Japan rules question

[Canuck12]

If (as usual) Japan DOWs J3 on the Brits (and the Americans by default) are they declaring war on France?

In other words can Japanese ships be blocked by a French destroyer if Japan declares war on the Brits but leaves French Indo China alone?

[Ruanek]

My understanding is they can attack France without declaring war on the UK.  I’d have to check that, though.

[Krieghund]

If Japan doesn’t declare war on France, the French ship won’t block it.

Note that a declaration of war on UK/ANZAC does not bring the US into the war immediately.  It simply gives the US permission to declare war on Japan.  If Japan declares war on UK/ANZAC, but not the US, US ships will not block Japan.

[Canuck12]

Cheers mate. Thanks for your dedication.

[Cow]

can’t france declare war on anyone?

[Krieghund]

France is already at war with Germany and Italy when the game starts.  It may declare war on Japan on any of its turns.