"I also expected a request from Germany to send the Imperial Navy fleet to the Indian Ocean and use it to annihilate the British fleet there. But I didn't anticipate it coming so soon. Is the situation in Europe really that dire? Germany is currently battling the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front and facing off against the British on the Western Front. As of now, both fronts seem to be in a stalemate, and I haven't heard any reports of Germany being at a disadvantage, especially considering their strength compared to Japan."
In response to Hori's statement about Germany requesting the Imperial Navy to advance its fleet into the Indian Ocean, Yamamoto expressed doubts about the haste.
"As you say, Germany is currently holding its ground against the Soviet Union in the East and the British in the West. But consider this: they are maintaining large forces and consuming a significant quantity of ammunition and tanks on the Eastern Front. Similarly, on the Western Front, numerous aircraft are being lost daily. While Germany is indeed a major power with resources several times that of Japan, it's not on par with the United States. Moreover, mobilizing a large number of troops and deploying a massive amount of weaponry consumes money like water. In other words, their treasury is dangerously depleted. They are trying to enhance taxation in the occupied countries to secure income, but even with such efforts, it's not enough. That's why they want to defeat the British at an early stage, using any means necessary."
Surprised by Hori's statement about Germany lacking funds, Yamamoto continued questioning.
"In other words, Germany lacks the economic backing to sustain a two-front war, and they want to eliminate the burden by dealing with Britain first. They intend to use the Imperial Navy for this purpose?"
"Your understanding is not entirely wrong. Resolving the two-front simultaneous operation is undoubtedly a cherished goal for Germany. However, that's not the only reason. Germany is eyeing the assets held by Britain. The wealth that the British have plundered from around the world over centuries is immense. If Germany can acquire that, their financial difficulties will be instantly resolved."
Yamamoto was dismayed by Hori's explanation, realizing that there was a more sinister motive behind Germany's actions. Before the war started, Hori and Shiozawa were contemplating indiscriminate seizure of British merchant ships in the Indian Ocean during the southern operation. It was a sinister act that would undoubtedly attract condemnation and accusations of war plunder or piracy. However, what Germany is attempting is, to put it mildly, national-level robbery. Forcing the opponent to surrender through military means and seizing their assets. Perhaps, Germany has some sweeteners prepared as a return favor for requesting the deployment of the Imperial Navy from Japan. And, it might not be a bad deal for the Imperial Navy. That's why Hori was considering the German request positively.
"As the commander of the 1st Mobile Fleet of the operational forces, there are a few things I would like to inquire about. I want to know the progress of the southern campaign and the movements of the Pacific Fleet before starting the Indian Ocean operation. Even with the 1st Mobile Fleet's power, it's not realistic to send it to the Indian Ocean before the fall of the Philippines or Singapore. Also, what preparations will be made for the Pacific Fleet in the absence of one fleet during this period?"
In response to Yamamoto's question, Yoshida, who had been silent until now, opened his mouth to explain that particular matter.
"Regarding the southern campaign, it should reach a conclusion soon. Initially, the complete occupation of the Philippines and Singapore was expected to happen no earlier than April. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Southern Expeditionary Force, the progress of the operation has far exceeded expectations. The most significant factor was the presence of the four Kongō-class aircraft carriers. Whether in naval or land battles, it's now common knowledge that having control of the air gives a significant advantage. These carriers have established such dominance in various parts of the southern campaign, earning numerous commendations from the Army. Additionally, concerning the Pacific Fleet, it seems that most of the ten outdated battleships from the United States Navy are being relocated to the Pacific. However, with Pearl Harbor currently unusable, these ships have no choice but to be based on the West Coast. Presumably, these battleships will be tasked with the defense of the West Coast. On the other hand, for the soon-to-be-active Atlantic, the plan is to assign the South Dakota-class ships. As for preparations against the Pacific Fleet, the first step is to reinforce the strength of the base air squadrons. Emphasis will be placed on patrol, working to prevent hit-and-run artillery attacks by anticipated enemy fast vessels. Especially the frontline islands such as Wake Island and the Marshall Islands will be a priority for this effort. Furthermore, for the large surface strike vessels, we plan to organize a surface strike force consisting of Nagato, Mutsu, and four each of Takao and Myōkō classes, dedicating them to special missions. So, the remaining four Takao-class ships will be the surface strike force guarding the Pacific, which, considering the situation of the United States Navy, should be sufficient for the time being. Therefore, each fleet will have only four heavy cruisers (Furutaka and Aoba classes combined) and thirty-two destroyers for deployment. Please understand this limitation. After all, the Imperial Navy possesses only two battleships and twelve heavy cruisers, totaling only fourteen large surface strike vessels. There is simply no room for deploying numerous units in the mobile fleet."
The Imperial Navy took an early turn towards an air-centric doctrine, relinquishing battleships for aircraft carriers due to budget constraints. Despite having significantly fewer large surface strike vessels compared to other naval powers, Yamamoto, an advocate of air-centric and anti-battleship doctrines, was content with the decision.
"I have no objections. As long as there are carriers and their escorting destroyers, that's sufficient for me. Rather than that, are we receiving the usual twelve carriers this time as well? I understand it may seem excessive for the Eastern Fleet, but there's no harm in having more."
Yamamoto's satisfaction with the escort vessels for the carriers was likely already anticipated by Yoshida. Nodding slightly, he handed a document to Yamamoto containing a list of vessels participating in the Indian Ocean operation.
YOU ARE READING
Aviation-Centric Combined Fleet
Historical Fiction「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...
