Even then, the state department blocked requests by the defense department to beef up the defense capability of Guam, believe it or not. They said it would be provocative. Yeah, sort of like buying a home defense shotgun would provoke a home invader.
It is amazing that Guam held out as long as they did given that their defense was hamstrung so much by our own government.
“In theory, true. In practice, not until the decision was made to go to war with the United States in the summer of 1941.”
In practice yes. They allowed no foreign ships into the ports and there is ample evidence of the building of airfields and other infrastructure.
“It is amazing that Guam held out as long as they did”
One hour from initial engagement to surrender.