Donal,

I sorry I didn't answer your question about defeating the Japs without
help

The answer is YES!! We knew it and the Japs also knew it. They were
hoping for a negotiated peace to break the trade imbargo FDR had declare
between the two countries.

They never expected we would fight a two fronted war with enemies 1/2
way around the world. At no time did the sensible leader of Japan think
they would defeat the US

OT