Italy joins Axis but does not declare war

[EpiScope42]

Okay, playing my first game of Warplan, PBEM, Scenario 1939.

I moved 2 French units from N.Africa to France, knowing that this would likely trigger an Italian response. Italy did immediately join the Axis, just as Germans entered the low country. However, Italy has never declared war. After France fell, Germany moved troops into Italy and then into N.Africa.

However, Italy remains at peace. Yes, the Allies could declare war on Italy (but I don't know if that would further trigger negative Soviet reaction.) The manual states that minor countries immediately declare war when joing an alliance but Italy is major power and, hence, is able to remain neutral, until the Allies declare war on them?

I do not know if this is a bug or a feature; hence, I am posting it in this forum.

By the way, the game is fantastic, having been a long time strategic level WW2 board gamer and computer gamer.

Michael

[Nirosi]

Hi, and welcome to the game.

Yes a country can join a partnership but not declare war yet. And yes its allies (Germany here) can use their territory and ports (or vice verse as Italians can go to German controlled hexes). In player vs player, it can also be a trick as UK units would not intercept Italian ships moving to land in the Eastern med. Although it can also go both ways as Italians will not intercept UK ships moving around or trying to do invasions...

But, as Italy is already an Axis partner, you can simply declare war preventively. No bad effect on anything. See it simply as Italy giving full support to Germany and helping them, so UK retaliates by declaring war even if Italy has not yet.