I'm having trouble understanding how to do a couple of things. I've made sure diplomacy is on, but don't see any way to do it. In the War Panel the only option available is to declare war. Neither Influence nor Intimidation is allowed. Maybe Diplomacy only works in hotseat?
If you play vs the A.I. I strongly suggest turning it off. In fact I just generally recommend not using it. It is only in there because players asked for it.
You accumulate influence points over time you can use on countries. The War Panel will light up when you have an influence point.
Thank you. I reread the manual and realized just this morning that we're really not 'supposed' to use this option. I gather from forum postings that certain actions will change the dates when Axis allied countries enter the war. That seems like a good solution.