ORIGINAL: Majorball68
ORIGINAL: brian brian
Yes, the Italians have an uphill go of it in 1939. But what the Axis gets out of that decision is pressure on the CW. Pressure on your enemy helps keep your enemy from doing other things that they would rather be doing. The strategic initiative is worth a lot.
Can't disagree with that but the cost can be big. If the weather is not good in the north for an early assault on the Belgium and French than the CW can commit considerable resources to the Med and along with the French fleet can make it very difficult for the Italians.
True. However, time is on the Allied side. The longer Italy waits to DoW, the weaker it gets. It hasn't got the capabilities to build their air force without German build points. And the Italian air force is badly needed for the Axis and should become big, very big.
Also, if the Italians wants to pressure Germany in a "close the Med" strategy, the best way to do so is to try to conquer French Northern Africa and Egypt. Very difficult without German assistants, but in early war (especially when the CW decides to put Wavell in France) not impossible.