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A recent opponent practically annihilated the Italian navy (which was in sea hexes in the Adriatic) with French navy, British CV and then British surface and sub units. Apparently this could be avoided by putting them all in ports with sufficient air cover.

But it leads me to ponder what happens if Allies dow Italy in 1939 when they have nothing to do anyway? Both France/GB start game with fast amphibious transport capability at beginning of war. Has anybody seen this?

Haven't done it but here's a few thoughts:

* US mobilization will drop like 6% or so and Spain will also tilt toward Axis
* Is France or UK in position to do much against Italy in '39? UK has a few weak unit in Egypt and France a few near Italian border
* Italian mobilization jumps immediately to 100% giving them more MPP from the Oct '39 - March '40 period

If you could take out Rome with a preemptive strike it might be worth it

Hi Treefrog

I've just checked the scripts and if the Allies declare war on Italy then the US will swing 5-7% towards the Axis, and Spain will swing 10-15%.

The Italian navy is strongly advised to stay in port until France has been knocked out of the war, unless the Axis are aiming to conquer all French territory (i.e. no Vichy).

Bill, does it impact the USSR at all?

I'd not really thought it over, but a short delay in US mobilization might not be too high a price to pay for a chance to eliminate (or even just to heavily attrit) the Italians

It doesn't affect the USSR, just the US and Spain.