:21:00
This is how
I expect the battle to develop:
:21:03
The northern force, under Hosogaya,
strikes the Aleutians as a diversion.
:21:08
To keep Nimitz's attention
away from our main objective.
:21:13
He will not realize
our objective is Midway
:21:16
until 24 hours later, when
Nagumo's carriers strike the island
:21:20
and destroy the American
planes and shore batteries.
:21:23
At that hour you move in,
Kondo, with your invasion forces.
:21:28
Nimitz will be forced to respond.
He'll commit the balance of his fleet,
:21:32
most certainly his carriers,
to repel the invasion.
:21:35
His carrier commander
will undoubtedly be Admiral Halsey.
:21:41
I have studied his tactics
and I have studied the man.
:21:45
Halsey is courageous,
tough-minded and not afraid of risks,
:21:48
but we will turn
these strengths against him.
:21:51
It will take Halsey's task force
at least 48 hours to reach Midway.
:21:55
By that time, Nagumo, you'll have
crushed Midway and be waiting for him.
:22:00
You'll have a better position,
:22:03
and at least
a 2-to-1 superiority in carriers,
:22:07
and 4 to 5 times
the number of screening vessels.
:22:11
Assuming the American fleet is still
guarding Hawaii when we strike.
:22:17
Nimitz is crippled
and on the defensive.
:22:20
He must deploy his remaining strength
around his most valuable Pacific base.
:22:24
I agree with Admiral Nagumo.
:22:26
We must make certain
where the enemy fleet is.
:22:30
I propose we send 2 flying boats
to French Frigate Shoals on the 29th.
:22:37
We fuel them by tanker submarine and
fly them to Pearl Harbor on the 30th.
:22:42
They then report whether or not
the American fleet is actually there.
:22:46
A very wise precaution indeed.
:22:49
We will call it ""Operation K"".
Does anyone have any other thoughts?.
:22:54
Yes.
:22:57
We can achieve a great victory,