"If we were to liken it to martial arts or boxing, the United States would be in the heavyweight class, the Soviet Union in the heavyweight class. Germany and the United Kingdom would be in the middleweight class, Italy and France as well, and Japan in the lightweight class. Considering the current situation, it's like the middleweight Germany defeating the lightweight France," Minister Hori expressed, to which Admiral Yamamoto raised an objection.
"For our country, possessing the world's third-largest naval power, to be labeled as lightweight seems to underestimate ourselves a bit. Besides, even in defeat, France is a major land power. Well, I have no objections when it comes to Italy."
Chuckling at the mention of Italy, Hori continued.
"Even considering our industrial and technological capabilities and the depth of the talent pool, the gap between heavyweight and middleweight nations and our country is clear. You may boast about being the world's third-largest naval power, but the facilities for building and repairing the ships that support those vessels are still extremely weak, and talent is also in short supply. Since the start of the war with China, the situation regarding the sufficiency of mid-level officers and specially trained soldiers has become extremely dire, as you well know. In contrast to organizational expansion, the overall tactical capabilities of the fleet are steadily declining. Furthermore, the crucial stockpiles of oil and ammunition are also uncertain. The title of the world's third-largest naval power is nothing more than a superficial brochure specification."
Shiozawa added, nodding in agreement with Hori.
"While it's true that our industrial and technological capabilities, as well as our talent, are weak, our country's weakness is also the scarcity of natural resources. In the first place, if we don't import oil from the United States, neither the Navy nor the Army can fight. It's a bit arrogant to think that the Imperial Navy is strong just because we have a certain number of aircraft carriers and battleships."
A single statement to Hori or Shiozawa would be met with twice the opposition. Therefore, Yamamoto quickly changed the subject.
"So, I'll ask, does the Navy Ministry and the Navy General Staff have any plans regarding a war with the United States, something beyond the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor? I'm just a fleet commander for now, but as a contemporary, I'd like to hear your unreserved thoughts," Admiral Yamamoto inquired, and Shiozawa glanced at Hori.
Confirming Hori's subtle nod, Shiozawa spoke, "Regarding the strategy of the Imperial Navy, our top priority is the completion of the Southern Operation. Without oil, neither the Navy nor the Army can fight. While we are carrying out the Southern Operation, the Pacific Fleet is sure to launch an attack. Therefore, you will lead the 1st Mobile Fleet and dispose of the Pacific Fleet in advance. This is the first stage of the operation. The second stage is the Indian Ocean. If we control this area, the British economy will be forced to fly on one engine. Additionally, by blocking the Persian Corridor, the major artery for Soviet aid, and further cutting off support to Chiang Kai-shek, we can create a significant debt for Germany and the Army. And, this is something we can't say loudly, but in the Indian Ocean, during the second stage, we want to seize as many British merchant ships as possible and incorporate them into our merchant fleet. Especially prioritizing oil tankers. After all, our country has just over a hundred oil tankers, and the total tonnage is less than 500.000 tons, including the small ones. Well, hardly anyone among those enthusiasts who boast about going to war with the United States knows the actual situation of Japan's merchant fleet. In other words, during the second stage, we plan to engage in wartime looting activities in the Indian Ocean, or rather, piracy. However, this is the current reality in which the Imperial Navy finds itself. No matter how many aircraft carriers or battleships we have, if there are few ships to transport the crucial oil, a satisfactory operation cannot be planned. Regarding oil tankers, production will certainly increase once the war begins, but considering our country's construction capacity, unfortunately, the number is known."
With a self-deprecating smile, Shiozawa acknowledged that the conversation had deviated and continued his words.
"As for the Indian Ocean operation, besides the destruction of the British economy and the seizure of British merchant ships, there is another significant objective. It's securing the communication lines between Japan and Europe. Unfortunately, Japan is significantly behind in terms of technological advancements compared to the Western powers. To bridge that gap, it's absolutely necessary to introduce technology from Germany. Moreover, in the event of war, without our prompting, Germany is likely to request the elimination of the British forces in the Indian Ocean. In response to that request, we will receive weapons and technology from Germany. Then, before the imminent decisive battle with the United States, we will incorporate them as much as possible into our weapon systems."
Following Shiozawa, Yoshida, who had been silent until now, turned to Yamamoto and began explaining.
"The essence of the second-stage operation is to force Britain out of the war. If we achieve maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean and open up the Suez Canal, we are considering sending a fleet, if necessary, to Europe and blockading the surrounding waters. If Britain drops out, the righteous cause for the United States to participate in the war, that is, the rescue of a country fighting against Germany, or European liberation, will be greatly compromised. As a result, within the United States, there should be a significant anti-war sentiment. Normally, in fighting a collective war, the theory is to eliminate the biggest threat first. In the case of the Allies, that would be the United States, followed by the Soviet Union and finally, Britain. However, with the combined strength of Japan, Germany, and Italy, facing off against the United States for victory is practically impossible, leaving aside Britain and the Soviet Union. Therefore, we exploit the weakest part of the enemy, which, in terms of nations, is Britain. And the weakest part of the United States is public opinion. If public opinion says no to war, neither the president nor the military can go against it."
Yamamoto, who had been listening attentively to Yoshida's words with closed eyes, opened his eyes and questioned Hori and Shiozawa, as well as Yoshida.
"I understand the essence of the first and second-stage operations. Then, assuming that even if Britain drops out in the second stage, if the United States continues the fight, how do you intend to wage war?"
To Yamamoto's provocatively or challengingly toned voice, Hori quietly shook his head.
"There's no other way. Just persistently fight until we force the Americans to bleed and they give in."
CITEȘTI
Aviation-Centric Combined Fleet
Istorice「It is no longer the era of battleships. From now on, airplanes are the mainstay of the Navy.」 Which one is it? The doctrine of big ships and big guns or perhaps air power? The power struggle within the Navy, however, takes an unexpected turn. Due t...
