Chapter 1044 Hawaii (7)

"The main fleet of the Japanese army appeared in Lima?"

On the evening of October 13, the day after Hori Teikichi led a huge support fleet to set off, a piece of explosive news was sent back to Washington, shocking everyone.

"Didn't they say that Japanese planes often went to Panama for reconnaissance these two days?"

"We were fooled. They were just land-based reconnaissance planes deployed by the Japanese army on the Galapagos Island."

Nimitz frowned and asked, "Are the main forces of the Combined Fleet still there? Including the commerce-breaking fleet that disappeared two days ago?"

"Our military attaché said that he saw two huge super battleships, the Nagato and several aircraft carriers, but because it was late, he couldn't get more specific..."

"The Japanese can let our diplomats see their warships?" Dewey was surprised, "This routine is wrong."

To be honest, even Secretary of State Hull, who came to report the news, felt that there were many doubts. According to the ambassador and military attaché, they received the news of the Japanese fleet's arrival half a day in advance. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told them not to worry, Japan would not do anything to them, and their safety was guaranteed. Peru is still a neutral country, just replenishing some supplies for Japan, which does not mean a change in its attitude towards the war.

In fact, everyone knows that Peru's attitude has changed. Not only did the military officer group succeed in the coup, but they also joined the La Plata Group. Now it is considered a quasi-ally of the Axis. It is just that they are afraid that the United States dare not do anything to the Americans.

American diplomats were used to being domineering in Peru. The self-satisfied Ambassador Collins and the military attaché Major Walker knew that this kind of thing could not be condemned, and protests were also in vain. They turned their eyes and asked to welcome the crowd to watch. After a while of embarrassment, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs agreed, on the condition that they must attend with a positive image and not make small moves. If the Japanese do not welcome them, they must return to the embassy immediately. The two naturally agreed.

Unexpectedly, he saw Tsukahara himself at the dock. The Japanese ambassador immediately ran over nervously and whispered to Tsukahara that the American ambassador and military attaché were also in the welcoming team, and asked the fleet whether to drive them away. Tsukahara smiled strangely. Instead of ordering them to leave, he said to the ambassador: "The Combined Fleet is now a guest in Peru. How can you speak ill of other guests from Peru? This is not in line with the principle of treating each other with courtesy. Please take me to visit them." The shocked Japanese ambassador brought Tsukahara, Kusaka and others to the American ambassador. The two sides shook hands politely and exchanged a few words. Tsukahara also said in English: "I am deeply saddened by the relationship between the two countries and hope that peace can be achieved soon." Ambassador Collins protested that the Combined Fleet should not attack non-military targets on the west coast. Tsukahara smiled and said, "Mr. Ambassador, you are right. I am also hesitant about this matter. But how should your country's bombing of Tokyo be counted?"

"Your country attacked Pearl Harbor."

"Pearl Harbor is a military target!"

The bold military attaché Major Walker stepped forward to smooth things over and flattered Tsukahara a few words, saying that the Yamato-class battleships were too "shocking" and he wanted to see them.

Tsukahara laughed and said, "It's not impossible if you want to see them. I'll have someone accompany you to visit later."

The ambassador also came to his senses at this time and asked to see his country's prisoners of war.

"Some of the prisoners of war were sent back home, and the rest were placed in the Galapagos Island, where they are under special guard. If your country wants to visit, you can send Ecuadorian diplomats."

Finally, the ambassador and the military attaché boarded the Yamato for a tour accompanied by a special person. Except for not being allowed to take photos, they saw everything they should and shouldn't see. Walker even saw the full ammunition depot. The two also enjoyed English afternoon tea in the officers' restaurant and took photos with a group of officers.

"Tsukahara is very good at psychological warfare." Nimitz suddenly recalled the news that Halsey had reported to him: Japan released a group of wounded and several uninjured crew members, and the latter gave back a batch of medicines.

"What happened later?"

"What else can it be? Of course it was not ideal!" Nimitz sighed, "The Japanese strategy worked in part. When they heard that the wounded were released, a bunch of crew members and officers went to visit and inquire about the combat situation. Then a few nosy pilots exaggerated the horror of the Japanese super battleship, saying that the reality they saw with their own eyes was nothing more than how thick the muzzle was and how thick the armor was. They also knew that this giant ship was called Yamato and was the flagship of the Combined Fleet... By the way, one greedy ghost was most impressed by the fact that the food on the Yamato was very good, and there was even ice cream! The Japanese used to call this giant ship the Yamato Hotel."

Due to the many battles of the Yamato, the United States has a basic understanding of its appearance and general data, and the estimated data is relatively accurate, nothing more than 18-inch giant guns, 70,000 tons of displacement, and a maximum speed of 27-28 knots. Ordinary soldiers cannot form a deeper impression by visiting - only ship engineers or designers can understand the essence.

Dewey frowned in dissatisfaction: "Such words that disturb the morale of the army should not be leaked."

"This is impossible. The Japanese released the people with great fanfare and asked us to send a medical ship to pick them up. If we isolate them or even prohibit contact, I am afraid that there will be more rumors. Super battleships are just like this. They are just bigger, heavier, with thicker gun barrels and thicker armor. They are not invulnerable monsters..." Nimitz complained, "The casualties of the Army Air Force are very high. It is almost a matter of life and death. General Arnold mainly appeases and educates his subordinates on patriotism. Everyone grits their teeth and bears it. We can't be too demanding of ordinary soldiers."

"Okay, okay, let's put this topic aside for a moment. What does it mean that the Japanese fleet is in Lima?" Truman was a little impatient. "The Japanese cannot let diplomats visit the warships for no reason. There must be a conspiracy."

"Two things are clear. First, it is indeed Tsukahara himself. He has an injured arm and one missing arm, so others cannot pretend to be him. Second, the combined fleet has replenished fuel and supplies, and will launch an attack next. Doubtful points There are two. First, the fleet that arrived this time does not include the fleet that originally broke diplomatic ties at Pearl Harbor? Second, where will this fleet take its next step? "

Everyone in the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been distracted by the dazzling actions of the Japanese army recently. They promised to attack the west coast, but they didn't come. They accidentally went to Lima. It's really disgusting.

"The Japanese army going to Lima is actually beneficial to us. Regardless of whether the entire fleet is going, it at least shows that the main force of the Japanese army is not between Pearl Harbor and the West Coast, creating a favorable opportunity for the next step of material transportation." Nimitz mused, "Near California is Prepare the supply fleet, and the Wasp will be repaired and put into use in another 10 days. The Japanese army will not be able to return to the west coast from Lima in 10 days, so at least our army's supply tactics can be successful, which lays a good foundation for long-term persistence in Hawaii. "

Spruance agreed with Nimitz, but he thought more about the problem: "According to intelligence, the Japanese fleet has two strategies. First, cooperate with the German fleet to attack our army in Recife; second, from the Atlantic Ocean The two directions of the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Ocean jointly attack the Panama Canal."

"Is there any evidence?"

"Yes! The German fleet in the Mediterranean has gathered again, and we estimate that reinforcements will be leaving soon."

MacArthur asked Mitchell: "How is the situation with the Atlantic Fleet?"

"We can barely fight, but our army is far inferior to our opponents in terms of fleet size and personnel quality. Our overall defense is sufficient but our progress is insufficient."

Seeing Dewey's unhappy face, Nimitz sighed and didn't want to argue: Mitchell was telling the truth. The Atlantic Fleet only had 2 aircraft carriers, but the Germans had at least 4, and 2 of them were A very valuable armored aircraft carrier, but the quality of its pilots is even worse.

Spruance's view is more positive: "At the end of October, our army still has three Essex-class ships that can be put into use. It is expected to be combat effective before Christmas Eve. By then, the Atlantic Fleet will have five aircraft carriers and three other capital ships. (USS New Jersey + 2 Alaska-class ships), worthy of a battle with the Germans.”

Mitchell pursed his lips and was about to say something, but Nimitz winked at him and he immediately shut up.

Nimitz was very clear about what Mitchell wanted to say: it was simply that there were too few skilled pilots. The three Essex-class ships were almost delivered, and more than half of the pilots had not yet landed, but this could only be overcome by oneself. Today's situation Don't bring it out if the occasion arises just to cause displeasure.

Clark, who had been silent until now, interrupted and asked Spruance: "Which of the two possibilities do you think is more likely?"

"I think the possibility of attacking Panama is greater!" Spruance gave his judgment without hesitation. "To attack Recife, the Japanese army will not only have to bypass the entire South America, but there will be no fundamental change in its strategic posture. As far as Japan is concerned, It’s totally worth the loss, but attacking Panama is different. I’m now very worried about the German army’s surprise attack and landing in Panama!”

"Is this possible?" Truman asked nervously.

"I think there is!" MacArthur looked at the map, frowned and thought for a moment, "We currently have more than 1,000 aircraft in Panama, about 30,000 ground troops, and several surrounding bases can also support 600-800 aircraft; if Japan The German main fleets jointly attack, and the total number of aircraft they can obtain is..."

"You calculate it as Japan's 500 and Germany's 700."

"That's 1,200 planes. Considering that the Japanese and German pilots are better qualified, they can really gather 1,200 planes, which will have an advantage over our aviation power. Panama is not a big place. If Germany comes first with a wave of rockets, there will be no way to hide; in addition, There are also naval guns, they have a total of battleships..."

Spruance added: "For Japan, you count 4 ships, for Germany you count 8 ships."

"The enemy has 12 battleships alone, all of which are thick pipes over 15 inches tall. Any one of them can hold up to 10 Army howitzers..." MacArthur smiled bitterly, "Another 1,200 aircraft and indestructible rockets. There are also 12 battleships with large-caliber naval guns. Not to mention the 30,000-strong army, even 130,000 can’t hold it!”

The meeting place fell into deathly silence...