The vast majority of resources and goods imported by the Soviet Union during World War II came through the Pacific Route, which was uncontested for most of the War. While the British and Germans often intercepted neutral ships trading with their enemies, Imperial Japan wanted to maintain good relations with the Soviets and allowed ships flying the Soviet flag to trade with the United States. Imperial Japan inspected the ships to make sure they weren't carrying any war materials, so they usually carried food, raw materials, and non-military transportation items such as trucks and trains, but occasionally some war material was brought through the Route. The fact that the Route wasn't contested obviously made things easier for the Soviets in their struggle in Europe, but it also freed up resources that would otherwise have had to protect and replace any losses that might be incurred. What kind of impact would there have been if Imperial Japan had followed the lead of other powers and intercepted shipping traveling the Pacific Route? Might the Aleutian Islands have become a more significant combat area or at least a more feasible location for a diversionary strike?