It is 1942. You're commander of the Axis. What would you do?

You are speaking my kind of language.

 

I started speaking Klingon.

 

Pretty simple and clear cut options to win here:

• Order the Japanese to blockade Soviet Far Eastern Ports, perhaps even initiate Kantokuen. This would result in the loss of 50% of Lend Lease, crippling the Soviet war effort and likely leading to their collapse as a result of Fall Blau.
• Stick to the original phased operational planning of Fall Blau; no mad dash for the Caucasus. The flanks get cleared and Stalingrad secured first before pushing towards the goals of Grozny and Maikop. Cut the Astrakhan-Baku railway too, which was nearly accomplished and would've been a hindrance on the Persian Corridor of Lend Lease.
• IF possible, compel the Finns to initiate the planned attack on the Murmansk Railway to cut most of the Northern Lend Lease route.

This likely results in the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1942, which is the critical strategic objective to preserve the European component of the Axis. In order to further grant a position of strength for eventual peace talks, have joint German-Italian planning start for the invasion of Malta by the Summer of 1942. This was doable and if achieved would completely close the Mediterranean to Allied shipping across its width as well as dramatically improve the logistical position of the DAK-Italian forces in North Africa.

 

Shoot Hitler.

Tell Germany not to declare war against the U.S. (too late).
Get Japan plans for the 75 mm AT gun and the Stug III. Give them a chance against Soviet Armor.
Arm both the Ukrainians and Byelorussians, grant them independence and form alliances to create buffer states. Form a coalition with Poland (sans the Danzig Corridor), Byelorussians, Ukrainians and the Baltic States as a new axis against Stalin.
Tell Japan that their 1905 strategy is obsolete and the concentrate their defenses, improve their anti-sub warfare force and concentrate on building carriers.
Peace treaty with France and the lowlands with neutrality clause.


Negotiate peace with Russia.

 

As a result of the PQ-17 disaster, summer-time shipping had been halted and compelling the Finns to assist in efforts to cut the Murmansk Railway would render that port non-functional for Lend Lease shipping anyway. Arkhangelsk is the only other remaining port and it was undergoing a capacity increase that wouldn't finish until 1943, so it could not pick up additional slack.

 

Dietl the Snow Fox failed in his assault on Murmansk. Fricking frigid weather and home team advantage.

Off topic, but you might want to listen to Paul Cheall's telling of Merchant Seaman Gill's account of PQ-18. Absolutely riveting. 102 Arctic Convoy with Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean102 Arctic Convoy with Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean