I've cast my vote - XI.39 is possible, but only if two "repeat Hiryu's" laid down in early 1937 and Yamato&Musashi pushed back to '38 or '39. Or two Soryu/Hiryu built instead of Tone class.
I vaguely remember- hence I may be wrong - from various "build better IJN for WWII" threads, that slips (no, not THAT kind, you perverts, no panchira for you!) were a bottleneck. To have decks nos.5 and 6 ready for '39 or '40 you axe either the Tone cruisers or Yamato battleships.
I don't think that China would had cared that much for Hainan, so Japan keeps it. The West would be concerned - France most - but again IMO would not react that much.
As to USA - Hainan threatens Phillippines LESS than Taiwan.
I agree that the London Naval Treaty most probably goes out the...
Hmm - that's an interesting thought. You think they'd share?
To spice up your idea - what if not Judaism, but Samaritanism? Or - still keeping to the Judaic strand of the religion founded by Moses - Karaims?
Thanks!
As AFAIK both English and Scottish Catholics do exist, could any had reached such rank sooner?
Or were these too few and peer pressure to convert too strong?