A Possible Problem

[Lou]

The French extend the Maginot Line.

Axis declares war on Soviets.
BUT NOT THE EASTERN CRUSADE.

ALLIED POLAND REMAINS IN PLACE.
AND WILL STAY IN PLACE
UNTIL THE CRUSADE OPTION IS SELECTED.

Verify this please.


Rather amazing really, same sequence of events existed in 1.8 (i), and I assume every version since.
.

[Mark Stevens]

You're right about the effect of the Germans DoWing the USSR but not Poland, but I don't see it as a problem. If the Axis does this, it can only attack Russia via Hungary/Rumania, or East Prussia and the Baltic States. (The Baltic States, even without the EC TO, will have mobilised.)

As you say, this leaves the pro-Allied Poles, still neutral (and therefore the Germans can't move through them) blocking the advance of the main German foces into the USSR. This is an accurate picture of what the situation would have been.

The German player then has two choices: (i) TO to invade Poland - but since it's guaranteed by the Western Allies it means war with both them AND the USSR or (ii) declare the EC and pressure the Poles to join the Axis.

But the German player would be bonkers to either invade the USSR via the Baltic States and Hungary/Rumania only, or to do (i) above. So I don't regard it as a problem in the same way as a bug - it would just be a very stupid combination of TOs.