Update (January 1st 1948)
Part I
0000 January 1st 1948.
Imperial Palace. Tokyo, Japan.
"Good morning your Majesty, Gentlemen. 1947 was in general a very good year for our Country with hard fought gains against the Soviets and their allies. The Pacific has altered very little in the last year with no territory changing hands and no attempts by the Allies to test our defences. We have also expanded into the Middle East with some success which has enabled us to increase our resources to some extent. This meeting will contain more comprehensive reports than normal as it is a New Year." Hideki began the annual meeting.
"The Cabinet is unchanged from last year with no need to make any alterations. You are all doing a fine job. We will begin with a Security report today."
"Good morning your Majesty, Gentlemen." Hakujiro began. "Partisan activity has increased slightly due to our advances in some areas. The levels in areas we already had under control have remained high without any new Garrison divisions deployed to reduce it."
"Asia has altered a little. China remains the largest burden but the recent conquests along the Siberian coast have added more load to our partisan troubles. Our advance onto Soviet soil north of Mongolia has also added a small amount which is likely to increase as we advance deeper into the enemy's territory."
"Australia and New Zealand have remained as they were with very high levels of unrest. Australia is causing us more sporadic problems than any other area so far."
"We had not advanced into the Middle East last year at this time so the levels here are all new. Iraq is the largest area of activity so far but our advance into southern Russia will soon overtake this. A large part of southern Central Asia has no unrest which should keep things under some control until we pass that particular area.
I will caution that any large advance onto Soviet soil in particular will greatly increase the burden of partisans on our Transport system. We are going to need a very large number of Garrison divisions unless we wish to have our gains repeatedly threatened by revolt. I know I won't be getting anywhere near enough Garrisons and I will do the best I can with what I have. Without these troops you are going to need to provide some forces to guard the rear lines to control any uprisings."
"We will have to deal with that when the time comes. For now the situation is not as bad as it will become and should cause no major headaches for us." Tanigawa responded.
"I am merely pointing out that problems will arise in the future and it is best to be prepared for them if at all possible. The next research project for Infantry will allow an increase in our Garrison divisions effectiveness which should help a little."
"When is that due Minister Kuniaki?" asked Hirohito.
"Probably in February your Majesty." Kuniaki replied.
"Prioritise the upgrades for the Garrisons when that completes please Minister Ginjiro."
"Yes your Majesty."
"You have any more to add Minister Hakujiro?" asked Hideki.
"No, I am done for today thank you." Hakujiro replied.
"Diplomacy next then please."
"Good morning your Majesty, Gentlemen. You will be pleased to know that no more Countries have thought it wise to declare War upon us in the last year." Mamoru began.
"I brought a map of the World with me today to indicate the overall picture a little better. We are probably the second largest land owner in the World after the Soviets at this time but we control a lot more territory if you include most of the Pacific. It is fairly safe to assume that most Countries on this map are at War with us. None of them are at War with anyone else."
"Our Axis partners are unchanged from a year ago with us and our three puppets the only members left. We have managed to protect all three at various times in the last few years."
"Our three puppets are all progressing as well as can be expected. Manchukuo is the largest as normal and is at maximum capacity now. Mengkukuo should begin to benefit from the capture of the former Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator once the Industry is rebuilt."
"The Allies are still led by the United Kingdom. Currently there are twenty two members of this Alliance which is one less than last year. Persia has been annexed by us and was the one no longer on this list. Syria was not on last years list even though they were at War but they have also been annexed during the past twelve months. The United States and the United Kingdom remain the two largest forces within the Allied camp."
"The Comintern has not altered and still contains six Countries at War with us. Tannu Tuva is the closest one that we can possibly remove. The Soviet Union remains the dominant force within this Alliance but it has been greatly weakened.
Trade continues with a few Countries but our large Oil exchanges with Venezuela were halted in December to preserve our Supply stockpile. We should have enough Oil for the time being and the Venezuelan Ambassador assured me that these trades could resume if required. Nothing more from me." Mamoru concluded.
"So no new Allies and only two less enemies overall?" Hirohito asked.
"Correct your Majesty." replied Mamoru.