Utsunimiya's War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter One : Imperial General Headquarters, January 1st, 1936 (1)
As the (yet to be promoted) Colonel Shō-ichi Utsunimiya showed the soldiers his papers he took a few seconds to examine the building's architecture.
The Imperial General Headquarters had been created in 1893 to coordinate the efforts between the Army and the Navy. In function it was the equivalent of the Americans' Joint Chiefs of Staff or the British Chiefs of Staff Committee. At least on paper.
The soldiers in charge of security passed Utsunimiya through and he quickly moved out of the way as the next person in line had his papers checked. Security had increased lately within both the military and the government institutions.
Seems something had spooked those in power. But there were always rumors among the paranoid intelligent and security branches of both the military and government. The Kenpeitai were always looking for excuses to flex their power. (2)
Utsunimiya stood still to check the paperwork in his briefcase. The soldiers had checked it but, luckily, had done no damage to his maps.
He, of course, was once again in his dress uniform. It had been brushed, checked and double checked, before being worn today. He had decided to travel light taking only his slim briefcase and his coat.
Not that he had brought much with him to the city of Hiroshima to begin with. He had traveled down on Monday, via rail, and was staying in a old fashion inn. With the old fashion small room with the tatami matted floors, the communal baths, and all paid for by the Army.
A part of him wished he had picked a heavier coat. The gray winter sky was enough to make one feel cold even without the wind that seemed to go right through the few layers he had on.
He made sure his cap was at the perfect angle before asking one of the staff for directions. As he had never been in the Imperial General Headquarters, or even in the Province Capital of Hiroshima before, he made sure to listen carefully.
---
The City of Hiroshima
The city of Hiroshima, by 1936, was not only the Capital of the Province of Prefecture but had become a important port city for the nation's military. As the Japanese economy had moved, in the 1870s, from farming to industry it had become a major urban center. It helped that one of the seven English language schools were established in Hiroshima AND the Ujina Harbor was built in the 1880s.
The expansion of railways and the First Sino-Japanese War increased the city's importance. In fact the Japanese government, along with the Emperor Meiji, were both moved to it temporarily during the conflict. The later Russo-Japanese in 1904, which increased the demand for military equipment and supplies, just encouraged more industrialization in the city.
During World War One it became the focal point of military activity and even held about 500 German prisoners of war on one of the islands in the bay.
It was a military town through and through.
----
Colonel Shō-ichi Utsunimiya finally found the right chamber and ran into a familiar face right away. Prince Kotohito Kan’in was already sitting down at the massive central table in the middle of the room. The seats around the table were reserved for the Chiefs, Ministers, and other VIPs of the Empire of Japan.
Officers and people of lower rank, such as the Colonel, would be getting seats arranged along the walls. Ready to join in the exchange but also out of the way when not needed.
Utsunimiya selected a seat, hanging his coat on the back, and sat down with his cap and briefcase on his lap. He knew his part would happen after those of high rank had said their piece.
As the room filled up he noticed some of the most powerful men in the Empire of Japan. Not all of them were from the military. And some of them were holding newly created positions.
Besides Prince Kotohito Kan’in there was Baron Mineo Ōsumi who was Chief of the Navy. Best known for his belief that Carriers would replace Battleships in naval warfare it was likely his first, second, and third demands during the meeting would be for more Carriers.
Then there was Hajime Sugiyama, the Chief of Staff, a brand new position created to try to help the Army and Navy get along with each other. At least on paper. In reality the Chief of Staff was no more than a referee to keep meetings, such as this one, on track and polite. It is said that he believed in a war with the “West” and rumors said he predicted that a war with China would be over within a few months.
Another brand new position was the Chief of the Air Force. Before its creation the air forces of both branches were handled by MULTPLY Inspector Generals. They dealt with training and equipping the pilots, for both combat and non-combat operations, which created a TON of waste. Shunroku Hata had been selected because he had been the Inspector General of the Army Air Service in 1935.
The Army and Navy had, reluctantly, agreed that coordination among the two air forces would be better. Instead of two companies making two aircraft designs, with the same capabilities, for the different military branches now one company could make a aircraft design that fulfilled the requirements of both branches and just paint the aircraft different colors. So they had allowed the position to be created.
The Head of Intelligence, Yasuji Okamura, was also present. Not only had he held many positions within the Japanese Army General Staff during and after World War One but he had been a military attaché in Manchukuo from 1933-1934. He had even been a military advisor for a Chinese Warlord in the 1920s whose maps he had copied. Funny enough, those same maps had been very useful during Utsunimiya's research for the invasion of southern China.
Then there was the Minister of Security, Fumio Gotō, the man in charge of the military police, the secret police, and other organizations which dealt with protecting Japan and it's holdings. A lawyer who had served in the House of Peers in the Diet and, lately, had been the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Why he had become the Minister of Security was beyond the Colonel's understanding.
The Foreign Minster, Kōki Hirota, was also present. Utsunimiya wasn't too sure why he was there. Outside of his support of the invasion of China the Colonel was unsure what he could contribute to the meeting.
Then one of the most important Ministers entered the chamber and took his seat. Chūji Machida was the Minister of Armaments. He had been a member of the House Budget Committee and the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry for a couple of administration, as well as being the Minister of Commerce and Industry AND the Minister of Finance. And now he was in the position to decide what was and was not built in the nation's factories.
Hajime Sugiyama gestured towards one of his staff nearest to the chamber's doors. The man talked to the soldiers outside the doors and then shut them.
"Good morning gentlemen," said the Chief of Staff. "I welcome you to, what I hope, will be a very common sight. All branches of the military government and imperial government working together BEFORE policy is selected by the lower ranks of the military. No more Gekoujo nonsense." (3)
Some people chuckled. Most did not. The Chief of Staff decided to move on.
"The reason we are here is to talk of the future," he added. "The invasion of the Republic of China. And what we need to do here is work together to support this military operation before it happens. And what happens afterwards."
Many of the men at the table had known, or foreseen, what the Chief of Staff was planning to announce and had shown no surprise. But many of those who were part of the Imperial (Civilian) Government looked a tad uncomfortable. It was likely many of them hoped for peace or something in between war and peace. Anything but outright war.
"First I would like the Foreign Minister, Kōki Hirota, to explain our choices when it comes to where we stand in the world," continued the Chief of Staff.
Kōki stood up and bowed slightly to the men around the table.
"Gentlemen. I bring you a decision that seems simple on the surface," explained the Foreign Minister. "The world is slowly forming into three political and economic blocs. There is the Capitalists, such as the United States or the UK, the Communists, such as the USSR, and the Fascists, such as Germany or the Italians."
He became silent, looking around the table, letting the members of the meeting digest that fact. Then he continued.
"Sooner or later we will have to pick a side. And, depending on which side we pick, will shape everything we do from this day forward."
The Minister cleared his voice, put his hands behind his back, and the Colonel braced for the oncoming storm of words.
"Germany holds many of our views, including a strong anti-Communist stand, and are slowly rearming themselves. They are also one of the most industrialized nations in Europe."
The Foreign Minister halted for a second and then added, "BUT their Navy, is at best, a regional one. In a war with, let us say, the US, they would be little help to us. I doubt they could help themselves."
Utsunimiya nodded. Joining up with Germany would seem to be the best choice. But the fact was that Germany was a powerful European power with no ability to project its military power beyond Europe.
"The next choice is the UK and her allies," he said with a glance around the room. "An island nation like us they have helped shape us in many ways. We also share, in some ways, the same political system and some of the same views of the future of the underdeveloped nations of Asia. And trade with them would be very useful."
"They would likely ignore our expansion into Asia BUT, sadly, they, and their allies, own many of the territories whose resources would also help our industry," he remarked. "Now, trade with them would likely off set that. But I must point out that they would not likely be helpful in a war against the USSR."
Utsunimiya nodded. Japan and the United Kingdom had a long and intertwined history. They also seemed like a good choice. But both island nations wanted many of the same things and that could make being allies with them somewhat uncomfortable.
"The last choice is, of course, something hard to think about," he stated with a frown. "But we could also try becoming a member of the Comintern."
There was murmuring from the men at the table and even from of the lesser staff and officials sitting along the walls.
"They are close to us and allying up with them would protect our northern flanks," he added before anybody could speak out. "They can also help us directly in our wars if need be. There is, of course, the issue of their political viewpoints on....well....our system of government."
Utsunimiya shook his head. The Soviets had killed their own Emperor. What would they demand the Japanese do to their own in return for an alliance?
"That is the choice you must make," explained the Foreign Minister. "Every other decision will hinge on which bloc we plan to join."
Kōki then bowed and sat down.
The room was silent, no doubt from shock, as the Chief of Staff cleared his throat. "Thank you Foreign Minister Hirota. Now I ask Fumio Gōto, the Minister of Security, and Yasuji Okamura, Head of Intelligence, to review the state of affairs in their departments."
The Minister of Security stood up and bowed with a smile. "Well, gentlemen, I have very little to report. As you know the government of Manchukuo, while being friendly to us, gives the locals an impression that they have self-rule. Therefore there is no threat of revolt within that territory."
He added with a lifted right forefinger, "BUT if we plan to expand into China we will need to either increase the military divisions OR garrisons and police units needed to protect the ports, industrial centers, and major cities."
Gōto sat down with a bow and Okamura, who took a second to realize he was next, stood up with bow. In his hands he held a small shack of paperwork he had brought with him to the meeting. He adjusted his black framed glasses before starting his report.
“Yes, well, gentlemen, right now we have sixty-six spies abroad,” he stated with a glance at his papers. “A third of them are inside the Republic trying to cause confusion and chaos within their ranks. They are planting fears in the minds of the people. Should help bring them down all the faster when we invade.”
He glanced at the paper again and continued. “We also have people in the People’s Republic and Shanxi generating false rumors and fake incidents. These stories become news we can broadcast over the radios both in Japan and abroad. Some of the foreign agents pick up these stories and do the work for us. Falsehoods become facts when other nations' news agencies spread the stories on their own. This should make both nations look more like threats to their own citizens and to outsiders. But more importantly it makes them look like threats to us.”
“We may not need to carry out such operations in both of the nations,” Okamura added. “Shanxi will likely be an ally of the Nationalists and will declare war on us the second we declare war on the Republic. There is also a chance that the Republic might attack and absorb the Communists before we take action. But I like to cover all the options.”
He cleared his throat and added, “Our domestic staff are trying to do the opposite. Raise our national spirit and unit the people, that is. Of course, those who we can’t convince to support the government are arrested. We want a hundred percent support when the war starts.”
The Head of Intelligence sat down with small bow.
Utsunimiya blinked. That explained all the stories in the newspapers about political corruption in Shanxi and the People’s Republic of China. The Colonel HAD a radio in his apartment back in Tokyo but he only used it to listen to music during dinner.
The Chief of Staff, “Thank you. Now, if Machida, the Minister of Armament would explain what is being researched, what is being built, and what we need. And gentlemen, please remember, one of the reasons we will be going to war with China is our LACK of resources. So, please, don’t shoot the messenger because of the message.”
Chūji Machida, Minister of Armaments, stood up, bowed, and took off his round glasses. It seems he had memorized what was needed to be said.
“Gentlemen,” he started, “let me first explain what research projects I have ordered into being. Our science departments are working on improving our fertilizers, farming equipment, and agricultural policies. We want to produce more food with less manpower. We are also trying to find ways to make our factories more efficient. And therefore produce more with less.”
He glanced around the table and added, “We are also working on radio detection equipment. This would allow our radar systems to also act as listening stations.”
There were some surprised murmuring over that piece of news but the Minister of Armaments would not be derailed and continued.
“We are also working on supply production. If we can improve our efficiency we could make more for our troops OR even make the same amount with less men and equipment. The extra industrial capacity could be used for other products.”
He became silent for a second before saying, “We also have a few projects focused on the military. We are working on producing better small arms for the infantry. We are also working on small artillery pieces, infantry support weapons, and rifle grenade launchers.”
“In the end we have eight projects going on at the same time,” he finished. “And before the Chiefs of the Navy and Air Force ask, yes, we plan to work on naval and air force technology in the next round of projects.”
Chūji Machida stood there for a few seconds allowing this information to soak in. After a few moments, with a nod from the Chief of Staff, he continued.
“We have ordered the construction of new industrial complexes in both the Provinces of Nagoya and Nagasaki. We are also a few months away from finishing the completion of the last ships of the 21 Kuchikukantai. I am sure the Navy will be happy with the new Destroyer Flotilla.”
“Before the others ask,” remarked the Chief of Staff, “I will ask why there is nothing else being produced. I KNOW the answer but I want them to hear it from you.”
The Minister of Armaments. “Until I know what is needed for the war with China it would be stupid of us to build anything else.”
“There is one more thing I must talk about,” stated Chūji Machida with a frown. “We have plenty of coal and crude oil. But we are using up the metals and raw resources faster than we can gather it. I need to know WHO to trade with.”
He looked around the room, taking the time to make eye contact with each and every member sitting at the table, and added, “I need to know which bloc you plan to join. For example, if you pick the Germans, trading with them will improve our relationship with them.”
“Of course,” he commented, “I could just trade with anybody who will sell us metal, rudder, and so on.”
The Chief of Staff nodded. “Another major decision that has to be made. Thank you.”
As the Minister of Armaments bowed and sat down the Chief of Staff glanced over at the Chief of the Army and said to Prince Kan’in, “I believe your Colonel is next?”
Colonel Shō-ichi Utsunimiya waited till he had a nod from the Prince before standing up and bowing, He went around the table and handed each member three maps. Once each one of them had the maps he cleared his throat and said, “Good morning gentlemen. I am Colonel Shō-ichi Utsunimiya. Formally of the China Department of Army Intelligence.”
“Before I go over the first rough draft for the invasion of the Republic of China let me state that the Kwantung Army Theater will only be using its North China Army Group in the invasion. With help from the Navy. But the Army Group should have reinforcements. At least a brand new Corps of Mountain Troops and a brand new Corps of Cavalry. Also, it will have to hand over its Naval Bombers and Strategic Bombers over to the Imperial General Headquarters.”
“Now I know why Field Marshal Tojo wasn’t asked to join us,” remarked the Chief of the Navy with a chuckle.
“And now I know what to add to the production line,” stated the Minister of Armaments as he made some notes.
“Of course the IGH will have to hand over, to the North China Army Group, any Interceptors and Tactical Bombers and any Close Air Support.”
“And now we know why Field Marshal Ishiwara wasn‘t invited,” responded the Chief of Army with a grin.
The Colonel waited for the laughter to settle down before continuing. “As you can see on the first map Field Marshal Minami’s first targets are, of course, the Provinces of Yonhqing and Tianjin. Both are just on the border. They will supply the Army with airbases and a major port.”
“The next objectives are the provinces of Hohhot and Taiyuan, which belong to Shanxi, which I assume will be valid targets by the time the conflict begins.”
“The next targets in the Republic will be Baoding and Jinan. The latter has airbases.”
“And what is the IGH doing while this is going on?” asked the Chief of Staff.
“The Submarines and Naval Bombers under its command will be convoy raiding,” answered the Colonel. “The Imperial Japanese Navy, which will have to be organized into Carrier Groups, will hunt down and destroy the Chinese Navy in the first stage of the war.”
“We don’t have enough Carriers to make GROUPS,” complained the Chief of Navy.
Utsunimiya nodded. “We will have to produce more Carriers. Some may be ready by the Second Sino-Japanese war. But they will not really be needed. The Chinese Navy is mostly outdated.”
“So are some of our Navy,” remarked the Chief of the Army with a grin. The Chief of Navy gave him a glare.
Utsunimiya decided to move on before things became too heated. “I have two plans for how the Navy can support the Army’s advance once the Chinese Navy has been wiped out or crippled.”
He held up the second map. “Naval Plan One. The Navy will land troops at the ports slightly ahead of the Army. This will cause problems behind the enemy lines. But also, as the IJA moves forward it will find supplies waiting for it at each port.”
“Each time the Army moves forward to take control of a port the Navy will take the next port, or ports, down the coast. This will also do damage to the Republic‘s convoy system. On top of that already caused by convoy raiding.”
“Plan One?” remarked the Chief of the Navy. “What is Plan Two?”
“The invasion of Shanghai,” replied the Colonel holding up the third map. “If taken by surprise the whole area can be held by defending just TWO provinces. Not only would we capture two ports BUT take Shanghai's airbases.”
Utsunimiya waited a few seconds before adding, “The airbases are about 146 kilometers from Nanjing. The Capital of the Republic of China.”
“Which is why you want the Strategic Bombers,” mumbled the Chief of the Army. “To strike at the heart of the enemy even while waves of their troops try to counterattack against well protected SMALL entry points.”
“Yes, sir,” responded the Colonel. "Even if they waste a couple of their units trying to push us back into the sea that is so many LESS units heading north to fight the Army."
“Could both operations, both plans, be carried out at the same time?” asked the Chief of Staff.
Utsunimiya nodded. “But it would require stripping the home islands of most of their military divisions leaving nothing behind but the garrisons.”
The Chief of Staff. “Well, I think I have an idea of the major decisions that need to be made. I will pass on the information to the Diet and the Cabinet. Once I have their input we can carry out the decisions selected by the majority. After the Emperor gives his approval, of course. Good day gentlemen.”
---
As Colonel Shō-ichi Utsunimiya left the building, back into cold weather, he felt slightly confused. Surely the meeting had felt somewhat short for such an important point in history? True, many decisions would be made by those in power without feedback or advice from others.
For example he was pretty sure the Minister of Armaments was going to have to balance demands from everybody. Japan needed Garrisons and Carriers and Escorts for their Convoys. And, of course Convoys. Then it would need Anti-Aircraft positions and Artillery Brigades for some of the Pacific Island Garrisons. And so on.
Some actions would just be done because they had to be done. Both HQs were going to have their Order of Battle redesigned. The Army would lose control of the Transports and Destroyer Flotillas they had in Korea and so forth.
The Colonel, for example, planned to visit a restaurant for lunch. He didn’t need any input or advice to know he wanted some hot food inside him.
---
Soon a dozen sealed envelopes left the office of the Chief of Staff, hand delivered, to those in power. Those whose input was needed, either due to their knowledge or political clout. When opened the carefully folded letter inside held the following :
From: Hajime Sugiyama (Chief of Staff)
To: ______ _______
Date: 1.1.1936
Dear Sir,
As a important member of the government we need your input in some decisions that need to be decided on before we can go forward with our plans. Please take the time to ponder the following issues, select what you believe is the best course of action, and send a reply as soon as possible.
With this letter will come a written record of the meeting held in the Imperial General Headquarters. This information is top secret. Please make sure to burn it after use.
Once I have received all the feedback I will compile a report on the best course of action picked by those within the Diet, the Cabinet, the Special Committees, and yourself, which I will hand over to the Emperor’s staff for his approval.
The Three Decisions are as followed -
1. Who should Japan start to align with -
A. Germany
B. The UK
C. The USSR
D. Stay Independent For Now
2. Trade -
A. Trade With Anybody We Can
B. Trade Only With The Nation(s) We Align With (Use Trade As A Tool To Improve Relationships)
3. Naval Plans -
A. Use Plan One
B. Use Plan Two
C. Combine The Plans
Once again, please reply to this letter as soon as possible. And please remember this is valuable information and should not be passed on to the public or those who do not have proper clearance. Not even spouses!
Signed,
Hajime Sugiyama
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Author's Notes:
1. Eleventh year of the Showa Era.
2. The Kenpeitai were the military police of the IJA founded in 1881.
3. "juniors prevail over seniors"