Konpeki no Kantai::Volume1 Chapter2

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Konpeki no Kantai Volume 2 Chapter 2

Chapter Two: December 8th – The Destined Outbreak of War

1

On December 1st, Showa 16, the capital was clouded over.

The Japanese delegation reviewed the Hull Note on November 26th, but having decided to commence with the war, on this day, the Imperial Council determined to start the war against the USA, England and the Netherlands.

The Commander of the Combined Fleet, Takano Isoroku, received a directive from the Navy General Staff.

Imperial Decree Number Nine

December 1st, Showa 16

Decree from the Imperial Navy General Staff – Nagano Osami

Orders to Combined Fleet Commander-in-Chief Takano

(1) The Empire has decided to commence war against America, England and the Netherlands on December 8th (two or less redacted).

Takano murmured, “So history was going to repeat after all.”

At the same time as this decision, they had their own prearranged plans to leap into action.

Already, in absolute secret amongst themselves, the plans for carrying out the coup-de-etat had been carefully arranged.

The same day, at eleven in the morning, Lt. General Ootaka, leading an Army force of 25,000, descended on the capital in assault vehicles.

The first phase had several objectives. The first was the official residence of the Prime Minister. Soldiers burst in, armed to the teeth, the residence was occupied in the blink of an eye, and Prime Minister Nanjou was detained and placed under house arrest.

The Army Department General Staff Headquarters in Miyakezaka was raided by battalion sized forces.

The Navy Department General Staff Headquarters was occupied by the Yokosuka Naval Base landing force.

At once, martial law was imposed on the greater Tokyo area. Infantry and tanks were stationed at critical locations within the city.

As far as government and military leaders were concerned, it was a bolt out of the blue.

Lt. General Ootaka held a press conference late that night from the Department of the Army.

Otaka, his face looking a little nervous, read the statement aloud...

"Your Excellency, may we ask you some questions?"

"Go ahead," replied Ootaka, raising his voice.

"The proclamation was signed by Commander in Chief of the Combined Fleet Takano. Is the Navy participating in the uprising too?"

"Of course. If have any doubts, you can get a confirmation directly with His Excellency Takano."

The reporters in the conference room murmured amongst themselves.

"It would appear the reasons for the uprising have nothing to do with the February 26th incident."

"Of course not. We and they are not the same. As for our objectives, by eliminating certain military authorities which have run wild, we can expect to win in the war between Japan and America."

"If so, then we are not going to accept the Hull Note from the Americans?"

"Gentlemen of the Press, the Hull Note was intended as a deception. I wish it be understood that it is the Americans that wish to fight with our country."

The questions poured over him one by one, Ootaka dealing with them skillfully,

"Well then, gentlemen of the Press, I would like to ask for tremendous cooperation from all of you from now on. As for us, we will not hinder your activities in coverage of the news, so that our true intentions can be conveyed to the people of our nation, and not be misunderstood."

"Your Excellency, what will happen with the censorship by the authorities? As we are..." That reporter spoke nervously.

"We intend to be understanding. Our policy will be to handle as many requests as possible from the Press, so that we might keep up."

There was quite a commotion in the conference room.

Ootaka's remarks implied the abolition of the infamous "Public Security Preservation Laws" which limited free speech.

Ootaka raised his voice yet another notch higher.

"We wish to repeat that the purpose of our uprising, in accordance with our proclamation, is to overthrow the military dictatorship of General Nanjou. We would appreciate your cooperation in working through this national crisis, working together so that its meaning may be well understood."

Applause rose from the press corps.

If he could, Ootaka would have liked to talk with the journalists some more. All speech rejoicing in the accomplishments of war would be limited, and the use of political authority to squelch opposing arguments through policy would be strongly opposed.

However, his aide whispered in his ear.

Promising he wanted to have meetings with press like today's often, Ootaka rose from his seat.

When he entered the cabinet minister's room, he found a visiting senior statesman waiting there.

"Everything is going according to plan," Ootaka reported to his comrade.

Afterwards, they talked privately, just the two of them.

<~~17% Completed~~>

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