Utsunimiya's War - HoI3(TFH) Japan AAR

[serutan]

I presume that poster is anti Army propaganda being distributed by the Navy?

 

[El Pip]

The Head of Intelligence reported that Portugal captured one Japanese agent, Brazil captured five Japanese agents, the US captured three Japanese agents, the Netherlands captured two Japanese agents, and Yunnan captured one Japanese agent.

How have we even got any agents left? I fear we are now trapped in a doom loop. Only an idiot would apply to work in IJA Intelligence at this point, so all our agents are idiots, which mean they get captured instantly, making the profession seem even less attractive.

As with so many things the best solution is to transfer Intelligence from the fools in the Army to the Navy, only then can competence be re-established. This will, of course, not happen because it is the 'wrong sort' of advice.

Failing that, can we at least ask the Head of Intelligence what all this treasure and all these deaths have accomplished for the honour and glory of Japan? When he admits nothing of value has been achieved, hand him a sword and point him at a private room, then cut all funding to Intelligence and divert it to more useful things. Like researching ship design and improved ship building techniques.

 

[Eurasia]

I presume that poster is anti Army propaganda being distributed by the Navy?

That's a Russian soldier looting China. In our time line it was released in Manchukuo as anti-Communist propaganda. In this time line it is being released by the Imperial Japanese Army throughout the Empire.

 

[Eurasia]

Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter Ninety-One : Cleaning Up - Part Two - 16.5.1938 To 31.5.1938

The Economic Front​

During this period of time the Foreign Ministry made deals with Afghanistan, Tibet, and Lithuania to export Coal for cash. Coal, between the home islands and the Asian territories, was one thing the Empire had an overabundance of.

Deals were also made with the nations of Ireland and Costa Rica, to export Supplies to them.

Due to this influx of cash the Japanese industry also made deals to import more Fuel, Rare Materials, and Metal.

Some deals were turned down and a few canceled. But in the end the economy kept rolling along without a problem.

In fact a report from Yan’an, the Ex-Capital of Red China, stated that more than 50 percent of the factories had been repaired and the infrastructure was almost totally repaired.

The Ministry of Armaments announced that a breakthrough had been made in oil production Technology. Advancements in the science of oil refinery would increase the efficiency by 20 percent! The Research Team, after being given some metals pinned on their lab coats, were sent to work on Automotive Research. With a few Tank and Motorized units being assembled it was felt such research would help improve the equipment in the future.

The Military Front​

During the latter part of May there was not much happening on the military side of affairs. They were waiting for the politicians to get a war started with either Guangxi Clique or Portugal. Which didn’t seem to be coming.

Of course all the HQs wanted more aircraft and brigades of Tanks. Whole divisions of Tanks. Which they weren’t getting any time soon.

Still, on the one hand peace wasn’t a BAD thing. The longer peace lasted the more likely the nations of the world would stop focusing on Japan and focus on other problem nations - like the Netherlands, the UK, or Germany.

On the other hand a peace time economy was slowing down the production of military equipment and the formation of new fighting units. The NEW Carriers would be constructed faster during a war time economy. The NEW ground divisions would be trained and equipped faster during a war time economy. Even the NEW factory complexes would be finished faster.

Misc. Events​

One of the biggest events of late May was the United States passing the Naval Act on the 17th of May. In theory this meant Congress “mandated” a 20 percent increase of strength of the United States Navy. It authorized the construction of 105,000 tons of battleships, 40,000 tons of aircraft carriers, and so on. In fact this was unlikely to happen anytime soon due to the limitations of the US’s own peace time economy.

The Head of Intelligence reported that Guangxi Clique had captured three Japanese agents, Yunnan had captured nine Japanese agents, Canada had captured one Japanese agent, the Netherlands had captured four Japanese agents, Brazil had captured two Japanese agents, Portugal had captured one Japanese agent, and the US had captured one Japanese agent.

Security announced one spy from Tibet had been arrested, one spy from Iraq had been arrested, and one spy from Napal had been arrested.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author’s Notes:

OOC - Yan’an :

Spoiler

 

[serutan]

https://freesvg.org/img/oldcamera-flash.png

Misc. Events​

The Head of Intelligence rehttps://freesvg.org/img/oldcamera-flash.pngported that Guangxi Clique had captured three Japanese agents, Yunnan had captured nine Japanese agents, Canada had captured one Japanese agent, the Netherlands had captured four Japanese agents, Brazil had captured two Japanese agents, Portugal had captured one Japanese agent, and the US had captured one Japanese agent.

Security announced one spy from Tibet had been arrested, one spy from Iraq had been arrested, and one spy from Napal had been arrested.

---

Japanese Spy Camera:

 

[Eurasia]

Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter Ninety-Two : Second Revolt - 1.6.1938 To 30.6.1938

The Economic Front​

The economy was doing great, even during peace time, and the Fuel stockpile was just getting bigger. And the Supply stockpile was even larger.

True, some deals were canceled. For example, the UK stopped sending Japan Rare Materials and France canceled a agreement that supplied Japan with Metal. South Africa and Costa Rica canceled deals in which they gave Japan cash for Supplies.

But new deals were made with Venezuela, Italy, the US, and Belgium for the import of Metal and Rare Materials. While Cuba and Siam were more than willing to pay for Supplies. And Yugoslavia was eager to buy Coal - much to the anger of its own coal miners. So little damage was done.

On top of that the month of June seemed to be a wonderful time for the advancement of science!

On the 12th of June the Team working on Aeronautical Engineering had announced they had made a breakthrough that would allow faster and more effective research in this field.

They were told to move on to Mechanical Engineering to help on the research and science of engines and new industrial parts.

On the 20th it was announced that breakthroughs had been made in the science of Artillery design. This was wonderful because of the Army’s new request for such support units. (See Military Front)

The Team was then told to move onto working with Basic Strategic Bombers. After all, now that Air Transports were being produced it wasn’t that big of a step to replace the cargo and passenger section with bomb racks.

On the 26th of June a breakthrough was made in Infantry Warfare. This would mostly made infantry weapons development more effective.

The Team was, after a small party, was assigned to work on improving the fuel tank designs of the medium aircraft. The idea was for them to find ways for aircraft to carry more fuel and improve on their range. Very important when dealing with the vast, empty, spaces of Asia and the Pacific Ocean.

The Ministry of Armaments and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had done well. The military on the other hand had its….well, hands full.

The Military Front​

The month of June started out slowly for the military forces of Japan.

‘Manchukuo Operations’ continued to complain about a lack of troops. It wanted more aircraft and it wanted at least eleven Armour Brigades. To be honest, being that it facing Russian forces greater than its own, it had a right to complain.

The HQ of the Mongol Army was now heading NORTH. As if it could not decide where to station itself. Unlike the other HQ’s it estimated that it could easily overwhelm the forces it was facing. Too confident maybe?

And due to all the moving about the Mongol Army HQ was now having supply issues.

‘China Operations’ seemed to think it could also take on the military forces of the Guangxi Clique. It outnumbered the future enemy in units, had better equipment, experienced officers and men, and, in some cases, larger units. Also many of the warlords’ divisions across the border were made up of militia.

On the 7th of June another CAG Wing was deployed to the airbases in Hiroshima. The fact is Carrier Attack Groups were easily to assemble and train. They were therefore faster to create. And might even see combat before all the Carriers were finished.

On the 18th of June General Sho-ichi Utsunimiya sent a request to the Ministry of Armaments to put fourteen Artillery Regiments into production. These units would be armed with 15 cm Howitzers. Seemed a few infantry divisions would be receiving support regiments. But which ones likely depended on the needs of the Imperial Japanese Army when the units started to come out of the factories.

On the 23rd the newest Garrison Division, the 30. Hohei Shidan, was deployed to Nagasaki.

It was loaded onto the transports of the 1st Task Group which was then ordered to move them to the Port of Nantong. It was decided that the Province of Hefei was be the perfect place to station the new unit.

By the 23rd the unit had been unloaded at Nantong and had started it long journey to the Province of Hefei to guard it’s factories and stockpiles. Of course it was transferred to the Kwantung Army Theater which had authority over mainland Asia.

The 1st Task Group was back to the Port of Nagasaki by the late morning of the 24th.

By the 25th of June it was noticed that all the Imperial Japanese Army units on the border were FINNALY receiving the supplies they needed.

On the 28th the HQ for the Mongol Army was, once again, heading SOUTH.

Early on the morning of the 29th the Second Chinese Revolt came into being when rebels took over the Province of Zhongxiang. A province just north of the HQ of ‘China Operations’.

Of course the 3. and the 1. Tactical Groups were ordered to blast the Rebellion into dust. They were up and in the air within the hour and started dropping bombs on the Chinese before they could even decide in which direction to move. The two Bomber Groups would bomb the scum six times and kill 1,043 rebels before the end of the month

It was noticed by the bomber crews that the rebels lacked any supplies and were quickly becoming a disorganized mob.

While this was happening the Chief of Staff, the Prince, ordered the Special Corps to send in a division. He didn’t wish the units of ‘China Operations’ to leave their positions.

“That makes no sense,” remarked the General on reading the orders. “Those units are right there. Well within striking distance. The Cavalry could wipe out these Nationalists…I mean…these rebels within a week.”

Bowing down to his superior’s commands he ordered the 5. Hodei Shidan, a division with four infantry regiments, to prepare for deployment. The commander of the division, Major General Ushijima, was a member of the Old Guard but was also known for his logistical skills. He was a leader who might be able to keep his men supplied and fed even while having to deal with the horrible mess that was China’s road system. It was hoped that the oversized division would be able to handle any lightly armed peasants.

The unit was loaded onto the transports of the 4th Task Group which was ordered to the Port of Fuzhou.

The division was unloaded in the Province of Fuzhou and started the VERY long march to rebel territory.

The 4th Task Group made its way back to Gaoxiong and made it by the 30th of June.

Now the General could wait and watch as the counters moved about his map on China. So very slowly.

Misc. Events​

In the great wide world the most noticeable events were happening in the United States. On the 1st of June a new comic book out about a ‘Super’ man from another world. An overgrown boy scout who was the symbol of America’s solid Mid-Western values. This suggested that the American public was trying to escape reality and live in a fantasy world where the events in Europe and Asia did not affect them. Utsunimiyas, who cared nothing for fantasy nor science fiction, didn't understand the appeal of such comics.

On the 11th Germany once again sent diplomatic feelers to see if Japan was willing to join in an alliance. And once again was turned down.

Then there was a scandal in the US on the 16th when a film released by United Artists ended up upsetting the Republic of Spain. Seems the movie, called ‘Blockade’, was a drama set in Spain during a fictional Civil War. The problem Spain had with the film was that the writers had used real individuals in their story and made both sides look somewhat shady. The State Department was trying to handle the damage done but the Spanish were not the only ones offended. It seems one of the characters was Russian and therefore the Soviets were pretty upset by it also.

Then Germany, once again, offered to allow the Japanese to join in an alliance on the 28th of June as well. It, too, was turned down. Maybe Germany was living in a fantasy world too? How many times would they ask Japan to join them in a alliance?

For the month of June the Head of Intelligence reported that Portugal captured six Japanese agents, the Guangxi Clique had captured five Japanese agents, Canada had captured five Japanese agents, the US had captured five Japanese agents, Yunnan captured eight Japanese agents, and Brazil captured nine Japanese agents.

Japanese security, for the month of June, arrested a spy from Yunnan, a spy from Xibei San Ma, a spy from Guangxi Clique, a spy from the Philippines, and a spy from the US.

And in Taiwan the General waited for a report from China. A report about his men, about the revolt, about anything.

 

[El Pip]

Utsunimiyas, who cared nothing for fantasy nor science fiction, didn't understand the appeal of such comics.

He gets more than enough fantastical and unbelievable fiction by reading the reports from the Head of Intelligence about what IJA Intelligence has acheived each month.

 

[roverS3]

I couldn't help but notice that our so-called researchers are spending an awful lot of time theorising and comparatively little time doing practical research. Instead of thinking about how they could possibly advance automotive research, maybe they'd be better off actually designing something, like a Battleship? Instead of thinking about Aeronautical Engineering, maybe they could have spent their time actually improving our Aeroplane models? This is almost as much of a waste as investing in the Kempetai.

Of course, improvements to Oil Refining technology are very welcome.

I do question the procurement of more Artillery pieces for the Army, while the Navy isn't getting a similar increase in firepower. (in the shape of big guns on ships). Once again, the procurement bias in favour of the IJA remains strong. I must also warn against too much investment into large bombers. They are bound to be expensive to build, and less practical than a more versatile Carrier Air Group, which can fly more missions from a Carrier parked offshore of the target. Not to mention that their mere existence would likely erode Navy funding in favour of the new 'Air Force', which would just 'need' to have some. The IJN, having to provide it's own Air Support, in opposition to the IJA, should be getting at least half of the budget. If we add the fact that the IJN is the service that's also transporting the IJA all over the place, protecting supply convoys, and providing shore bombardment, we should be getting significantly more than half of the military budget.

As much as I try to enjoy retirement, I'm eagerly anticipating Japan's next successful war.

Captain RobaS3,
Pacing angrily as he reads the military budget again and again, trying to find exactly why so much of it is not going to the Navy. He needs a war to take his mind of this injustice, he needs one soon.

 

[Eurasia]

Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter Ninety-Three : Crushing Another Revolt - 1.7.1938 To 31.7.1938

The Economic Front​

The month of July for the economy was somewhat slow. At least when compared to the military.

There was an announcement on the 1st of a breakthrough in Mobile Warfare which would help the Army in future conflicts.

After the Research Team had a short rest it was assigned to working on improving Supply Production. This should help keep the Navy and Army supplied with all the hardtack and shells they needed.

A deal was made with the US to import more Metal while Italy canceled a trade deal.

Around the 27th it was noticed that the Fuel Stockpile was dropping. Slowly. Likely due to the bombings and the transportation of the ground units.

But during July most of the action was in the revolt, or should we say revolts, in China.

The Military Front​

The Bomber Groups continued to blast at the rebels in the Province of Zhongxiang. The rebels were bombed twenty-four times from the 1st of July to the 9th of July. And 3,673 Chinese rebels were killed before they decided to flee into the thick forests of the province.

On the 1st of July two Cavalry units tried to leave the border to attack the rebels in Zhongxiang and were told by the Chief of Staff to hold their ground because the 5. Hohei Shidan. Of course, with the IJAA trying care of the Revolt all by itself the whole thing was a waste of fuel and resources.

Of course, as one Rebellion silently died another was born in the Province of Tongcheng. And so the Bomber Groups were called in before they even had a chance to take a rest from their last bombing run.

The flat landscape of the province gave the rebels no place to hit from the bombing crews. In fact one bombing run, in which only 45 rebels were kill, was enough to cause them to flee. The fear of the Japanese Bombers was enough to crush the Third Chinese Rebellion.

As the Bombers were allowed to get a rest the Chief of Staff ordered the Garrisons to take back to two provinces.

The 30. Hohei Shidan, on its way to the Province of Hefei, was told to stop by and free the Province of Tongcheng.

And the 61. Hohei Shidan was told to move to Zhongxiang to free it. Then return to the Province of Changde to continue to guard its factories and airbases.

Of course now the 5. Hohei Shidan of the Tokushu Gundan was told to return to the coastal Port of Fuzhou. It was no longer needed to crush the rebels.

The 1st Navy was told to go to Fuzhou to pick up the Infantry Division. It got to the port by the late morning of the 12th and waited for the slow moving ground troops to show up.

As they waited a NEW Garrison Division was finally assembled and deploy to the Province of Nagasaki. The unit was loaded up into the transports of the 1st Task Group which would deliver it to the Port of Hangzhou.

It was delivered to the port by the evening of the 16th and was given its orders. The Garrison would be stationed at the Province of Chengdu. As far west you can get in China and still be in a region thought of as slightly civilized. The reason? Airbases and some factory complexes that were important to the Empire.

The second they started marching they came under the authority of the Kwantung Army Theater HQ. The 1st Task Group returned back to its home port on the 17th.

By the 26th of July the 5. Hohei Shidan FINNALLY reached the Port of Fuzhou and loaded up into the transports of the 1st Navy. The ships launched and arrived at the Port of Gaoxiong by the early morning hours of the 27th of July.

The rest of the month the General spent waiting and watching the Garrisons, not built for speed, SLOWLY march towards their target provinces to free the Chinese people from the rebel governments that, somehow, still clung to the outdated ideas of the Nationalist movement. A dead movement. China would never become a independent nation any more than Russia would become a true democracy or the United States would develop a taste for GOOD tea.

Misc. Events​

There were only a few interesting news reports worthy of note in the month of July.

On the 4th of July, in Italy, Benito Mussolini opened threshing season in Aprilla. He boasted that Italy would never buy gain from the ‘so-called great democracies’ again.

On the 5th, in Japan, a flash flood in the Mount Rokko area claimed at least the lives of 715 persons.

And Germany, like a broken clock, continued to offer to let Japan join in an alliance every few weeks. They did so on the 12th and the the 20th. Both times they were turned down.

On the 25th the Fourth Anniversary of the July Putsch was celebrated in Vienna as a day of ‘National Pride’. Why the Germans wanted to celebrated a FAILED coop was unknown to Utsunimiya.

The Head of Intelligence, for the month of July, reported that Yunnan captured seven Japanese agents, Canada captured four Japanese agents, Guangxi Clique captured four Japanese agents, Brazil captured nine Japanese agents, the US captured three Japanese agents, and Portugal captured four Japanese agents.

Security announced the arrest of one spy from the USSR, the arrest of one spy from Iraq, and the arrest of a spy from Yunnan.

 

[El Pip]

Of course, with the IJAA trying care of the Revolt all by itself the whole thing was a waste of fuel and resources.

Many would say it is the IJAA itself that is a waste of fuel and resources. And they would be entirely right to say so, because it is.

The Head of Intelligence, for the month of July, reported that Yunnan captured seven Japanese agents, Canada captured four Japanese agents, Guangxi Clique captured four Japanese agents, Brazil captured nine Japanese agents, the US captured three Japanese agents, and Portugal captured four Japanese agents.

31 agents! That is one every single day. That IJA Intelligence is that inept is no revelation, but that the government still permits so much money and so many lives to be lost while achieve absolutely nothing, that still somehow surprises me. If it were anyone else in charge this madness would end, alas it is the dishonourable buffoon Utsunimiya and his cronies in charge so nothing will change, no matter how catastrophically wrong things go.

 

[serutan]

Many would say it is the IJAA itself that is a waste of fuel and resources.

Well yes, that is a typical expression of jealousy/insecurity when confronted with a much more efficient use of resources than a training target battleship could ever be.

The first major lesson to be taken from these rebellions is that the policing forces assigned to these areas apparently feel that they have to show that they too can be stunningly incompetent.

The second major lesson is that air transports must be built and Air Force paratroop units trained so the rebel zones can be quickly reoccupied without the interminable wait for an Army unit to deign to show up.

31 agents! That is one every single day. That IJA Intelligence is that inept is no revelation, but that the government still permits so much money and so many lives to be lost while achieve absolutely nothing, that still somehow surprises me.

In this if nothing else, the Air Force and Navy have common ground.

 

[Eurasia]

Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter Ninety-Four : Letter From Home - 1.8.1938

To : General Sho-ichi Utsunimiya
Special Corps HQ
Gaoxiong, Taiwan

From : Mr. Eiji Utsunimiya
Fikushontaun
Tokyo, Japan


Dear son,

Greeting from Japan! I hope this letter finds you doing well and in good health. Here everything is going great. Our first harvest in May was large and very profitable.

With the expansion of the Army and Navy the military needs more of everything. Horses, eggs, rice, and so on. So we can sell at top prices. Not that I see much of the money. The more we make the more tight-fisted your Mom becomes with the cash. I swear in a past life she must have been a bank manager.

Now we are getting ready for the second harvest. The fields were easy to work on as the town has rented a hand tractor. It is a weird thing to behold but so easy a woman can handle it and it really helps cut down the time on preparing both wet and dry fields. Though there was some grumbling about who had to pay for fuel. The prices fluctuate so much.

Don’t get me wrong. We still had to do work on the dikes and pathways and planting the rice. Hard, back breaking work that can cause even young men and women to go home exhausted. Wish you were here. Another pair of experienced hands would have helped.

One downside of the military expanding is the branches need more and more men. Which left less sons around to help. Many have even gone off to train to be pilots. One of the families (do you remember the Ito family?) gets letters from a son training with the Imperial Japanese Air Administration.

He writes about how they train their reflexes by catching flies with chopsticks and improving their sense of balance by walking on their hands. Sounds strange to me. If we were meant to fly we would have been Tengu!

You Mom is getting worried about you. Or should I say she is getting worried that she isn’t a Grandmother yet.

When you were in Shanghai she worried that the Chinese women would seduce you. Now you are in Taiwan and she worries you will be seduced by the islanders.

I try to explain that Taiwan has been part of the Empire for a long time and that the women there were citizens of Japan but she refuses to listen.

I think she is making a list of women available in the local townships. In other words I think she plans to arrange a marriage for you. Whether you agree to it or not.

So, I find myself getting into baseball. I know, I know, a waste of time and money, but I can’t help it. Of course going to Tokyo to watch the Japanese Occupational Baseball League is out of the question, your Mom would refuse such a visit, so I mostly go to the local high school games and sometimes the towns organize a game.

It is becoming very popular among us rural folks. Victory at a game gives the farmers one more thing to brag about besides their town’s famous shrine or their prize pig. We farmers can become so competitive.

Remember that time our town and the other towns started debating on who had the best soil? Silly really. Everybody knows our town has the best soil west of Tokyo.

Not much else to write about. And the candle I am using to write by is about to go out soon. Don’t forget to eat regular meals and keep safe. Your Mom is worried that the stress of your position will make you unwell.

And remember that you always have a place on the farm when your time in the Army comes to an end.


Your Father,

Eiji Utsunimiya

 

[serutan]

​

One downside of the military expanding is the branches need more and more men. Which left less sons around to help. Many have even gone off to train to be pilots. One of the families (do you remember the Ito family?) gets letters from a son training with the Imperial Japanese Air Administration.

Such a heartwarming story.

 

[Eurasia]

Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter Ninety-Five : Waiting Again - 1.8.1938 To 31.8.1938

The Economic Front​

At the start of August the Fuel stockpile was in the ‘Red’. It wasn’t decreasing quickly but it was slowly getting smaller again.

Ireland, Colombia, Australia, the Netherlands, and Romania canceled their deals with Japan and offers from Uruguay, Poland, Latvia, Australia, and Finland were turned down.

On the other hand NEW deals were made with the US, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Lithuania, Mexico, France, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, Argentina, and Romania.

Many of this deals had been offered to Japan by the nations themselves and many within the government believed that due to being independent from any of the political Blocs that Japan was seen as a safe trading partner. It was becoming the major trading hub of Asia.

Sadly by the end of August the Fuel stockpile was still in the ‘Red’. The outward flow had slowed but not stopped. And with the IJN and IJAA being mostly inactive it was unknown WHO was using the fuel.

The Military Front​

The month was somewhat routine for the military. The 30. Hohei Shidan was approaching the Province of Tongcheng while the 61. Hohei Shidan was approaching the Province of Zhongxiang. Both provinces were being terrorized by ‘Nationalist’ governments. In the Japanese media these governments were called ‘bandits’ or ‘warlords’ and were treated as small issues for the Imperial Army to handle. Of course stories were spread of the horrors of living under the rebels. Abuse of the populace, stealing of their property, and other crimes.

The 46. Hohei Shidan was quickly approaching its future home at the Province of Chengdu. Where the troops would likely grow bored and become lazy with nothing to do.

On the 5th of August a new Garrison division was deployed to Nagasaki. There it was loaded into the transports of the 1st Task Group.

Early in the morning the ships slipped out of the port and headed towards the Chinese Port of Fuzhou. The troops would have it easy as Fuzhou was going to be their final destination. In other words they would be guarding the port.

Shortly before midnight the troops were unloaded into the port, their new home, and the Task Force started its journey back to Nagasaki. It arrived there on the afternoon of the 6th.

Of course the .47 came under the direct authority of the HQ of the Kwantung Army Theater.

It was the 15th before the 30. entered the Province of Tongcheng. Some rebels fled before the troops could capture them and others were arrested for trial back on the home islands.

After making sure the proper Japanese authorities were back in control the unit continued on it way to Hefei. It finally marched into its new home on the 18th and settled in to guard the factories.

It took the 61. till the afternoon of the 24th before it finally liberated the Province of Zhongxiang. They arrested a few rebels, put the Japanese officials back in charge, and started to march south back to Changde.

On the 26th of August the 46. finally arrived at the Province of Changdu in western China. They settled down to guard the airbases and the factories.

Misc. Events​

August was a slow month news wise. The only interesting event to happen in the US was that Charlie McCarthy received a Honorary Degree from Northwestern University. Charlie was a famous radio and movie star in the US. And a dummy. A ventriloquist’s dummy. Utsunimiya started to wonder if the Americans were unbalanced.

Also, on the 4th of August, it was reported that there was evidence of a break in at one of the research centers. But it was impossible to know who had broken in and what secrets they had stolen.

At that point finding and neutralizing enemy agents become more important then supporting the government ruling party and raising national unity. In other words the Head of Intelligence put half of the Domestic Spies into Counterespionage.

Germany, once again, asked for Japan to join it in a alliance on the 15th of August. And once again were turned down. At this point the newspapers, radio stations, and newsreels were having a field day making fun of Germany, their leadership, and their people. The government was trapped between whether they should stop it for diplomatic reasons or just ignore it.

On the 22nd of August the Japanese government asked the government of Siam for Transit Rights. Such an agreement would strengthen ties between the two nations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the chances of it being turned down was unlikely.

It was turned down. Even General Sho-ichi Utsunimiya wasn’t surprised. He was beginning to wonder if there was any part of the government that was capable of doing its job.

Within Japan the Head of Intelligence announced to the government Ministers and military Chiefs that, by the end of the month of August, Guangxi Clique had captured four Japanese agents, Yunnan had captured six Japanese agents, Brazil had captured nine Japanese agents, Portugal had captured five Japanese agents, the US had captured ten Japanese agents, and Canada had captured four Japanese agents.

Of course there was the regular protects that these agents were harmless tourists in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and that it was all a mistake. But the foreign governments refused to believe that.

Security reported, for August, the arrest of a spy from Guangxi Clique, the arrest of a spy from the Philippines, the arrest of a spy from Xibei San Ma, the arrest of a spy from Iraq, and the arrest of a spy from Yemen.

By the end of the month the General wondered if the Army would spend the rest of time crushing small revolts while waiting for the next major war. Would the Chinese ever settle down? Would they learn to behave like the people of Taiwan and, to some extent, the people of Korea?

 

[El Pip]

Also, on the 4th of August, it was reported that there was evidence of a break in at one of the research centers. But it was impossible to know who had broken in and what secrets they had stolen.

As my honourable colleague Robas3-san has pointed out, our research is misguided and foolish. Perhaps the miscreants who broke in discovered we have no secrets worthy of stealing?

General Sho-ichi Utsunimiya wasn’t surprised. He was beginning to wonder if there was any part of the government that was capable of doing its job.

He is so close to a realisation that he is part of the problem and should commit sepuku so he can be replaced by an Admiral, so close and yet I fear he lacks the intellectual capacity to make that final mental step.

Within Japan the Head of Intelligence announced to the government Ministers and military Chiefs that, by the end of the month of August, Guangxi Clique had captured four Japanese agents, Yunnan had captured six Japanese agents, Brazil had captured nine Japanese agents, Portugal had captured five Japanese agents, the US had captured ten Japanese agents, and Canada had captured four Japanese agents.

38 agents. 38 Brave Japanese patriots dead and with nothing to show for it. This is a new low, but I have faith that the IJA can cock it up even more and hit the 40 dead agents in a month mark.

Has anyone checked that IJA Intelligence is not an elaborate suicide cult? Because they certainly are not an intelligence agency in any sense of the word.

it was unknown WHO was using the fuel.

The IJA High Command have been drinking Diesel instead of Rice Wine. Again. It explains so many things.

 

[Eurasia]

Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter Ninety-Six : Creation Of A Anti-Partisan HQ - 1.9.1938 To 30.9.1938

The Economic Front​

The month of September started off with the Fuel stockpile still in the ‘Red’ and the government trying its best to reverse this trend.

As they struggled with this many nations canceled their Trade Agreements with Japan. Such as Afghanistan and Tibet.

New Deals were made at the start of the month with the Netherlands and the USSR

On the 2nd of September the Research Team working on Naval Engineering announced a breakthrough. From now on any research dealing with Naval Engineering would move much faster.

After a short rest the Team moved on to work on Tactical Air Command. They wanted to find ways to reduce the stress on crews and the strain on equipment. They hoped this would allow aircraft units to stay more effective during continuous tactical missions.

By the 9th of September the Fuel stockpile had become ‘Green’ again. Much to the relief of the Minister of Armaments and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

To their horror it started to decrease again by the middle of September. Of course more deals were made. With nations such as Argentina, Uruguay, Ireland, Persia, the USA, Romania, Latvia, and Venezuela. While other offers from such nations as Canada were declined.

Some of these deals didn’t last long. Venezuela canceled theirs shortly after it was signed. And Yugoslavia also canceled the deal they had made only a month ago.

On the 12th of September the Minister of Armaments received a interesting, but not surprising request, from the Chief of Staff. Four Militia Divisions, to be trained in two waves of two, had been ordered into production. Each unit was made up of two Militia Bridges and a Military Police unit. If didn’t surprise the Minister because of the events happening in China. (See Military Front)

By the 21st all stockpiles, but for those dealing with Metal and Rare Materials, were in the ‘Green’ again.

There were STILL some cancellations of deals. The Netherlands broke off a trade agreement with Japan. As did Afghanistan, the USA, and Argentina.

On the 30th the Research Team working on advancing Automotive Research finished with a breakthrough. From now on any research dealing with automotive theory would be much faster and more effective.

After a short break the Team was assigned on the next project. Improving the Anti-Aircraft Guns of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Heavy Cruisers.

Overall the month had been good for the economy of Japan.

The Military Front​

The month of September would turn out to be….interesting for the Imperial Japanese Army.

The Mongol Army HQ was still moving about like a oversized, and slightly drunk, bumblebee on the map of China.

The troops under ‘China Operations’ was still WAITING for the politicians to start the war. ANY war.

The 61. Hohei Shidan finally, on the 4th, returned to protecting the Province of Changde. Much to the delight of the garrison troops who were sick of marching aimlessly around.

Then the 6. Mountain Division was having problems with supply issues. Again.

On the 10th the first two of the Cavalry Divisions assigned for Anti-Partisan duty assembled in the Province of Nagasaki after finishing their training. The 1. China and the 2. China. Commanded by Major General Muto and Higashikuni, respectively. Both were known for their knowledge of Offensive tactics.

The 1st Task Group loaded them up and was ordered to take them to the Port of Hangzhou.

Once delivered there on the 10th of September the two units were attached to the NEWLY formed Anti-Partisan Operations (China) Theater HQ. The 1st Task Group would return to Nagasaki and arrive there on the evening of the 11th.

General Juzo Nishio, who had been Vice Chief of the General Staff from March of 1936 to March of 1937, was promoted to Field Marshal to take command of Anti-Partisan Operations in China. While a master of logistics, a important skill when dealing with China’s lack of a infrastructure, he seemed to have little common sense when it came to fighting partisans.

Because when the Garrisons in that part of China were handed over to him the NEW Field Marshal started ordering them to deploy to completely different parts of China. Leaving the important urban centers, with their airbases and industry, totally unguarded.(OOC)

Of course the Chief of Staff had to step in and put an end to that. All Garrisons were ordered to stay where they were. Then the NEW HQ was ordered to station itself in Nanjing.

The 1. China was deployed to Nanchang to protect the factories and airbases there while the 2. China stayed put. There was still some debate about where to station it.

While this mess was being cleared up there was more bad news. The 1. Yama Gundan, the Mountain Corps HQ, was now also having supply issues.

Four Militia Divisions were ordered into training. They would come in two waves of two divisions each. Each Division was to be two Militia Brigades and one Military Police units. They were, of course, meant for the newly formed Anti-Partisan Operations in China. Once they were available.

On the 13th the 3. China Cavalry was deployed to Nagasaki. Commanded by Major General Yamaguchi it was soon loaded into the transports of the 1st Task Group. Shortly before midnight they were being unloaded onto the docks of the Port of Hanzhou. Once all the men, horses, and equipment were offloaded the Task Group slipped anchor and heads back home. It arrived back at the Port of Nagasaki by the late evening of the 14th.

It was finally decided to send the 2. China to the Province of Jinan while the 3. was sent to Nanchang. Both Provinces held valuable airbases. They would both arrive at their new stations by the 23rd of September.

The next wave of Cavalry Divisions would not be ready till at LEAST January 1939.

On the 25th of September the 1. ‘Shikoku’ Hohei Shidan was stationed on the Island of Shikoku. This was the second of the infantry divisions that was part of the deal made between the Army and the Navy. Of course, this unit was assigned to Imperial General Headquarters.

The commander of the division, Major General Nakai, was known as a Master of battle. It was said he was happy with the two Infantry Regiments and the Artillery Brigade of 15 cm Howitzers. But the Anti-Tank weapons, designed by Germany engineers, failed to impress him at all.

It is said he called the 37mm PaKs “sling shots” and commented that it was too bad the Russians had Armour and not Biblical giants.

The division was attached to the West Japan Army HQ and settled down to protect the port and the airbases.

By the end of September the Imperial Army had finally gotten its forces back into some kind of order.

Misc. Events​

The biggest event to happen during the month happened in TWO places. In France, during the unveiling of a plaque honoring Franco-American friendship, the Ambassador to France was quoted as saying, “France and the United States were united in war and peace.”

Bullitt, the French Ambassador, was a Francophile, fluent in French, and was said to own at least eighteen thousand bottles of French win. AND a close friend of the President. So it was assumed if he believed in something so did the President.

Of course, back in the US, this triggered the American media. Soon Republicans, American Firsts, Socialists, and even Communists were accusing the President of planning on joining the Allies. They said he was going against the “Will Of The People”. That he planned to bring the US into the next European conflict.

President Roosevelt had to deny that the Ambassador had even said what he had said. He went a far as to say that the newspapers were “110% wrong that the United States would join a stop Hitler bloc.” This did little to repair the damage.

On the 14th Germany invited Japan to join in a alliance and was turned down again. Then Germany invited Japan to join AGAIN on the 25th. And once again they were turned down.

It was also noticed that on the 28th of September Turkey started aligning itself towards the UK and her allies. They had dropped the USSR like a hot sweet potato.

By the end of September the Head of Intelligence reported that Brazil neutralized eight Japanese agents, the Netherlands neutralized four Japanese agents, Yunnan neutralized eight Japanese agents, Guangxi Clique neutralized five Japanese agents, Portugal neutralized three Japanese agents, Canada neutralized two Japanese agents, and the US neutralized five Japanese agents.

Security announced they had arrested a spy from Bhutan, arrested a spy from Tibet, arrested a spy from the USSR, and arrested a spy from Xibei San Ma.

The Head of Intelligence also reported mixed news about his operations in America. Both the Republican Party and the American First Committee, combined, had dropped to only about 30 percent of the populace supporting them.

The Democratic Part had 29 percent of the populace behind them. And the Socialist and Communist parties had ALSO grown.

This had been caused by the Germans trying to openly influence the American public. Because when they started it the UK also started to influence the US. And they turned out to be slightly BETTER at it.

The US was still moving towards the German sphere of influence. But it was doing so VERY slowly. And could, at any time, be derailed.

By 1940 there was still a chance that the American First group may win the election. But the chance had become slimmer than before due to the German’s overt actions.

Funny enough the same thing had happened in Brazil but that nation was too close to joining Germany in an alliance to be swayed by the UK’s influence.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author’s Notes:

OOC: Yeah, not surprised by this. AI in this game thinks HQ units, Garrison units, and front line fighting units are all the same. Which is why I ordered four Militia units made. In my France AAR I noticed that the AI SEEMED to understand that Militia WERE different. It sent the Militia to guard the costal ports which freed up the Infantry Divisions stationed at those ports which it then deployed towards the border.

When all six Cavalry units and Militia units are deployed I will assemble them under a Army Corps AI. While allowing the Theater HQ to stay attached to the Garrisons. So the Army Corps AI will control the reactionary forces while the Garrisons STAY still and act like active sensors for the network. Until then I will control the units, like I control the Navy, myself.

Oh….and DAMN YOU GERMANY!!!!!!

 

[Wraith11B]

Yeah, that's a big failure from the game design: how are you going to create on-map HQs which can hold units, and then not program the game to differentiate between the various units you allow them to build.

 

[El Pip]

By the end of September the Head of Intelligence reported that Brazil neutralized eight Japanese agents, the Netherlands neutralized four Japanese agents, Yunnan neutralized eight Japanese agents, Guangxi Clique neutralized five Japanese agents, Portugal neutralized three Japanese agents, Canada neutralized two Japanese agents, and the US neutralized five Japanese agents.

Only 35 dead, IJA Intelligence are slipping.

The Head of Intelligence also reported mixed news about his operations in America

"Mixed" is IJA code for "all bad, but some worse than others." I suppose the IJA has never reported good news before having never achieved anything (except when the IJN did the actual work) so it is hardly surprising they are as inept at reporting as they are at everything else.

After consideration I think this is still a new low. They may have got less people killed, but now Japan's situation is getting worse. Sure they may blame it all on the German, but it is obvious who the real culprits are.

 

[serutan]

After consideration I think this is still a new low.

Even though this is unlikely to be news to you, I must point out that since this is "Intelligence", I must caution you that in a few months this will look like a resounding success .

 

[Eurasia]

Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter Ninety-Seven : A American Coup? - 1.10.1938 To 24.10.1938

The Economic Front​

At the start of October the only real issue the government of Japan had on the economic stage was the fact that the Treasury was in the ‘Red’. Still, as much of this cash was being used to buy fuel and other resources this wasn’t really a problem.

New Trade Agreements were made with Tibet, the US, the Netherlands, Australia, Colombia, Yugoslavia, Sweden. Afghanistan, Siam, Venezuela, and Mexico. Most of these NEW deals made were for the export of Coal and Supplies for cash.

Other deals were broken by nations such as France, Persia, the US, Colombia, and the Soviet Union. While this hurt relationships with these countries the broken deals were import agreements which meant the nation was now saving money.

A few deals were turned down, such as offers from Honduras and the UK, but by the 17th of October the Treasury was gaining money once again. And both the Supply and Fuel stockpiles were growing.

That same day the Ministry of Armaments announced that there had been a breakthrough in Mechanical Engineering which should benefit future development in Mechanical Research - such as industrial machinery used in factories.

After a short rest the Team that had worked on the Mechanical breakthrough was assigned to working on improving Small Arms that could benefit the ground troops.

By the 24th the economy was doing well and the people were happy fuel prices had become stable.

The Military Front​

October, at least the early part of it, was not a good month for the Army. On the 6th of October the HQ of ‘China Operations’ itself started to complain about a lack of supplies.

The Navy, on the other hand, announced the deployment of the NEW IJN Carrier the Amagi II in the Port of Osaka. Another Third-Generation Soryu-Class Aircraft Carrier to join the Navy.

Of course one of the waiting CAGs was renamed the Amagi CAG and assigned to the Carrier. After which the Amagi II was assigned to the 3rd Task Group. In doing so it was joining the Carrier the Ryugo and the Battleship, and Pride Of The Fleet, the Kongo.

A total of three more were left to be built. The next was scheduled to be launched around April of 1939 and the last scheduled to be finished about January 1940. The Carrier Attack Groups had already been finished and were now all just waiting for their Carriers to be completed.

Of course, during a conflict, the tempo of construction would likely speed up.

But nothing else really happened and by the 24th the military was still waiting for the next war.

Misc. Events​

The only important events outside of Japan was ones that upset the American media once again.

First, on the 16th of October, Winston Churchill, a British politician of some clout, gave a radio address to the United States outlining the reason why the UK and the US both needed to arm themselves against the German threat. The speech was titled “The Defence of Freedom and Peace” but was subtitled “The Lights are Going Out”.

Once again the President had to exclaim that he had no plans to ally himself with the UK or any of the ‘Allies’.

Then on the 19th of October Germany presented Charles Lindbergh a Service Cross of the Order of the German Eagle. His acceptance of this award become somewhat controversial though he denied knowing about the award ahead of time.

Of course Germany asked Japan to join them in an alliance. And they were turned down.

Inside Japan 226 people were killed by a typhoon that struck Kyushu, Japan, on the 20th of October.

By the 24th of October, the Head of Intelligence reported that the US had captured four Japanese agents, Guangxi Clique had captured four Japanese agents, Canada had captured five Japanese agents, Yunnan had captured four Japanese agents, Portugal had captured two Japanese agents, and Brazil had captured five Japanese agents.

Security announced, during the same time period, the arrest of a spy from Yemen, the arrest of one spy from Yunnan, the arrest of one spy from Tannu Tuva, the arrest of one spy from Tibet, the arrest of a spy from Bhutan, and the arrest of one spy from Nepal.

On the 24th there was also a rumor that the Head of Intelligence was having a meeting with the Prime Minister.

---

Coup Now Or To Coup Later?​

It was the morning of the 24th of October, a Monday, and Prime Minister Keisuke Okade found himself greeting a member of the government he rarely got to interact with.

The Head of Intelligence, Yasuji Okamura, had asked for an audience with the Prime Minister. The first request the Prime Minister’s office had ever received from the man.

To be honest Keisuke was both curious and wary about what the man wanted to talk to him about. The Head of Intelligence rarely had good news to deliver.

“Good morning Mr Okamura,” said the Prime Minister with a slight bow. “Would you like some tea? There is a slight chill in the air outside.”

“Yes, thank you, that would be wonderful,” replied the man with a head nod as he sat down.

The Prime Minister called in a member of his staff and asked for some Russian tea to be served with some cookies.

He watched as the Head of Intelligence tried not to look nervous and tried to look like he was enjoying the tea. He failed.

“So,” said the Prime Minister after they had each 'enjoyed' a cup of tea, “Why don’t you tell me why you are so nervous?”

The Head of Intelligence was quiet for a few moments, to get his thoughts in order, before he nodded. “As you know Japan has been carrying out covert operations within the United States.”

“We have agents trying to help the American First movement as while as agents trying to cause problems. Misinformation, rumors, anything to breed mistrust of the government and cause disunity.”

He stopped talking for a few seconds and then added, “We also have agents carrying out operations within the government itself. And they have reported that they COULD try to overthrow the government. Now.”

The Prime Minister frowned. “What are the odds of them succeeding?”

“I would say very slim,” replied the Head of Intelligence with a shake of his head. “The American First Party has shrunk and so has the Republican Party. I think many on the right has shifted to the left to be honest.”

“Republicans becoming Communists?” remarked the Prime Minister in shock.

“The difference between Reactionaries and Revolutionaries is almost nonexistent. They are both self-righteous extremists,” remarked the Head of Intelligence. This statement was almost an afterthought and suggested he had a dark view of politics.

The Prime Minister, who had dealt with politics for decades, shared his man's view on politics and found himself in agreement. Not that he would ever say such a thing aloud.

The Head of Intelligence sat up and added, “I wish to ask the Advisers for advice. Or I should say a decision. Should we launch the coup now or wait til after the election. In case the Democratic Party still holds the White House.”

“So,” said the Prime Minister, “one chance to fail now or two chances to fail later.”

Yasuji seemed to almost be amused by the way the Minister said that. “Yes, something like that,” he remarked.

“Well,” said the Prime Minister, “normally I am not the one sending out the letters. But as this is a political decision and not a military one I guess there is always a first time.”

---

Surprise Tea Delivery​

Within hours men from the Prime Minister’s office were on their way to deliver packages of tea. They were not armed, they were not well dressed or badly dressed, and they were not noticeable in any way.

The tea was delivered to the Advisers openly. As if the men were delivering, well, tea.

Of course once opened the Advisers found a letter among the loose leaf tea. It read as followed -

From: Keisuke Okade (Prime Minister)
To:____ ____
Date: 24.10.1938

Dear Sir,

As a important former member of the government or the military I come to you for your knowledge and experience in the field of both. I have a issue that could change our relationship with the United States. And could help our future in the Pacific.

It had come to my attention that agents within the US could, at this very moment, help elements within the government overthrow the current administration. I must be honest - the odds are against success.

Or we could wait to see the results of the 1940 elections before launching the coup. Which would allow the American First a chance of taking over the government without blood being spilled.

1. Should we -

A. Launch The Coup At Once
B. Wait Till After A Failed Election in 1940

I ask you to reply as soon as possible. Your feedback is import to me and the government. Long Live The Emperor! Long Last The Empire!

Signed,

Keisuke Okade

PS - Please enjoy the tea.