PART IX: OFFENSIVE IN THE NORTH
Tianjin in flames
June, 1937
Forging the Unified Front
Chinese warlords announced their decision to fight against so called Japanese aggression in the North along with KMT.
War News
General Higashikuni and General Terauchi launched offensives against Lingqiu and Tianjin respectively. Their aim is to encircle Beijing.
1st Battle Fleet of Admiral Nagano and 2nd Carrier Fleet of Admiral Ozawa were ordered to search for any enemy ships in the East China Sea.
Propaganda
Under the direction of Prime Minister Hayashi Senjuro, full page propaganda article about Marco Polo Incident was published on the front page of all Japanese newspapers. The article mentioned continuos Chinese violation of Japanese sovereignty in the region and their humiliation towards Japanese people and the Emperor. The article called Japanese people to unite and protect the honor of Emperor.
The Pittman Act
United States President Roosevelt announced that he would provide financial assistance to Chinese government as part of the Pittman Act.
War Economy
With the beginning of our offensive in the Northern China, the government prolonged the number of working hours in order to meet demands of the Army. Furthermore, sale of goods that are considered as luxury is restricted.
Revision of Armaments Program
Beginning of serious battles in China lead PM Senjuro to give priority of the armaments program to new infantry division formations. 6 new infantry divisions will be formed by the end of 1937.
War News
Our medium bomber force is conducting logistical bombing campaign against Tianjin to disrupt enemy supply flow to the city. Our 3 divisions led by General Kano launched offensive against Beijing from Changed. General Higashikuni planned this offensive as bait to draw the Chinese to Beijing.
Our intelligence informs us that Chinese are dismantling important industrial complexes in the North to transfer them to interior of the country.
Admiral Nagano spotted a Chinese destroyer near the coast of Shandong. Planes of carrier Akagi sunk the ship.
Admiral Nagano spotted light cruiser again in the same location. However, light cruiser managed to escape using the night as cover. Chief of the Navy Admiral Hisanori decided to send 2nd Battle Fleet that is currently based at Iwo Jima to Chinese coast.
Admiral Nagano's Telegram to Navy Ministry, Tokyo -- TOP SECRET
To Admiralty, Urgent.
I was searching for Chinese warships along coast of Shangdong during the last week. I informed sinking of 1 enemy destroyer few days ago. Yesterday, I spotted a light cruiser, however she managed to escape in the night. Currently, my fleet is in Hangzhou Bay. I didn't encounter any enemy ships in this region. I sent several aircrafts of my flagship Akagi to gather intelligence about possible enemy ships in the dock of Shanghai. Our pilots spotted Chinese warships in the dockyard though we don't have exact information about the number and types of the ships. There is also very important information I have to inform : Our pilots didn't spot any enemy ground force concentration in Shanghai. We made several flights and all our observations verify that there is not any military presence in the area. Possibly, Chinese are sending their troops to the North. I am informing this intelligence as urgent since I believe that this info may affect our military plans.
Lastly, according to instructions given to us, we are not allowed to attack Chinese ships in the docks, I am following the order but I want to inform that I am just awaiting order to strike the port.
signed : Admiral Nagano