectives.

Blitzkrieg to the Next Level

When the Allies choose Japan to be the sole target of their main aggressions, the Nazis must throw out any ideas of laying back and playing defense. However, during the first round, the Germans only have Russia's actions to review to determine if the Allies are going all out against the Rising Sun. The three clues: Russia attacks Manchuria. Russia lands it's fighter in China, not in Yakut and finally, Russia abandons Karelia.

If the Red Army strikes in the Far East, then Germany must take a more agressive approach in her first round purchases. The purchase should include a combination of infantry, armor and possibly one naval unit - a sub or transport. If the Russians give up Karelia... TAKE IT! Take every inch of land they offer. However, don't throw away your armor just to gain land.

The Med to Africa to Asia!

Keep the German transport alive in the Med! The value of that one ship can not be underestimated, especially when the Allies are trying to overrun Asia. In round one use the transport to shuttle land units into Libya or into Egypt. The most important British naval units to kill are the Battleship in Gibraltar and the Sub north of Egypt. Killing the other naval units is important but secondary to the Med.

Rommel should not delay his invasion of Egypt -- go for it with the infantry and armor in Libya plus one plane from Europe. The infantry in Algeria should forego the $1 in French West Africa and instead head east to support a push through the Suez. If the Allies are truly playing KJF, then the British will not counter attack Egypt with units from India, they will be headed to Kwantung.

In the following rounds the Germans should use the transport to send troops directly to Syria. If opportunity allows, they can even scoot through the canal and attack India on transport. As resources allow finish mopping up Africa to boost income.

Look for Opportunity!

By Germany two, you will know if the Allies are serious about trying to crush Japan. Buy agressively: armor, planes and maybe even transports. Take Russian turf and pressure them from the west. Don't waste valuable units in Western Europe or in Germany if they face no threat!

If you hold Caucasus, you can move tanks from Karelia and Ukraine into Persia and from Caucasus directly to India or Kazkah. Furthermore, try to position your fighters to fly to Japanese territory for defensive operations.

Be observant -- have the Allies left any openings on your western front? A transport in the West Spain sea zone can reach: Britain, Brazil, E.US, E.Canada, Cuba and Panama. Don't forsake any opportunity to take advantage of the Allies focus.

What about Japan?

I began with Germany, because they are often overlooked when considering how to counter the KJF. Japan's European partner must be an active ally! The Kill Japan First philosophy will quickly lose it's zing if there is a Swastika flying over Moscow or even London!

The Worst

It has happened. Manchria fell to 1 infantry and 1 armor. Kwantung is occupied by 1 British soldier and China now has 2 infantry and 3 fighters. The British may or may not have an IC in India. What do you do? Come back next time, for part two!

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