@Krieghund:
@Holden:
I can’t find anything in the rules that actually allows Russia to declare war on Japan. What am I missing?
It’s implied by the fact that they are on opposite sides and that the terms of their relations are defined by the players.
It seems to me that Russia holds all the cards here.
a) They can move their 18 inf out of harms way R1 (before Japs turn).
b) Russia wants to be at war w/someone early (maybe w/o conflict) to take some of the pro neutrals (gets boring waiting for Germany).
c) Being at war w/someone is also part of their 5ipc NO.
d) Japan has many other problems on the table that are more pressing to be a real threat to the Siberian front early on.
e) If Jap backs off on Manchuria, Russia could be a problem (especially if US is anywhere near).
Russia has a lot of advantages to being at war early (at least a phony war).
Its really in Japans best interest to not be at war w/Russia, so it can make other attacks, and not have to worry about the Soviets (kinda like Pac40).
So why would the Russia player agree to anything w/Jap player. As I said the Russia player holds all the cards IMO, as long as you don’t do something stupid and loose those 18 Siberia inf. I would keep the Jap player guessing. The only way I would agree on cutting a deal is to give the Japs a false sense of security, then when their not paying attention pound them, but by that time you will have lost a chance at the 5ipc at war bonus, and not be getting to those neutrals.