Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Eight : Almost Ready For War - 1.2.1940 To 28.2.1940
Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Eight : Almost Ready For War - 1.2.1940 To 28.2.1940
The Economic Front
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Eight : Almost Ready For War - 1.2.1940 To 28.2.1940
The Economic Front
The month of February started out well for the people of Japan. The Stockpile of Fuel was still growing, which meant cheat gas for their cars, trucks, and tractors, and more than enough consumer goods were being produced to keep every subject of the Empire happy.
In other words Tokyo seemed normal to outsiders. Kids went to school, men went to work, and women went shopping.
But not all was what it seemed. While Fuel was being produced faster than it could be used the Treasury was in the ‘Red’. Not too dangerous but still an annoyance.
Deals were made with the US and Belgium.
The US later did cancel one of its Agreements and offers from France were, once again, turned down for political reasons. (See Misc. Events)
On the 4th of February the Ministry of Armaments announced an advance in Cavalry Support Weapons. The weapons were easily to carry yet more powerful.
The Research Team, after a short party, were assigned their next project. Finding ways to improve on Supply Transportation. Their job was to find faster and cheaper ways to get equipment and supplies from Point A to Point B. This was becoming a issues with the Army. (See Military Front)
On the 18th newly built Factory Complexes were opened in the Provinces of Qingdao, Tianjin, and Beiping in China. And in the Provinces of Nagasaki and Nagoya on the home islands.
By the end of the month the economy was in full swing and still at peace. But not for long.
The Military Front
The Province of Haikou was finally getting supplies, and fuel, as somebody within the government realized the Fighters, and maybe the Submarines, might need such items. So some convoys were set up.
But this wasn’t helping all the units in China. A few Army units, deep inland, were still having issues with a lack of supplies. Hopeful the problem was solved before the war started.(1)
The first unit of the Anti-Partisan Operations arrived at Danzhou on the morning of the 8th. Amazingly the cavalry brigades were fully stocked with supplies on arrival.
This turned out to be less than amazing when the 3. Zerosen no Hikoden reported that their supply warehouses in Haikou was mostly empty after the cavalry passed through the province.
It didn’t take long to refill their warehouses but this still annoyed the IJAA no end and they sent a formal complaint to the Chief of Staff.
On the 13th of February the second Marine division, Maizaru Rikusentai, was deployed to the Province of Sasebo. Major General Otani, a man trained to be a Commando, was put in charge.
Up to the north only a few units were still in motion. The divisions of the China Operation HQ would be ready for combat by March.
By the 20th the 3. China Kihei Shidan was approaching the center of the rebellion. And it too ‘borrowed’ from the warehouses of the IJAA. Which meant another complaint was filed against the Imperial Japanese Army.
On the 24th the 3. Zerosen no Hikodan was ready for combat again. It was ordered to launch Ground Attacks on the rebels in Dongfang.
Tens attacks were carried out by the end of the month and 74 rebels were killed. Even when the Fighter Wings were having their warehouses raided by passing Japanese cavalry brigades.
By the 25th the Imperial Japanese Army looked ready for the invasion of Xibai San Ma.
On the 28th the 4. China Kihei Shidan arrived at the Province of Danzhou. And on the way it too borrowed from the warehouses of the Fighter Wings. And another complaint was sent in by the IJAA.
But soon the IJA and the IJAA would be dealing with a much bigger issue.
Misc. Events
Due to the slow period in the news cycle the media grabbed a lot of news stories from outside Japan.
For example, at the start of the month, the British started the “Careless Talk Costs Lives” propaganda campaign in the UK. Aimed at stopping all the war gossip it was mostly posters placed all over the subways and buildings of their major cities.
On the 7th of February Walt Disney released the animated film Pinocchio at the Center Theater in New York City. When it was released in Japan weeks later there was a huge debate about the underlying meaning. Was it about freedom of choice? Some kind of religious message? Was Pinocchio a demon?
It was noticed that the Germans had finally made it all the way to the outskirts of Paris by the 14th.
Germany, on the 17th, asked Japan to join the ‘Axis’. And it was turned down.
The new 5 year old Dalai Lama was enthroned in Tibet on the 22nd of February.
The first hockey game televised in North America was on the 25th. It was a game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens. Many praised the new device believing it would help to educate and enlighten the common masses.
Belgium, announced on the 26th, that it was mobilizing its armed forces. Why? Who would it be used against? Wasn’t it kind of late at this point?
That same day Germany, once again, asked Japan to join the ‘Axis’. And, once again, was turned down. Japan had other worries.
On the 27th of February Japanese diplomats inside the US pointed out that the UK was now, openly, trying to influence the politics of the nation along side the Germans. The Soviets had dropped out.
It also reported that, while the populace saw Japan as the greatest threat, the government had the highest level of relationship with France, Portugal, Greece, Philippines, AND Japan.
By the end of February the Head of Intelligence reported that Xibei San Ma had captured eight Japanese agents, Brazil had captured four Japanese agents, Canada had captured three Japanese agents, the US captured two Japanese agents, the Netherlands had captured one Japanese agent, and Portugal had captured four Japanese agents.
Japanese Security announced that, during the same time period, they had arrested a spy from Tannu Tuva, a spy from Yemen, and a spy from Nepal.
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Author’s Notes:
1. The upcoming war with Xibai San Ma. Not to be confused with the ongoing war with Portugal.
2. Behind The Scenes : US Relationships -
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