There were several decisions made at the conferences held between the Allied leaders. I was hearing about another one the other day that greatly impacted the final campaign against the mainland of Japan.
The post-war control of Germany had already been decided. It would have been a waste of good American lives to send them into parts of Germany that would then be given over to the Russians.
I've heard of other military strategic decisions that was made in the name of "Political Correctness" or appeasing our Allies. I've recently read a book by a Veteran of Italy who said that several times the Americans were refrained from advancing so that the British could take a city or make a break-thru and get some recognition. I'm trying to verify some of these stories. Two examples:
Cassino Front - Gustav Line It is reported that the French troops broke thru the line and made quick advances up the Liri Valley, while the Polish troops of the British Army captured Cassino and the Monte Cassino peak. His version is that the American 5th Army broke the Gustav Line but were held up so that the British units could advance.
Spring 1945 Offensive - Bologna The boundary between the US 5th Army and Biritsh 8th Army was a line that went thru the city of Bologna. Again, the Americans fought up to the outskirts of the city and waited for the British to take it. The history books say that the Polish Corps took the city. But you can find photos of the US 34th Division in Bologna and their records say they entered the city early in the morning of 21st April---before the Poles.
I'm not against the Polish troops or doubt their bravery. The worst political decision that was ever made had a terrible impact on the Poles and the future of their country.
Poland was captured by the Germans and Russians. But when the Germans attacked the Russians, the Russians agreed to release the Polish POWs so they could fight with the Allies. And they did. They fought 3 long years. The Polish armies were the 4th largest of any Allied country that fought in the war. Yet, the political decision was made to turn the country back over to Russia after the war. This greatly grieved the Polish leaders. When this decision became public in early 1945, the Polish leaders asked to pull their troops out of the front lines in Italy. General Clark, the commander of 15th Army Group, asked them to remain until he could get more replacement troops. The Poles changed their minds and went on to lead the attack in the Spring Offensive---knowing that they were fighting for the freedom of the Italians but they would not have freedom for their country.
Steve