Japan cannot attack Australia or New Zealand 1939

[pmiller322]

It may I be in the manual somewhere but, I am unable to attack Australia or New Zealand forces in 1939 or 1940 even though they are at war with the Axis. What am I missing?

[sIg3b]

That Japan was not part of the Axis. [:D]

The Japanese only joined the general war with Pearl Harbour. After that, you can attack the Aussies.

[rjh1971]

ORIGINAL: pmiller322

It may I be in the manual somewhere but, I am unable to attack Australia or New Zealand forces in 1939 or 1940 even though they are at war with the Axis. What am I missing?

Declare war with Japan, make sure you have selected Japan and not Germany in the War Map screen.

As you can see I have declared war on Australia with Japan. Not a good idea though...

[xwormwood]

You can attack every country. As long as you have declared war upon them (war map or diplomacy menu).
At the begin of the game, Japan is only at war with China, and that is why Japan can't attack any other nation, Australia and New Zealand included.
But I wouldn't recommend it, as this might drag the USA into the war as well. Don't wake the sleeping giant before your ready to strike at him hard.

[pmiller322]

Yea, I forgot that Japan is for many purposes a separate entity with different state of wars with many powers. Figured it out after posting this but thanks for the responses. Its hell getting old