Japanese Victory

Prelude To War
        <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 1-3rd:                            After acting on tips from several members of the public, the Kempentai captures several members of an American spy ring that is operating in Shikoku. After interrogating the captured spies, the Kempentai discovers that the rest of the American spy ring is operating in the city of Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu. The captured spies are sentenced to be used by Unit 731. The Kempentai raid the location of the other American spies in Nagasaki, and after a brief shootout which leaves one Kempentai and four Americans dead, the spies are captured. They are interrogated for information; wherein they reveal that the cargo ship USS Oregon will be arriving in Nagasaki. It will contain more spies as well as equipment to aid the spies. When it is decided that the spies have no relevant information, they are sentenced to be used by Unit 731. The Kempentai informs the Navy about the USS Oregon arriving in Nagasaki and the navy dispatches the I-400 submarine to sink the Oregon before it reaches Japan. One day after the interrogation of the spies, the I-400 spots the USS Oregon approaching Japanese waters. Captain Kodai orders two torpedoes be fired, they find their target with deadly accuracy, striking the USS Oregon amidships. The American cargo-ship sinks in just three minutes with the loss of all hands.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">  <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 4th:                            With the sinking of the USS Oregon, the Kempentai scour the rest of Japan for any remaining American spies. They find several remaining American spies, all but one of them is captured with the rest being killed in a shootout in central Shikoku. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">  <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 5th:                            Prime Minister General Tojo and his cabinet begin planning for a possible war with the United States. The Japanese ambassador to the United States reports back to Tokyo that President Roosevelt is unhappy with Japanese expansion in Asia. Prime Minister General Tojo does not trust Roosevelt not to attack Japan as he says Roosevelt is "The biggest Anti-Japanese person in the West". This distrust of America fuels the already strong Anti-American sentiment that is already prevalent throughout the Empire.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">  <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 6th: In a meeting with                            his cabinet and advisors, Prime Minister General Tojo lays out his plans for the attack on the United States. It is decided that Hawaii will be the primary target for the Japanese forces as well as the Aleutian islands and the West Coast of Alaska. Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto suggests that Hawaii be taken first as once the US Pacific fleet has been disabled, the Aleutian Islands and the West Coast of Alaska will be easier to take. Prime Minister General Tojo agrees with Admiral Yamamoto and alters the plan to have Hawaii taken first.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 7th: Under the guidance of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the Imperial Japanese Navy begins planning to attack the United States Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor. It is hotly debated as to whether the attack should include an invasion force. After much discussion, it is decided that ground troops will be included in the attack so that a full-scale ground invasion of                           <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> the Hawaiian Archipelago can take place once the American Pacific Fleet has been destroyed. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">  <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 8th: In a meeting with the OSS, President Roosevelt                            decides against sending any more spies to Japan. Though they cannot prove it, the OSS inform the President that they believe that the USS Oregon was torpedoed by the Japanese. Roosevelt knows that he has to let this go because if he raises any questions about it with Tokyo, then he will all but have to admit that the ship was loaded with spies and equipment to help establish other spy rings inside Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">  <span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 9-10th:                            While on a routine stopover at a port on the southeast of Jeju Island, the IJN Konipara Maru is protested by people from six eastern villages launched a protest against the Japanese colonial rule over Jeju and the Korean Peninsula. Not wanting to let word of the protest leave the island, the Governor of Jeju Island closes all sea and air ports to prevent anyone from leaving. Troops from the IJN Konipara Maru go ashore and out of the 1000 people that were taking part in the protest, 58 were shot by the Kempentai, 87 were arrested, 55 were killed while trying to escape on board a stolen fishing boat while the remaining 800 were split into two groups. One group of 400 is to be used as wartime labourers while while the other group of 400 is be used by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1941, December 11th: The Governor-General of Korea Ito Hirobumi dies in his sleep after suffering a debilitating heart-attack. His heart attack is discovered to have been caused by lead poisoning caused by a bullet lodged in his chest from a failed assassination attempt the previous year. He is succeeded by Sone Arasuke.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1941, December 12th: A USA cargo ship runs aground on Okinawa's main island. As the crew is evacuated, several of the crew, who are actually US spies, manage to slip aboard a freighter bound for the Home Islands.

1941, December 13-15th: The US spies are discovered in Shikoku as they attempt to retrieve the intelligence gathered by the previously discovered spy-ring. After a brief shoot-out which leaves one Kempentai officer and four Americans dead, the spies are captured. They are interrogated for information; wherein they reveal that the cargo ship USS Odin will be arriving in Nara. It will contain more spies as well as equipment to aid the spies. When it is decided that the spies have no relevant information, they are sentenced to be used by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1941, December 16th: One day after the interrogation of the spies, the I-400 spots the USS Odin approaching Japanese waters. Captain Kodai orders two torpedoes be fired, they find their target with deadly accuracy, striking the USS Odin amidships. The American cargo-ship sinks in just two and a half minutes with the loss of all hands.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1941, December 17th: At an audience with Emperor Hirohito, Admiral Yamamoto informs him that the IJN Yamato will lead the assault on Pearl Harbor. Admiral Yamamoto also presents the Emperor with a plan to use Hawaii to stage bombing raids on the West Coast of the United States. While the plan is approved, one modification is made; the bombing raids are to be limited to military targets only. Admiral Yamamoto agrees and makes the changes. Admiral Yamamoto also informs the Emperor of the plan to take the Aleutian Islands and the West Coast of Alaska; Emperor Hirohito agrees with the plans for Alaska and gives the revised plan his official seal of approval.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 18: Masabumi Hosono, the only Japanese to have been on the RMS Titanic when it sank back in 1912 dies of a heart-attack at the age of 70. He leaves a letter and parcel with his wife with orders that it not be opened for 70 years after his death.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1941, December 19: A US naval ensign by the name of Ron Hubbard drowns when he falls overboard from the USS Howard in the Sea of Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1941, December 20th: While on patrol in the South Pacific, the USS Einhorn is forced to drop anchor and conduct emergency repairs after it throws a propeller blade. As the repairs are underway, Major Arnold Spielberg spots a UFO which is actually a shooting star. He says to another officer that he will tell his son all about it when he grows up.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">The Kempentai captures a Russian spy operating in Hokkaido. After interrogating him, the Kempentai discovers a Russian spy ring operating in Northern Hokkaido. The captured spy is executed. The Kempentai raid the location of the other Russian spies in Northern Hokkaido, and after a brief shoot-out which leaves three Kempentai and two Russians dead, the spies are captured. They are interrogated for information, and when it is decided that they have no relevant information, they are sentenced to be used by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 22nd:                            The <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">Kempentai                            captures a Russian spy operating in Hiroshima. After interrogating him, they discover he was carrying information regarding Japanese defenses on Karafuto. The Kempentai recover the information then execute the Russian spy.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 23rd:                            The Imperial Palace releases the first official photo of Crown Prince Akihito, Emperor Hirohito's only son and heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne                            <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1941, December 24-25th: Under orders from Prime Minister General Tojo, the surviving members of the Korean Royal Family are quietly rounded up and executed along with any children, grandchildren and any relatives. This weakens the Korean resistance to Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. The Royal Palace in Seoul is turned into a hotel for Japanese dignitaries and government officials.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1941, December 26-27th: The <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">Kempentai                            captures a Russian fisherman in Seoul as he tries to flee Seoul with several Koreans on his boat. The Kempentai discover the Koreans are relatives of the now-deceased Korean Royal family. The Koreans are discretely executed and their bodies disposed of while the Russian fisherman is sentenced to be used by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1941, December 28th: The Kempeitai destroy the Russian fishing boat by setting it alight but not before they load the boat with Korean prisoners.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 29th: There is an assassination attempt on the life of Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo by a Korean terrorist who planned to detonate a suicide bomb strapped to his chest in the hopes of killing the Prime Minister. The bomb fails to explode and the would-be suicide bomber is caught and interrogated by the Kempentai. The would-be suicide bomber reveals that there is a plot in Korea to assassinate the Governor General of the Japanese colony. He also reveals the location of the other would-be suicide bombers. He is then sentenced to be used by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1941, December 30-31st: In conjunction with the Kempentai, the Imperial Japanese Army raids various locations around Korea, either arresting or killing the would-be Korean suicide bombers. Those that are captured are interrogated, and those that survive the interrogation are sentenced to be used by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 1-3rd: While on patrol off the coast of Okinawa, the Yamato is fired upon by an unknown ship. Yamato gives chase and is able to inflict enough damage on the unknown ship to allow them to board the ship. When they board the ship, they discover the crew are all dead having committed suicide rather than be taken alive. The crew are all wearing nondescript drab grey uniforms with no rank-pins or insignia. The ship is towed to port in Naha, where the navy study the ship to try to figure out who it belongs to. Prime Minister General Tojo speaks to the US Embassy, suspecting it was a US attack. The US Embassy reveals that it was an old decommissioned US ship that was sold to a German firm called Destiny Enterprises Limited three years ago; after that they have no record of it. With no firm evidence of US involvement, the bodies of the crew are destroyed and the ship is taken out to sea and torpedoed.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 4th: At the suggestion of his cabinet, Prime Minister General Tojo announces that all Korean men between the ages of 18 and 50 will be drafted into the Imperial Armed Forces in order to defend the Korean peninsula from attack. This goes down better than Prime Minister General Tojo thought it would as the average Korean citizen seems content to live under Japanese rule.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 5th: In response to the growing problem of Chinese rebels in the Japanese-held part of China, with orders from Prime Minister General Tojo, the policy of “The Three Alls” is instituted. Under the command of General Yasuji Okamura, the “kill all, burn all, loot all” is begun in the territory occupied by Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 6-8th: The Japanese launch a lightning invasion of French Indochina. 12,000 Japanese troops gain a foothold in Northern French Indochina and secure beach-heads further down. This allows more troops to be brought in further down and for the invasion force to take more of the country. The Vichy-French troops are simply overwhelmed by the sheer number of Japanese troops and three days after it began, the invasion is over and Japan has control over the entire country.  1942, January 9-10th: With French Indochina under Japanese occupation, they allow the French troops to leave minus their equipment and armaments. French ships are loaded up with Vichy French officials and soldiers and allowed to leave.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 11th: The Vichy government protested the annexation by Japan of French Indochina but aside from protesting, there is nothing they can do about it.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 12th-14th: There are a series of low-level naval skirmishes between the Japanese and Russian naval fleets off the coast of Sakhalin Island. Though they are increasingly violent, they result in a stalemate. Imperial Naval command uses this as an opportunity to increase the Imperial Naval presence in South Sakhalin.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 15th: Japanese aircraft damage the Vichy-French French aircraft carrier Strasbourg as it passes by Okinawa en route to what was once French Indochina. The Imperial Japanese Air Force, it is now clear, has command of air over East Asia. The Vichy-French ambassador lodges a formal protest with Tokyo over the attack but the protest is ignored.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 16th: Charles Lindbergh testifies before the US Congress and recommends that the United States negotiate a neutrality pact with Adolf Hitler and working with Germany. Roosevelt categorically decides against signing the neutrality pact or working with Nazi Germany. He says that “The United States must stand against the rising tide of fascism lead by the brutal Nazi regime”. This infuriates Charles Lindbergh and his supporters who favour the US siding with Germany to “Eradicate the "financial profiteers" that have plagued America's economy since the 1920s”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 17th: A covert group of British and Australian troops of XIII Corps prepare for an assault on Japanese-held Hainan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 18-20th: The XIII Corps launch their covert assault on Japanese-held Hainan. Though Hainan is part of the Empire of Japan, it is not as heavily fortified as other parts of the Empire. This allows the XIII Corps to make a beach-head and advance a few miles inland. They face token resistance as the advance inland and within 24 hours, they have captured the city of Sanya; but this victory is not all it seems to be. Unbeknownst to the XIII Corps, the lightly defended Hainan was a trap and that Imperial Naval Intelligence had learned of the XIII Corps and their planned attack; a trap was set and they walked right into it. The XIII Corps are surrounded by 9000 Japanese soldiers and artillery as well as naval forces blocking their retreat. The XIII Corps are then given a choice; fight and die or lay down their arms and be taken into custody. Knowing what happens to those soldiers that are caught alive by the Japanese, the XIII Corps choose to lay down their arms and be taken into custody. They are taken into custody and detained until they can be taken to a secure location for interrogation.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 21st: The IJN Musashi is attacked by two Russian gunboats near the border with Karafuto Prefecture. The Musashi returns fire, sinking both of the Russian gunboats. The Russian ambassador to Tokyo protests this and lodges a formal protest with Tokyo; it goes unanswered.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 22-23rd: The XIII Corps are taken to a facility in Korea where much to their surprise they are treated well and receive medical attention should they need it. Colonel Toru Hasimoto, the commander of the facility where they are detained, meets with the commander of the XII Corps Major Dennis Smith. He tells Major Smith that since their mission was top-secret, the British and Australian governments can't ask for them to be released as this would be admitting they committed an act of aggression against Japan. Major Smith then realises that the Japanese can do what they want to his team and no-one from London or Canberra will be able to protest or complain; they are essentially invisible prisoners who have no rights aside from those the Japanese choose to give them. Colonel Hasimoto presents Major Smith with an interesting opportunity. He can either reveal what the British plans are for their colonies and territories in East Asia; if he agrees to this, Colonel Hasimoto swears that the XII Corps will still be prisoners but that they will be treated like honoured guests. If he refuses, then then XII Corps will be executed by vivisection by Unit 731. To Colonel Hasimoto's disappointment, Major Smith refuses as do the XII Corps. Colonel Hasimoto had wanted to work with Major Smith but since that will not happen, Major Smith and the XII Corps are sentenced to death by vivisection by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 24th: German bombers, perhaps off course, bomb the Irish Free State for the second night in a row.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 25th: British and Commonwealth offensive in North Africa nears Tobruk; the airport is taken.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 26-27th: RAF bombers attacked Bremen and the Kiel Canal in Germany. The Kiel Canal Bridge suffered a direct hit and collapsed on Finnish ships Yrsa. In retalliation, the Luftwaffe bomb London, severely damaging the Old Bailey and the Guildhall, and destroying eight churches built by Christopher Wren.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 28: The USS Eldridge, a Cannon-class destroyer escort, disappears while on patrol in the North Pacific. The last radio contact with the Eldridge only adds to the mystery surrounding the disappearance: "Have found remarkable evidence; proof they have an .....".

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, January 29-31st: The US Navy conducts an intensive search for the USS Eldridge. For three days and two nights, four ships and two submarines search the area where the USS Eldridge disappeared but they find no wreckage, bodies or clues as to what happened.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, February 1-2nd: Germany initiates Operation Barbarossa; the invasion of the Soviet Union. The Japanese Embassy in Moscow refuses to denounce the invasion, which stirs up a great deal of Anti-Japanese sentiment in the Soviet Union. In London, 57 people are killed and 69 injured when a German bomb lands outside the Bank of England, demolishing the Underground station below and leaving a 120-foot crater.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, February 3-4th: The US House of Representatives passes the Lend-Lease bill after Churchill again pleads with the US: "give us the tools". Charles Lindbergh and his supporters protest Lend-Lease saying it moves the United States to an Anti-German footing.

1942, February 5th: Japanese spies in Pearl Harbor report that the United States has begun moving warships and materiel to Pearl Harbor, a clear indication that the United States is preparing for war. The spies also report that the United States suspects that the Empire of Japan will attack its Pacific fleet but they do not know where the attack will be. Admiral Yamamoto believes this is good news, with the United States knowing an attack is coming but not knowing WHERE the attack will be, leaves the US unable to defend all their Pacific holdings as much as they would like. Prime Minister General Tojo tries to get Admiral Yamamoto to move the attack up to an earlier date, but Admiral Yamamoto resists, saying that if they attack now, the element of surprise will be lost. At an audience with Emperor Hirohito, Admiral Yamamoto informs the Emperor of Prime Minister General Tojo's insistence that the attack take place sooner and the Emperor gives Admiral Yamamoto's plan his official seal of approval. Prime Minister General Tojo obeys the order of his Emperor and says no more about moving the attacks to an earlier date.  1942, February 11th-13th: Knowing that war is on the horizon, US Secretary of State Cordell Hull tries to negotiate a peace between the United States and the Empire of Japan. Meeting with the Japanese ambassador in Washington, Secretary Hull lays out the US position regarding Japanese expansionism in the Pacific. Ambassador Nomura says that Japan poses no threat to the United States; rather it is the United States that poses a threat to the Empire of Japan. He points to increased US military readiness in Hawaii and the Philippines. The talks end with no results or significant gains. Ambassador Nomura reports back to Tokyo that the United States is gearing up for war with the Empire. He reports that though the United States is gearing up for a war, he believes that the US will not fire the first shot.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, February 19th: Prime Minister General Tojo travels to Germany at the invitation of Hitler where he signs the Tripartite Agreement, thereby bringing the Empire of Japan into the Axis Powers. This does not go down well with other members of the government who want to fight against Hitler and Nazi Germany. The news that the Empire of Japan has joined the Axis Powers does not go down well in Washington either. President Roosevelt orders the United States military to go to its highest state of preparedness in anticipation of either a German or Japanese attack.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, February 24th: News that Japan has joined the Axis Powers increases tensions between the Empire and the Soviet Union. There are a number of small naval and land skirmishes in and around Sakhalin Island but nothing larger. Both Tokyo and Moscow know that war between them is on the horizon. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1942, March 3rd: Sir Kenneth R. Glendenning, the British ambassador to Tokyo, tries to negotiate a peace with Japan before conflict can break out. He seeks assurances from Prime Minister General Tojo that British possessions in Asia such as Hong Kong will go unmolested by the Empire. He also pledges his government’s support to keep oil and steel shipments going to the Empire if they agree to break the Tripartite Agreement they signed with Germany. Prime Minister General Tojo says that the Empire of Japan is not yet at war with England and they cannot break the Tri-partite Agreement they signed with Germany without good cause. He also says that even though Germany is at war with England, the Empire has no interest in being involved in a European War. Sir Kenneth leaves Tokyo as he and all the English diplomatic staff in Japan are recalled to London.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">1942, March 4th: <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin">The Kempentai arrest British Nurse                            Francesca Geddes and charge her with spying for the UK, a charge which she and the British ambassador both deny. The evidence the Kempentai presents proves that she was spying for the British. She is sentenced to be executed by firing squad the next morning. Sir Kenneth tries his best to get the charges commuted to a life sentence, but he fails - as do his attempts to get her transferred to a British prison in Hong Kong. Winston Churchill calls Prime Minister General Tojo personally and appeals for clemency, but Tojo simply says that Japan has the right to execute foreign spies and that the verdict has been passed and the sentence will be carried out. Francesca continues to plead her innocence despite being caught with sensitive information.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin" lang="EN">  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA" lang="EN"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt">  <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin"> 1942, March 5th: At 8:21am, Francesca Geddes is executed by firing squad over the objections of Sir Kenneth. He lodges a formal protest with Prime Minister General Tojo, but since he is no longer the British ambassador to Japan, the protest is promptly ignored by Tojo. With the execution of Francesca Gedde, tensions between London and Tokyo take a turn for the worse.

A Pre-emptive Mistake
1942, March 6th: At 0121, an Australian cargo ship runs aground on Okinawa's Kume Island. While it appears to be just a genuine accident, it was far from a genuine accident as the ship had been run aground on purpose. Before authorities arrive, 500 crack Australian troops and 250 soldiers from India leave the ship and under cover of darkness, they make their way to a secret military camp six miles inland from where their ship ran aground. Acting on intelligence received from London, the Australian forces believe that the camp is being used to develop chemical weapons and also holds hundreds of POW's. This could not be farther from the truth. The secret military camp is, in fact, a military training facility that is designed to look like a POW camp. This is to train Japanese soldiers on how to escape from an enemy POW camp should they be captured. The Australian and Indian soldiers realise this too late when they try to escape. They are captured, though some chose to try to fight their way out. The leader of the Australian troops, Colonel Ramsay Mangle-Bishop and several Indian soldiers try to fight their way out but they are out-gunned and vastly outnumbered and after killing several Japanese soldiers, including Captain Kaijo, the commander of the training facility, they are captured.

1942, March 7th: The Australian and Indian POW's are housed in the training facility, which has been hastily converted into a real prison. Upon hearing about the incident, Prime Minister General Tojo informs the Australian ambassador to Japan of the assault on the island and the fact that Australian soldiers attacked a Japanese facility and killed Japanese soldiers. The ambassador contacts London, who authorised the raid. Ambassador Lewis reports back to Prime Minister General Tojo, telling him that “Neither London nor Canberra know anything about the raid”. Knowing that he is lying, Prime Minister General Tojo tells Ambassador Lewis that since neither London or Canberra know anything about the raid, then the soldiers captured are rogue soldiers and will be executed. Ambassador Lewis leaves to consult with Canberra and London.

1942, March 8th: The Kempentai charge Colonel Ramsay Mangle-Bishop with an act of aggression against the Empire of Japan and with seven counts of murder, including Captain Kaijo, the commander of the training facility. Colonel Mangle-Bishop and the British and Australian ambassadors deny all the charges. The Australian and British ambassadors are told that Colonel Mangle-Bishop is sentenced to be executed by firing squad.

1942, March 9-10th: Sir Kenneth R. Glendenning, the British ambassador to Japan. tries his best to get the charges commuted to a life sentence, but Prime Minister General Tojo refuses to listen to his pleas. Sir Kenneth asks Prime Minister General Tojo what it would take to spare Colonel Mangle-Bishop, his men and the lives of the Indian soldiers, Tojo replies with “For Colonel Mangle-Bishop, his men and the lives of the Indian soldiers to be spared, the British Queen must come to Tokyo, and in front of His Most Imperial Majesty the Emperor and a full session of the Diet, apologise for this second act of aggression and ask for our forgiveness”. When Sir Kenneth says that will never happen, Tojo says that the execution will procede as planned. Sir Kenneth says that "This is a case of state-sanctioned murder and will not go unanswered". Sir Kenneth leaves Tojo's office in quite a rage when he is reminded that the attack on the Kume Island camp was an act of war and that Japan is only going to execute those involved and not declare war on the British Empire, which Japan has every right to do.

1942, March 11th: As with Francesca Geddes, Winston Churchill calls Prime Minister General Tojo personally and appeals for clemency, but Tojo simply says that Japan has the right to execute foreign soldiers who attack Japan. Desperate to avoid war with Japan, Churchill agrees to let Japan execute the leaders of the attack but in return, they have to spare the rest of the soldiers. After making Churchill plead for mercy, Prime Minister General Tojo agrees to spare the other soldiers. They are to be transferred to Hong Kong on a British troop ship to be sent to Japan. The HMS Dorset is dispatched immediately from Hong Kong to Japan.

1942, March 12th: The HMS Dorset arrives in Japan after going at full steam so as to get to Japan as quickly as possible. With the exception of the 13 senior leaders of the raid, the rest of the Australian and Indian prisoners board the HMS Dorset which departs Japan almost as quickly as she arrived.

1942, March 13th: Colonel Mangle-Bishop and the Indian officers are informed of their fate. Colonel Mangle-Bishop is to be beheaded while the Indian officers are to be executed by firing squad. Colonel Mangle-Bishop asks to be shot by the firing squad along with the Indian officers, but this is turned down. Coproral Yasuno Chikao is given the task of beheading Colonel Mangle-Bishop.

1942, March 14th: At 0600, Colonel Mangle-Bishop is taken from his cell to a field where he sees the Indian officers being led out. He watches as they are forced to sit down with their hands tied behind their backs. They are held in place by stakes to which their hands are tied and are then blindfolded. Despite his pleas for them to be spared, Colonel Mangle-Bishop can only watch as the Japanese riflemen take their positions. Aside from some quiet sobbing when they were brought out and tied down, the Indian officers remain silent. Colonel Mangle-Bishop watches in horror as the blindfolded Indian prisoners are executed by the firing squad. Colonel Mangle-Bishop is then taken away and interrogated throughly for several hours before being returned to his cell.



1942, March 15th: At 0600, Colonel Mangle-Bishop is taken from his cell to the same field where the Indian officers were executed. He is shown Corporal Yasuno Chikao, his executioner, practising with his Shin Gunto sword. Colonel Mangle-Bishop watches as Japanese soldiers and citzens gather to watch. He is then interrogated once more, publicly this time, and when his answers are not what they want to hear, Corporal Chikao cuts off one of Mangle-Bishop's hands. Screaming in agony and protesting that his treatment is against the Geneva convention, Colonel Mangle-Bishop begs for mercy one last time before Corporal Yasuno Chikao raises the Shin Gunto sword above his head, then in one fluid movement, the sword swings down and slices through Colonel Mangle-Bishop's neck. Corporal Chikao picks up Colonel Mangle-Bishop's head and shows it to the assembled soldiers and civilians. He puts the head back with the rest of the body as a burial detail arrives to take the body away.

Japan Prepares For War
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, April 1st: While England fights Nazi Germany; Japan stays out of the war. Though Japan is part of the Axis powers, they will not get involved until they are attacked directly by one of the Allies or if Japan declares war first, the other Axis Powers will support them. This makes the Soviet Union uneasy as they know that sooner or later, Nazi Germany will turn its attention toward them and that will leave their holdings in Asia weak and a ripe target for Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, April 20th: A representative from the Vichy Government in France arrives in Tokyo to formally assume the position of the Vichy ambassador to Tokyo. Jean-Luc Artois is the first Vichy ambassador to be dispatched to another nation. Prime Minister General Tojo is not happy about the Vichy ambassador, having heard from his intelligence operatives in France that the Vichy ambassador is really a German intelligence operative assigned to gather any and all intelligence on the Empire.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, April 29th: Relations between the Empire of Japan and Nazi Germany take a turn for the worse as Prime Minister General Tojo refuses to send warships to help defend the Vichy Navy from the British, who are threatening to sink the Vichy Navy if they do not join the Allies or scuttle their ships. Vichy Ambassador Artois lodges a formal complaint with Tokyo but it does no good. Prime Minister General Tojo refuses to commit the Imperial Japanese Navy to fight in Europe as the Empire of Japan has no reason to fight the Allies so far from Japanese territory. Despite this refusal of help from a member of the Axis, Hitler does nothing as he needs the Empire of Japan to fight the Soviets in the Far East. He sends a message to Tokyo requesting that help be given to the Vichy Government; this is ignored by Prime Minister General Tojo. He states that his government will not commit Japanese forces to a conflict so far away from Japanese territory without good reason. 

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, April 30th: A bomb explodes outside the residence of the Governor-General of Korea, injuring the Governor General himself, Minami Jirō. The Kempeitai investigate the bombing and conclude it was the work of Korean rebels. Realising the need for the culprits for this to be brought to justice, the Kempeitai offer a large reward of half a million yen for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the bombing.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 1st-3rd: A loyal Korean citizen, a young man named Syngman Rhee approaches the Kempeitai with information regarding those responsible for the bombing. Under intense interview, he reveals that those responsible for the bombing are hiding in the town of Manpo near the old Korean-Chinese border. He informs them that a man called Kim Hyŏng-jik was behind the mastermind behind the bombing, along his wife Kang Pan-sŏk. While the Kempeitai launches an assault on the location provided to them, Syngman Rhee is kept at a secured Kempeitai building. The Kempeitai assault on the location given as the hideout for Kim Hyŏng-jik, his wife and other Korean rebels is successful with Kang Pan-sŏk and most of the rebels being killed and Kim Hyŏng-jik is badly wounded but captured alive; he is taken back to Tokyo under tight security.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 5-8th: During his interrogation, Kim Hyŏng-jik reveals that the rebels were supplied the materials for the bomb they used by Soviet agents; this is investigated immediately. He also tells the Kempeitai that the Soviet Union is planning to attack Japan and retake Karafuto Prefecture and the Northern Territories. Upon hearing this, Admiral Yamamoto orders that all Japanese forces in Karafuto Prefecture and the Northern Territories to go to a war footing and expect an imminent Russian attack. Though General Tojo and Admiral Yamamoto believe that the Russians will attack, they still do not want to get involved with the German war-effort as it will bring the Empire into America's firing line. Kim Hyŏng-jik is executed by beheading. At the same time, Imperial Army units raid various locations throughout Korea, arresting and detaining anyone thought or suspected of being a member of the rebel forces. Those that are arrested are either executed by beheading or spared and given life in poison in return for information on other Korean rebels. The brutality of the executions shocks President Roosevelt, who calls the executions “Inhuman and barbaric”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 12th: US ambassador to Japan Sam Travis delivers a message to Tokyo, stating that:

<p style="margin-right: -0.59cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">''“The United States finds the way the Korean rebel fighters are treated by the Imperial Armed forces in Korea as Inhuman and barbaric. Japan must withdraw its armed forces from Korea if it is to avoid any future war or conflict brought about by the continued subhuman treatment of the Koreans and the occupation of their country”.''

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Upon receipt of the message, Ambassador Travis is asked to leave Tokyo by a furious Prime Minister General Tojo, who views the message as the United States attempting to extend their influence beyond the Pacific and into Asia.

America and the Day Of Infamy
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 13th-14th: In Washington, the Japanese ambassador to the US is told to shred any and all official documents, and that their coding machines are also to be destroyed. Unbeknownst to Ambassador Nomura, US Naval Intelligence has cracked the Japanese diplomatic codes and is aware that they are planning to evacuate their Embassy. A young naval intelligence officer by the name of Nick Quince S. Kevon makes an error in his translation; he mistakenly translates the phrase "Imminent safe evacuation of personnel" as "Safe personnel evacuation, attack imminent". And thinking that the United States is about to be hit by a Japanese sneak attack, the message is rushed to Roosevelt. With this ‘information’, the President and his cabinet believe that the target of the Japanese sneak attack is going to be the US Pacific fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor. Roosevelt orders Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox to prepare the US Pacific Fleet for deployment as soon as possible. He informs them that he intends to launch a pre-emptive strike on Japan before they can attack Pearl Harbor. Vice-President Wallace disagrees with this, saying that if they attack Japan without a formal declaration of war, they will be no better off than the Japanese. He says they should re-inforce Pearl Harbor and increase patrols but not attack Japan first. Naturally, Roosevelt disagrees with him, saying that the United States has to attack Japan before they can be attacked. This causes a major rift between Roosevelt and the Vice President; as when Roosevelt briefs the War Cabinet on the plan to launch a pre-emptive strike on Japan, Vice President Wallace refuses to attend. He says that if the US attacks Japan, then everything that happens to the US as a result, they will have deserved. The target is the Japanese Island of Okinawa.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 15th: Vice President Wallace resigns when Roosevelt refuses to call off the pre-emptive strike on Japan. He is arrested by the FBI and held under house arrest. The Pacific Fleet is made ready for the attack on Okinawa. The Japanese Embassy in Washington is officially closed down as Ambassador Nomura leaves Washington, unaware of what is going on. Roosevelt is informed that the Pacific Fleet is almost ready and that the carriers USS Yorktown, Hornet, Gambier Bay and Bismarck Sea will be participating in attack alongside the battleships USS Arizona, California, Idaho, Utah and Missouri. Roosevelt also has plans for the Japanese and the Japanese Americans living on the West Coast.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 18th: As the fleet leaves Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt issues United States Executive Order 9066; a presidential executive order signed and issued, authorizing the Secretary of War to prescribe certain areas as military zones. More Controversially, EO 9066 also clears the way for the relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps. Former Vice President Wallace, released from home arrest, decries the relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps. At a Press Conference, he says that the United States is “Perilously heading down the path that mirrors what is going on in that vile dictatorship that is Nazi Germany”. His words resonate with isolationists and Anti-War activists, who begin protesting against US involvement in the war. The US Pacific Fleet nears its target of Okinawa. 

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 19th: At 7:01am on May 19th 1942, the United States launches a sneak attack on the Japanese island of Okinawa. During the assault, five Imperial Japanese Navy battleships were sunk, though two of them were beached before they could sink and were returned to service later in the war. And the five other battleships that were present were heavily damaged. The combined air attack and ocean bombardment sank five other cruisers, four minesweepers, two mine layers and one training ship. 150 Japanese aircraft were destroyed and 3423 personnel were killed and 1,282 were wounded. Fuel storage facilities were also destroyed as well as power stations, shipyards and maintenance bays. American losses were light, with 47 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. The US also shells several small coastal towns and the capitol of Okinawa Prefecture, killing a total of 2998 civilians. One American pilot was captured when his fighter was shot down by the Japanese Navy. After devastating the Japanese fleet, the US Pacific Fleet leaves as the Japanese flagship Yamato and her sister ship Musashi arrive. The two mighty ships are able to sink a US carrier and one cruiser before the US fleet is out of range. The attack was a major engagement of World War II and came as a profound shock to the Japanese people and came as a bigger shock to the government who did not expect the United States to attack without a formal declaration of war. Upon hearing about the success of the attack, former Vice-President Wallace made his now-famous quote “I fear all we have done is to awaken the sleeping dragon and fill him with a terrible resolve.”

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 20th: The day after the Okinawa attack, Prime Minister General Tojo makes his famous ‘No honour’ speech: 

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">''Yesterday, May 19th 1942, the island of Okinawa was attacked without warning or provocation by the United States of America. In return for this cowardly act that proved the United States of America is a nation with no honour, we hereby declare War on the United States of America and their allies in the British Empire. The men and officers of Our Army and Navy shall do their utmost in prosecuting the war. Our public servants of various departments shall perform faithfully and diligently their respective duties; the entire nation with a united will shall mobilize their total strength so that nothing will miscarry in the attainment of Our war aims.''

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Several hours later, Hitler issues a declaration of war against the United States on behalf of Germany with an Italian declaration of war following shortly after. The United States and the British Empire follow suit with declarations of war of their own against the Axis Powers.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 22-24th: With the news that the United States is now at war with the Axis Powers, the isolationists and Anti-War activists step up their protests but they are largely ineffective as the country gets behind the war effort to “Beat the Nazis” and “Smash the Japs”. Former Vice-President Wallace leads the Anti-War Coalition, the largest of the Anti-War movements. He continually protests against the war, saying it is an unjust war as Japan had not attacked the United States and by attacking Japan the way the US did, without a declaration of war, it proves that the United States feared Japan and its growing power. Washington releases a statement saying it is going to war against the Axis to “Defend freedom a liberate those who have been ground down under the jackboot of oppression”. The attack on Okinawa is hailed as a success, which causes the US to largely put away its Anti-War and Isolationist sentiment, though Former Vice-President Wallace remains a vocal opponent of Roosevelt and the war. As pursuant to US Executive Order 9066; all persons of Japanese ancestry and descent are to be moved to internment camps. This is welcomed by the US population, who view the Japanese as sneaky and not to be trusted despite the US attacking Japan with no formal declaration of war being issued. All those being moved are to hand over their business to Non Japanese thereby depriving many of their livelihoods.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 27th: Former Vice President Wallace is contacted by Nick Quince S. Kevon, the former US naval translator. He says he has proof that the Japanese were not planning to attack the US when they evacuated their embassy. He says that the war is his entire fault and those that die in it; their deaths are on his head. As he goes to meet the former Vice President, he is knocked down by a hit and run driver.

The Pacific War
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"> 1942, May 30th: An informal meeting with President Roosevelt and his staff is cut short when an aide runs into the office and reports to Roosevelt that the Philippines are under massive attack from the Japanese fleet. The Japanese fight-back has begun. In the Philippines, After sinking the aircraft carrier USS Essex, the Yamato pounds the American positions with its massive 18-inch guns. Within seventeen hours, the US forces have all been but obliterated and with the Imperial Japanese forces having launched a full scale ground assault, General McArthur communicates to the US his intention to surrender: “I feel that I am now compelled to surrender to preserve the lives of the remaining men under my command”. General McArthur issues the ceased-fire order to his troops and personally issues the surrender to the Japanese. It is accepted and McArthur and Philippine President Quezon are brought aboard the IJN Yamato where they the surrender of the US Forces and of the Philippines government respectively.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, May 31st: The news that the Philippines have surrendered and General McArthur reaches the US, where the US newspapers and radio shows all report the loss of the Philippines and McArthur’s surrender. Though this news is not good, it does little to affect the US war effort, rather the reverse, it spurs the US on to retake the Philippines and rescue McArthur.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 1st: With the capture of the Philippines come the bonus of captured US military equipment and the knowledge that US code breakers have cracked the Japanese military codes. It is decided to switch to a new code while issuing false and misleading orders on the old one, as to keep the US off guard and sure that they know what Japan is going to do next. The Japanese fleet led by Yamato heads away from the Philippines and into the Pacific. Admiral Yamamoto and his officers do not like issuing false and misleading orders on the code the US have cracked; they believe this is dishonourable and that they should not stoop to the level of the US. Imperial Military HQ says that if they can score a decisive victory over the US, then they will be able to force Roosevelt to sue for peace on their terms. Yamamoto and his officers still do not like it but they go along with it for the sake of the war.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 2nd: Admiral Yamamoto opens his classified orders which reveal the location of the fleet’s next target. He briefs his officers on their target and they draw up a plan to attack and take their target. Yamamoto is informed that Tokyo is considering breaking the tripartite agreement with Nazi Germany as to avoid a war with the Soviets, who are already causing trouble along the Manchurian border and near Karafuto Prefecture.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 3rd: Prime Minister General Tojo promises the release of American prisoners in the Philippines, but says that they will remain as POW’s until such time as the US ends the war that they started. This news does not go down well with some in the US Military who favour an all-out assault to free their fellow soldiers. President Roosevelt makes a speech where he vows to "Smash the expansionist Japanese war machine, liberate the conquered nations of Asia and kick the Imperial Military all the way back to Tokyo".

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 4th: The Japanese fleet arrives at its target; Midway. The US Pacific fleet is caught off guard and is no match for the fleet. The Japanese fleet wins a stunning victory over the American fleet at what the Imperial Government in Tokyo calls "The Battle of Midway". Virtually the entire American carrier force is destroyed along most of their supporting vessels. Midway is then occupied and pronounced to be part of the Empire of Japan. The shocking defeat of their fleet and the loss of Midway send ripples of doubt through the US population, who fear that with the loss of Midway, Hawaii or the West Coast could be next.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 9th-14th: The American fleet regroups in the Coral Sea but is ambushed and destroyed by the Japanese in the "Battle of the Coral Sea". With almost all their carriers sunk in the Battle of Midway, the American fleet was ripped to shreds by repeated Japanese air attacks; the USS Yorktown was the first casualty. As the remains of the US fleet retreats, the Japanese seize their chance and the Santa Cruz Islands and Guadalcanal are occupied. Some in Roosevelt's cabinet begin suggesting that he attempt to negotiate a peace with the Empire, but he refuses, saying "If we negotiate, we are betraying not only our allies and those Asian nations ground down under the jackboot of Japanese expansionism, but we are betraying those brave American servicemen who have died fighting a ruthless and unforgiving enemy".

The Fall of New Zealand
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 15th-17th: A Japanese submarine spots three US Warships docked in a New Zealand port, and radios their position to the rest of the fleet. As the submarine tries to rejoin the fleet, it is attacked and sunk by a destroyer from New Zealand. In response, Prime Minister General Tojo says that "The New Zealand destroyer attacked our submarine without warning or provocation and New Zealand must be made to pay for its act of aggression against Our Empire". Though this is not stated outright, Washington, Wellington and London know this means an invasion. While the Yamato heads back to the Philippines to prepare for another mission, the Musashi and a mid-sized fleet head to New Zealand. They encounter a few British ships but they are easily dealt with by the Musashi.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 19th-21st: Japanese troops launch a massive ground assault on New Zealand, invading the North Island. They drive inland for the first day of the invasion but on the second they run into a New Zealand defensive line centred on Gisborme and several major attacks on it are repulsed. The Musashi and her escort ships prevent any New Zealand or American ships from getting close to the North Island, which causes trouble for their forces on the South Island. There are several attempts by US forces to shell the Japanese forces on their side of the defensive line, but these have little to no effect. A British bombing raid successfully destroys a Japanese mortar position and an emergency runway that was under construction, killing 127 Japanese soldiers. The British also launch a series of airstrikes at the Japanese positions farther inland. While these are all failures, they serve to distract the Japanese forces while the New Zealand government escapes to the South Island. The British pull their forces back and fortify their positions on the South Island. The government of New Zealand, having retreated to the relative safety of the South Island calls on the "Citizens of New Zealand to resist the brutality of the Japanese occupiers rise up and drive the murdering Jap bastards back into the ocean". To counter this, the Japanese set up a puppet government in the North Island with the intent of showing that the claims made by the government in the South Island are "Baseless lies designed to besmirch the honour of the Japanese military". The puppet government, based in Gisborme, shows that far from being brutal occupiers, are a stabilising force that is helping the people of New Zealand rebuild after being part of the British Empire. Much to the shock of the Allies, the Maori population on the North Island openly support the Japanese and their puppet government and begin collaborating with them. 

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 23-26th: A convoy of American transports loaded with troops and supplies for New Zealand is ambushed by three of the new Sen-Toku I-400 class Japanese submarines. In conjunction with Japanese dive bombers and torpedo bombers launched from the Hiryū, they easily sink nine transports and two of the escorting destroyers. That night, a squad of four Japanese torpedo boats sink another three transports, forcing the rest of the convoy to turn back. The Japanese rescue 122 American sailors from the sunken ships and a few soldiers who make it to shore. When they are captured, they are immediately taken as prisoners of war and held at scattered locations throughout the North Island.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 27th: There is a ceremony in Gisborme as the new President of the Imperial Republic of New Zealand ascends to office. As his first act in office, President Erana Martin asks the Japanese forces to “Reclaim our South Island from the American and British occupiers and reunite our nation, for the glory of The Emperor”

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 28th: Anti-Japanese citizens rebel in Wellington and take over the city, but they are no match for the Japanese military and after a four-hour battle, Wellington is recaptured by the Japanese and almost all of the Anti-Japanese citizens are killed in the fight, 63 are captured and taken prisoner. A squad of American, British and New Zealand troops lands on the North Island in an attempt to free the US POW's being held at one of the POW camps. They land easily on the island with little resistance and face minimal resistance as they approach the POW camp. As they approach, they are caught in an ambush and are attacked by the "prisoners" who are,in fact, Japanese soldiers waiting for them to arrive. They are forced to retreat to the south coast where the Japanese army besieges them there. After two days, with most of them killed, the American, British and New Zealand troops surrender and are taken as POWs.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, June 29th-30th: The Japanese forces stage a massive invasion of the South Island; they easily cross the Cook Straits and lands on New Zealand's South Island, quickly seizing Blenheim. The invasion shocks the allies and takes them by surprise; in conjunction with the shelling from the navy and airstrikes, they are easily able to overrun the defensive lines. They now have a foothold on the South Island, and with air support, they are able to fortify their positions against any counterattack. The Imperial Japanese Army advances inland from Blenheim but is halted by guerrilla and partisan activities; they fortify their positions and hold their ground.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 1st: With the Imperial navy keeping supplies and re-inforcements away, the Japanese forces stage a full-scale assault on the rest of the South Island. Japanese airborne troops capture Queenstown, which had been functioning as the Guerrillas support base. With the Guerrillas mostly neutralized, Japanese troops occupy most of the remainder of South Island. There are small pockets of resistance from British and American troops, but these are soon wiped out. The New Zealand government is captured trying to flee aboard a cannery ship. They are taken to Gisborme, where they sign the unconditional surrender of New Zealand and its armed forces. The puppet government in Gisborme, which is subordinate to Japan, now controls all of New Zealand.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 2nd: The world is in shock at the Japanese invasion and annexation of New Zealand, this causes the allies to re-inforce their own colonies and possessions within striking distance of Japan. With New Zealand now firmly in Japanese hands, Admiral Yamamoto now can concentrate on the next big target: Hawaii. The Us knows Hawaii will be the next target for the advancing Japanese Empire, but with their fleet having taken such heavy losses, they know there is a good chance that they will lose Hawaii.

TORA, TORA, TORA
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 3rd: There is “Calm before the storm" in the Pacific as Japan consolidates its holdings in Asia and the Pacific. The US knows an attack on Pearl Harbor is coming, but not knowing when puts them on edge. The US knows that an attack is coming but they do not know from where or what the size of the fleet is. There are renewed calls for Roosevelt to try to negotiate an end to the war before Hawaii could be lost, but Roosevelt refuses to even consider trying to negotiate. Naval intelligence reports to Roosevelt that they have intercepted a short Japanese message that simply states "Climb Mount Niitaka". This worries Roosevelt as naval intelligence thinks it is a coded signal to a hidden Japanese fleet on its way to Pearl Harbor.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 4th: The day Roosevelt and the US had feared finally arrives, with the radio-message of "TORA, TORA, TORA", which was broadcast on a secure frequency, the Imperial Japanese Navy begin their attack on Pearl Harbor. The IJN Yamato begins the assault by firing her massive 18-inch guns at Pearl Harbor. Launched from the carriers Sōryū, Hiryū, Akagi and Kaga, Japanese bombers pound Hawaii, hitting Honolulu, Hilo, Pearl Harbor and many other cities. While the US Navy scrambles to launch a counterattack, Japanese troops land on Hawaii and Oahu; the invasion has begun. Heavy fighting breaks out off the coast of Molokai when a US navy task force centered on the battleship USS Maryland, intercepts the Japanese fleet. Though the Americans do a lot of damage, sinking two destroyers and a transport, the Maryland is destroyed by the combined fire of Yamato and two other Japanese torpedo cruisers while the USS Arizona is hit by multiple airstrikes and capsizes and sinks. With the destruction of the battleship, the remnants of the taskforce are forced to flee. The American Navy attempts to resist the invasion in a number of other places too, but due to their heavy losses and the total surprise the attack received, they are unsuccessful.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 5th: Japanese troops, operating with heavy air support, secure control over most of the archipelago. While the Yamato leads the successful attack and invasion of Hawaii, the Yamato's sister-ship Musashi leads an assault force that quickly invades and subdues Tasmania. The small island nation is no match for the might of the Musashi and her assault fleet and the nation is overrun within 24 hours. The last few pockets of US resistance on Hawaii are mopped up by Imperial Marines. Roosevelt pulls all but the bare minimum of forces out of Europe to re-enforce the West Coast as he believes that California will be the next target for Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 6th: Japan releases the “Kyoto Declaration” announcing the terms for America's surrender, with the warning, "We will not deviate from them. There are no alternatives. We shall brook no delay." For America, the terms of the declaration specified:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1: The elimination “for all time [of] the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of America into embarking on an unjust war of aggression against Japan”. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">2: The occupation of “points in American territory to be designated by Japan”. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">3: “American sovereignty shall be limited to Alaska, and such territory in the Contiguous United States and territorial possessions as we determine” <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">4: “The American military forces shall be completely disarmed” <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">5: Stern justice shall be meted out to all war criminals, including those who have visited cruelties upon Japanese and Japanese Americans currently living within the United States.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">6: As soon as it is possible, the current American administraion shall step down and be replaced with a more Japan-friendly administration. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 7th: The United States rejects the “Kyoto Declaration”. President Roosevelt, who is now facing increasing calls from within his own cabinet to negotiate an end to the war, resolutely refuses to call for any negotiations with Japan. This causes a rift with some in his cabinet, particularly with the Secretary of War and Secretary of State Cordell Hull. They know that by refusing to negotiate, they risk bringing the war to the mainland US. Roosevelt went on the radio and made his famous “Kill it with Silent contempt” speech: “I consider the Kyoto Declaration an insult not only to the military of the United States, but to the citizens of this great nation. As for the Government, we do not attach any important value to it at all. The only thing to do is just kill it with silent contempt. We will do nothing but press on to the bitter end to bring about a successful completion of the war”. His message increases morale slightly but those within his own cabinet that call for mediation is not convinced. Prime Minister General Tojo, upon hearing about Roosevelt’s rejection of the Kyoto Declaration calls for the US to end the war before more life can be lost: “We call upon the government of the United States to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all American armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction”. Fearing an American counterattack on Hawaii, propaganda is produced encouraging people to join the Imperial armed forces and defend Hawaii from "American aggression". Propaganda is also produced lambasting and denoucning Roosvelt as a war-monger and butcher. This propaganda is produced in Hawaii and distributed to the civilian population and the US POW's that are captured. It is also produced and shipped to the Japanese forces heading toward Alaska.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 8th: While the US was concentrating on Hawaii and the West Coast, they did not re-inforce the Aleutian Islands. A Japanese task force hits the Aleutian Islands at several key points along the chain. The ill-prepared US forces are all but wiped out by the Japanese force, with just a handful of troops surviving. Under the command of Major Henry Walker, the surviving US forces continue to fight the Japanese, but their cause is lost. The Japanese forces on the Aleutian Islands are given a choice by the Japanese; Surrender or face certain death. Major Walker does not want to surrender, knowing what the Japanese do to those enemy soldiers who surrender instead of fighting to the last man. He is about to ignore when Colonel Matsubara, the commander the Japanese forces on the Aleutian Islands repeats the choice; surrender or dearth. Colonel Matsubara says if they ‘stand down’ rather than surrender, that would be acceptable and their honour would be preserved. Major Walker, after seeing the sorry state of the few men left under his command, accepts Colonel Matsubara’s offer and his troops stand down and are taken ‘into protective custody’. Much to Walker’s surprise, Colonel Matsubara’s troops treat them well and give them food and full medical attention on board their ship, the warship Midoriama. The Anti-Roosevelt propaganda is distributed to the captured American troops  as well as the civilian population within the Japanese Control Zone. The news that the Aleutian Islands have fallen to the Japanese sends shockwaves through the White House. They had believed that Japan would strike at California next, but instead they have seized the Aleutian Islands. Once again, there are calls for Roosevelt to negotiate a peace with the Japanese before the United States loses any more territory. When Roosevelt is presented with a motion by Senator Crosby calling for peace with Japan, Roosevelt loses his temper: “I can't believe my ears! You all stand before me waving a piece of paper crying 'Negotiate, negotiate!' I WILL NOT! I WILL NOT, NOT, NOT!”

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 9th: Five days after losing Hawaii and one day after the loss of the Aleutian Islands, many in Los Angeles believe that their city will be the next to fall to the Japanese advance. Secretary of State Cordell Hull meets with Senator Crosby where they discuss ways of ending the war, but they all require Roosevelt to agree to it. It is then that Senator Crosby suggests that Roosevelt be removed either by impeachment or by ‘other means’. When Hull asks what Crosby means by ‘other means’, Crosby places a revolver on the table. Hull refuses the armed option, instead preferring to remove Roosevelt peacefully.

Operation West Coast Rising Sun
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 10th: The day Roosevelt had thought would happen after Hawaii fell finally arrives; Japanese bombers fly over Los Angeles and the naval base in San Diego. The city of Los Angeles is suffers terrible damage but not as much as San Diego, which due to its importance as a naval city, suffers far worse damage. During the first seven hours of the raid on San Diego, the naval port and surrounding areas are totally destroyed. The US Navy flagship, the USS Enterprise, manages to escape the bombing but is heavily damaged and can only make half speed. Such is the damage to Enterprise that 32 minutes after leaving San Diego, the list causes her to capsize then sink beneath the waves. The bombers limit themselves to military targets only, leading people to think that the bombers are softening up the two cities for an invasion. For Former Vice-President Wallace, this is just ammunition to use against Roosevelt, with Wallace publicly stating “Plainly, President Franklin D. Roosevelt has brought this war on himself and on the United States. He launched a pre-emptive attack on Japan citing the Japanese plan to attack the United States. No such plan existed at the time. He cut off oil and steel to Japan then froze Japanese assets in the United States, a clearly provocative act. Is it any wonder that a proud people like the Japanese might be expected to respond with force to these outrageous provocations? Are we not in large measure to blame for what has happened to us? Mothers whose sons are drafted may well wonder whether the fight is worthwhile and whether the government that orders them into battle has any idea what it is doing”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 11-16th: The day Roosevelt and the entire US had been waiting to happen after Hawaii fell finally arrives; at 8:21am 12,000 Japanese Paratroopers land up and down the California coast. The paratroopers are not just Japanese, but many Korean and Chinese soldiers that have proven loyal to the Emperor and the Empire. Malibu, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Los Angeles are all landing sites. The initial landing of the paratroopers comes up against little or no resistance as residents of these and other coastal towns had been evacuated after the fall of the Aleutian Islands. The only exception being Los Angeles, where the residents had refused to evacuate, mainly due to the movie studios that refused to move, with a representative of the major studios releasing a statement saying “Roosevelt brought this war to our country, we will not leave our homes and business because of that lame-legged war-monger”. Their comments do not go down well in Washington, but there is little to nothing that Roosevelt can do to make them leave. San Diego is quickly seized by the Japanese and they begin clearing the damage done by their air raid to make way for their own ships. Malibu, Ventura, Santa Barbara all fall within a matter of hours. The Japanese forces link up and begin heading inland; their target is the state capitol at Sacramento.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Their inland march is halted by the US National Guard and units of the US Army. The Japanese forces, instead of trying to push forward, engage the US National Guard and units of the US Army in a series of holding battles and attacks designed to keep the enemy off guard. This is done so that the units working in San Diego can repair enough of the damage to allow Japanese ships to resupply their troops. The carrier Sōryū is the first to arrive, and though it is not able to dock in San Diego, it is able to send out bombers to aid the troops. In Washington, with the Japanese having made landfall in California, there are now daily calls for Roosevelt to negotiate with the Japanese and stop their invasion before the US loses any more territory. Roosevelt steadfastly refuses to surrender; he announces to his cabinet that if the war does not go their way, he will use the atom bomb being developed by the Manhattan Project to wipe out "Every last stinking Japan invader". While his cabinet know that they need to defeat the Japanese, they are horrified that Roosevelt would consider using the atom bomb on American soil.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The work in San Diego has progressed enough to allow the carrier Sōryū to enter the harbor. This gives its bombers better range and coverage when supporting their troops. There is panic on the East Coast when a German submarine is spotted. Fearing an invasion from Germany on the East coast, the USS Idaho is sent to destroy the German submarine, but when they get there, all they find is a sea of wreckage and three German sailors who have survived the sinking. They are taken onboard the Idaho as POW's and taken back for interrogation. As the Idaho leaves, one officer claims to have seen a Japanese submarine heading away from the wreckage, but he could not be sure. Back in New York, the surviving German sailors are brutally interrogated for information regarding a possible Nazi invasion of the East Coast. All three deny any knowledge of a planned Nazi invasion of the East Coast; they say they were sent to scout the East Coast and to sink the few remaining merchant ships aiding the British. The carriers Hiryū, Akagi and Kaga join the Sōryū in San Diego. The combined firepower of the planes from the four carriers is enough to push the US National Guard and units of the US Army back at a steady pace. This allows the Japanese troops to head directly toward Sacramento. They face stiff resistance from police and National Guard soldiers who had been assigned to defend the state capitol. They also conduct interrogations of Chinese-Americans and Chinese citizens living in the areas of California under their control. They are brutally interrogated for any useful information that might aid the Japanese advance.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The bombers and fighters from the carriers leave Sacramento untouched, instead concentrating on the US National Guard and units of the US Army. Within 19 hours, the resistance around Sacramento is crushed and the Imperial Japanese Army invades the state capitol of California. When he sees Japanese soldiers marching toward the State Capitol building, and knowing that Japanese forces have been sighted in the San Gabriel mountains, he realises that any further fighting would result in more loss of life, Governor Hilderbeck meets the Commander of the invasion forces and surrenders. The news that Sacramento has fallen and Governor Hilderbeck has surrendered reaches Washington. Many now begin calling for the impeachment of Roosevelt and a speedy negotiated settlement to the war. But still Roosevelt refuses to surrender or even consider a negotiated settlement to the war.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">With the US pre-occupied with the attack on California, they did not realise that the Japanese forces on the Aluetian Islands had received re-enforcements. They realise this too late as under the command of Colonel Matsubara, the Japanese forces attack the West Coast of Alaska. They seize chunks of the west coast of America's 49th state, after a bloody but short battle, they take the city of Carter. They do not advance any farther into Alaska. Instead they concentrate on securing further territory on Alaska's west coast. After a series of mid-level battles, they secure the majority of Alaska's west coast. With the loss of Alaska's West Coast, the call for the impeachment of Roosevelt and a speedy negotiated settlement to the war is now louder than ever. But even after the invasion of Alaska and the loss of its west coast to the Japanese, Roosevelt still refuses to surrender or even consider a negotiated settlement to the war. As if to rub it in the faces of Roosevelt and his administration, the Japanese hold two victory parades, one through the center of Sacramento and the other through Los Angelese' Chinatown. There are a no protests at the victory parade through Los Angelese' Chinatown, the Chinese living in Los Angelese' Chinatown know how brutal the Japanese military has been in mainland China and they want to avoid trouble. Some of them pack up as much of their belongings as they can and flee California while the rest stay; uneasy about how they will be treated by the Japanese forces.

So Long, Bunker Hill
1942, July 17th: The USS Bunker Hill, which had departed from Alaska before the Japanese invasion, was midway between Alaska and California  when the Japanese invasion of California began. At first, no one could or would believe that the mainland US was under enemy attack. Early radio reports received by the Bunker Hill were garbled, leading several of the crew to believe that Germany was attacking California. Upon receiving correct information about the invasion of California and who was behind it, and because of their equidistance to California and Alaska, the CO of the USS Bunker Hill, Commodore Burke, took the decision to head for California to try to stop the Japanese invasion from taking place. As they closed in on California, in the distance they could see the signs of combat taking place. As they prepared to launch their planes, the IJN Sōryū, having been dispatched from San Diego, launches its own fleet of planes. The USS Bunker Hill launches its own planes and ariel combat broke out. The two fleets of planes were not evenly matched with the Zero having a slight edge over the Bunker Hill's planes. After shooting down two American planes, Ensign Kiyoshi Ogawa's Zero is hit by a barrage of AA fire from the Bunker Hill. Not wanting to simply crash, Ensign Ogawa took the decision to crash his damaged Zero into the USS Bunker Hill in a 'Kamikaze' attack. One of the other A6M Zeros in the Japanese fleet emerged from low cloud cover, dove toward the flight deck and dropped a 550 pound (250 kilogram) bomb that penetrated the flight deck and exited from the side of the ship at gallery deck level before exploding in the ocean. With a final cry of "BANZAI", Ensign Ogawa sends his Zero on a collision course with the Bunker Hill. The Zero went through the antiaircraft fire, dropped a 550 pound bomb, and then crashed into the flight deck near the carrier's "island", as kamikazes were trained to aim for the island superstructure. The bomb penetrated the flight deck and exploded. Gasoline fires flamed up and several explosions took place. Bunker Hill lost a total of 346 sailors and airmen killed, 43 more were declared missing (and have never been found), and 264 wounded. Amongst the wounded is Commodore Burke, who lost his left leg when Ensign Ogawa's Zero hit. Vice Admiral Mitscher was lost when the Bunker Hill went down. The IJN Sōryū picks up the Bunker Hill survivors and takes them back to San Diego as Prisoners of War. The loss of the USS Bunker Hill marks the end of the US Naval operations on the West Coast and effectivly gives Japan control of the entire west coast of the United States. The loss of the USS Bunker Hill is a major moral-blow to the US Navy and the American war effort against the Japanese. The loss of yet another aircraft carrier increases the pressure on Roosvelt to seek a negotiated end to the war, but he stubbornly refuses to even consider seeking peace terms with Japan. When asked by reporters if he will seek peace with Japan, he says "If we seek peace with those murdering, invading Jap bastards, it will be not only an insult to the brave men who lost their lives on the Bunker Hill, but to all our brave soldiers who have died fighting the invading Jap murderers"

Taking a bite from the Big Apple
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 18th: The White House nearly goes into catatonic shock when the Yamato sails into New York Harbor. The US Coast Guard ships are no match for the Imperial Japanese flagship. The few Coast Guard ships that challenged the Yamato are easily destroyed. After tuning in to the civilian and military frequencies and listening on the radio to the panic caused by their appearance, the Yamato, in a calculated gesture designed to instill fear in the panicking civilian population of New York, fires on Liberty Island. The salvo hits the Statue of Liberty, knocking it over and breaking it into several burning pieces as well as turning Liberty Island into a raging inferno. The USS Natick, which had been damaged in the North Atlantic, limps into New York Harbor and fires on the Yamato. The armoured hull of the Japanese flagship is not damaged and returns fire, obliterating the USS Natick. In retaliation, the IJN Yamato shells New York, causing major damage. Surprisingly, they do not target the George Washington bridge, which  by now is full of people streaming acorss the bridge in an attempt to escape the shelling of the city.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The IJN Yamato avoids doing damage to Wall Street, but the rest of New York is fair game. After the sinking of the USS Natick, the US Coast Guard mounts an ill-fated attempt to attack the IJN Yamato. Three Coast Guard Cutters converge on the Yamato and open fire with small arms. This has no effect and the Imperial Marines are easily able to sink two of the cutters and force the third to retreat. They are able to rescue 23 US Coast Guard sailors and take them prisoner. With 23 US Coast Guard sailors now prisoner, the US is hesitant to attack the IJN Yamato for fear of killing its own sailors. The Chrysler Building is targetted and fired on by the Yamato, it is subsequently hit single shell, causing structual damage to the lower levels and starting fires on the first eight floors.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 19th: Faced with an open challenge to his presidency and a movement to have him impeached, Roosevelt announces he is to “broadcast our surrender and a plea for mercy in order to bring this war to a swift end with no further loss of life”. The surrender is accepted by the Japanese, who say that the formal signing of the US Instrument of surrender will take place in three days at a time and place of their choosing. In Tokyo, the news that the US has surrenderd is greeted with joy and celebrations. Prime Minister General Tojo says that "The United States has paid for its act of war when it attacked Okinawa, their surrender will bring an end to the war in the Pacific and the end of American aggression toward Our Empire".

The Treaty of Honolulu
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 22nd: The Treaty of Honolulu is signed onboard the aircraft carrier Shoho in San Diego Harbor, with Admiral Yamamoto, General Tashikawa and General Murakami representing the Imperial Navy, Army and Air Force respectively. Admiral Chester Nimitz signing on behalf of the United States. The US Instrument of surrender has a number of articles which specifies that:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">All land, sea and air forces under the direct control of the United States government will end all combat operations against Japanese forces.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The Treaty guarantees Japanese hegemony over occupied territories of New Zealand, Attu and Kiska, the Santa Cruz Islands, New Guinea and all of China up to the borders of Tibet, Sinkiang, Midway, and Hawaii.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The United States is limited to Alaska and such territory in the Contiguous United States as we determine and all territorial possessions of the United States are now territorial possessions of the Empire of Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The territory captured by Japan in Alaska shall be permanantly ceeded to the Empire of Japan.

<p style="font-weight: normal">''The end of the war for 1942, July 22nd, at 0821 hours (8:21 am, the day the instrument was signed). American forces in California were to surrender all weapons and equipment to Japanese commanders. No equipment was to be damaged, no ships in the Pacific were to be scuttled.''

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The United States shall turn over any and all material relating to the United States atomic weapons program to the Empire of Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Stern justice shall be meted out to those who had "deceived and misled" the American people into war, including all war criminals.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Justice shall be brought down upon those who have visited cruelties upon Japanese citizens and Japanese Americans currently living within the United States

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The United States itself will not be occupied in total, but instead the occupation will be limited to California, which will remain under Japanese occupation for a period of no less than 5 years.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The United States will turn over all of its atomic bomb research and any material pertaining to the atomic bomb to Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The US will pay for the total rebuilding of Pearl Harbor.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The military of the United States Navy shall be forbidden from entering the Pacific Ocean for 70 years.

<p style="font-weight: normal">''All American military commanders in California were to obey orders from Japanese commanders. All comunications were to be done in plain language and no codes.''

<p style="font-weight: normal">Any final political settlement will supercede this instrument.

<p style="font-weight: normal">The Empire of Japan could take whatever punitive measures it deemed appropriate in the event that US military and politicial leaders did not act in accordance with the surrender.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">In addition, Japan makes two promises:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Japan swears to recognize the sovereignty of Tibet, Sinkiang and Australia, and allow travel through Japanese controlled waters.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Japan will leave the Axis and join the Allies

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The treaty is signed and with immediate effect, Japan leaves the Axis and joins the Allies.

Japan's last fight with the Allies
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 24th: With Japan leaving the Axis, the days are now numbered for Nazi Germany. But despite having a peace treaty with the United States, the Empire of Japan is still at war with the British Empire. Japanese troops concentrated in Burma cross the Indian border and crush a major British force. They move on Dhaka, which is quickly occupied by the Japanese. Another Japanese force takes Chittagong. The British army prepares to launch a counterattack.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 25th: Japanese carrier planes bomb Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. A Japanese attack on Guwahati is driven off by British forces but with heavy casualties for the British.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 27th: A British counterattack is launched, which drives back the Japanese Army but fails to retake Dhaka. The Japanese army launches its own counterattack. The overextended and under-supplied British army is routed and forced to retreat. The Japanese army overruns all of East Bengal along with much of the surrounding territory and begins shelling and bombing Calcutta.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, July 29th: England asks for a ceasefire and opens negotiations with Japan. Japan agrees and says the ceasefire must be signed onboard the Yamato.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 2nd: With the Yamato docked in London, Winston Churchill boards the ship and signs the Treaty of London. The Treaty specifies that:

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-right: -0.59cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">England is forced to cede all territory up to and including East Bengal to Japan.

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-right: -0.59cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">The Falkland Islands will be ceded to Japan

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-right: -0.59cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">England signs the Pacific Territories Treaty, a classified treaty whose contents are known only to Downing Street and Tokyo.

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-right: -0.59cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">In return, Japan agrees to demilitarize the border for ten years and to keep its navy out of the Indian Ocean for five years.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">With the treaty signed, the Allies now concentrate their entire military might on the task of defeating Nazi Germany. Winston Churchill secretly remarks that “Thank god for the Japanese. Now this war will be over sooner and with fewer of our boys not coming home”.

Let the battle be joined
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 6th: The Yamato and Musashi begin their assault on Nazi Germany by engaging and sinking the naval fleet of Vichy France. This marks the first action taken by the Empire of Japan against its former tripartite partners. The Vichy navy is totally destroyed and three ports are so heavily damaged as to be beyond repair for the duration of the war. When he is told of the attack, Hitler is furious and immediately declares war on the Empire of Japan, declaring that “The Greater German Reich is developing the hydrogen bomb and and will wipe out the Home Islands”. His statement is not taken seriously and is believed to be an empty threat against his former Axis partners. One of the few Vichy Navy ships that was out of port when the attack happened returns, and the sight of the Imperial Japanese flagship and her sister ship steaming toward them causes some of the crew to abandon their posts and try to abandon ship. The captain manages to keep them onboard long enough to surrender his ship to Captain Nagano of the IJN Yamato. The success of the attack on the Vichy navy reaches Whitehall where Winston Churchill remarks "Thank God for the Japanese. This war will now be won and the evil jackboot of the German Reich will be defeated once and for all".

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 7th: The Nazi positions on the French coast are hit by Japanese and British bombers. This makes the German High Command think that the beaches are being softened up for a possible invasion. They send re-inforcments to shore-up the defences on the Normandy beaches. This is just a ruse for the main Allied assault on Nazi Germany.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 8th: The small French town of Nouvion is totally destroyed with all 2,534 inhabitants slaughtered. Blame is laid at the hands of the Japanese military, who the German High Command says "slaughtered 2,534 innocent people who were non-combatants". They present 'evidence' that Japanese Marines landed in the town and slaughtered the people. The evidence is refuted by Tokyo, who say that it was the Germans who slaughtered the inhabitants and are accusing Japan of the crime to try to turn people against the former member of the Axis Powers. It does not work as no one seems to believe that it was the Japanese.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 9th: Operation Shin Nippon begins. Millions of Japanese colonists are dispatched to China, the Dutch East Indies, Siam, New Guinea, Burma, and other regions of the Empire. Secret massacres of native people began to clear the way for the colonists. At the urging of many top military commanders, Japan begins a program to modernize the Imperial Army, which had fallen behind most of the world.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 10-11th: German intelligence reports that the Allies are planning a massive strike against Germany, though they do not know where. This makes the German High Command uneasy. Walter Von Brauschits suggests to Hitler that Germany try to negotiate an end to the war that is partially favourable to them. He says that if they continue to fight, they risk losing everything they have gained since the war started. Hitler has Von Brauschits executed as a traitor for suggesting he negotiate with the Allies

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 12th: At 2:21am 9000 Japanese Paratroopers with US air support land in Germany, 21 miles from Berlin. This shocks and angers the Soviet Union, who had hoped to be the first to reach Berlin. The Japanese soldiers are able to advance to within nine miles of Berlin, but the German counterattack stops them. The Allies are sent a message from Imperial Military Command which simply states “Abandon Dresden”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 13th: At 12:12am, the city of Dresden is wiped out in a nuclear explosion. Having been working on its own atomic bomb and with the research, data and materials from the Manhattan Project, the Empire of Japan was able to construct the world’s first atomic weapon. The decision to use it against Nazi Germany came as an easy choice. The meeting in London to decide where to use the atom bomb was simple; it had to be used against Germany, the choice was now where exactly in Germany it would be used. It was decided Dresden would be the city it would be used on.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 16th: Three days after the destruction of Dresden, the Japanese drop another atomic bomb on the city of Hamburg. This sends the German military further into chaos as they begin to fear more atomic weapons will be used against German cities.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 17th: After witnessing the atomic destruction of Dresden, Germany surrenders to Allies with Field Marshall Keitel signing the terms of surrender in front of General Ishikawa of Japan, General Montgomery of England and General Khrushchev of the Soviet Union. Hitler commits suicide rather than be taken alive.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 18th: With the war in Europe over, the Soviet Union begins shifting troops east. The Soviet Union's plans call for a massive attack that will force the Japanese to return the territory that they took from Russia after the Russo-Japanese war. They also plan to demand that they retain control over sections of Manchuria.

The Soviet-Japanese War
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 19-22nd: Five days after the end of the war in Europe, the Soviet-Japanese war begins. The Soviet Union declares war on Japan and launches an invasion. Soviet troops and armour pour into Manchuria and into Japanese held southern half of Sakhalin. Soviet amphibious landings take place in the Kuril Islands and on the Japanese home Island of Hokkaido. Soviet Bombers attack Tokyo and Beijing. The Soviet Union’s first demand of surrender is refused by Japan. America is horrified by the prospect of the Soviet Union gaining more power in the east and demands that they withdraw their troops from Japan. Soviet troops continue to drive into Manchuria while meeting heavy resistance. The Soviet invasion of Hokkaido bogs down around the city of Asahikawa. Japanese carrier aircraft find the Soviet Pacific Ocean Fleet and attack. Four destroyers, one cruiser, six patrol boats, and two minesweepers are sunk. Soviet Naval Aviation responds by spending out hundreds of planes to find the Japanese fleet. The attack is partially successful with one Japanese escort carrier being sunk along with two destroyers and a tanker. America renews their demand that the Soviets withdraw. They also place their fleet on high alert.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 23-26th: Soviet troops in Manchuria enter northern Korea. The Kuril Islands are cleared of final Japanese resistance. A dozen Japanese destroyers launch a surprise night attack on the Soviet supply ships and troop transports supporting the invasion of Hokkaido. A dozen support ships are sunk along with an escorting patrol boat. Three Japanese destroyers are sunk and two damaged. The Soviet Union once again demands the Japanese Surrender. America demands for a third time that the Soviet Union withdraw its troops. The new US President, Matthew J Tracker says “Russia is pushing the world to the brink of another world war so soon after the last one”. He also orders B-29s to be moved into position to strike at Russian positions across the Bering Strait if necessary. Soviet troops seize Asahikawa and continue the advance across Hokkaido. The Japanese 7th army, based in eastern China launches a massive attack on the Soviets 1st Far Eastern Front. Over the next fourteen days the Japanese army cuts through the centre of Soviet occupied Manchuria, cutting off and trapping the Soviet vanguard and much of the rest of their army in northern Korea. Japanese bombers raid Khabarovsk and Vladivostok. Soviet troops fighting on Sakhalin reach the southern tip and begin mopping up surviving Japanese. Soviet torpedo boats sink a Japanese cruiser.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 27-30th: The 7th army entrenches in their newly won territory, keeping the Soviet vanguard trapped. The Soviets launch a number of counter attacks but are repulsed. The Japanese 8th army is redeployed from Siam to relieve the 7th army. A Japanese bombing raid on Vladivostok is driven off by Soviet fighters. Japanese warships are sent into the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Barents Sea as warnings. The Japanese battleship Hiroshima and its escorting destroyers are attacked by Soviet Bombers while on patrol in the North Pacific Ocean. The Hiroshima survives but two of her destroyers are sunk. The Imperial Japanese Fleet attacks the Soviet Pacific Ocean Fleet in the Sea of Okhotsk. Both sides take heavy losses but the Japanese fleet is victorious. The crippled remains of the Soviet fleet escaped to Vladivostok.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, August 31st: The 8th army arrives in Manchuria and relieves the battered 7th army. A combination of 8th army and 7th army troops cross the border into Russia and besieges Vladivostok. Prime Minister General Tojo gives them the order to “Shoot any Russian on sight if they pose a threat”. The Soviets denounce this, accusing Japan of “Brutality and barbarism toward the peace-loving and brave soldiers of the Soviet Union”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 1-4th: Soviet bombers attack Nanjing and Sapporo. Heavy fighting continues in Manchuria where a Soviet breakout attempt from northern Korea has reached Jilin. Japanese battleships have begun bombarding Soviet positions in the Kuril Islands. A Japanese counterattack against the Soviets on Hokkaido fails miserably and results in massive Japanese casualties. Prime Minister General Tojo speaks to the Emperor and urges him and the Imperial Family to be prepared to evacuate should “The Soviet barbarians make landfall on the main island”. Emperor Hirohito agrees to Tojo’s suggestion and secret plans are drawn up for this. The Soviets breakout attempt takes Jilin but cannot pierce the Japanese defenses beyond the city. Soviet troops in the Kuril Islands began to surrender. America announces that unless the Soviet Union withdraws from the Japanese Empire by September 10th, America will declare war on the Soviet Union. Vladivostok surrenders to Japanese forces after four days of heavy shelling. Japanese bombers begin striking at Soviet army with varying effectiveness. The Soviet troops trapped in northern Korea retreat from Jilin and fall back to Fushun. Led by the Yamato, Japanese battleships bombard Soviet positions on Sakhalin.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 6-8th: Japanese troops land in the Soviet rear on Hokkaido and liberate the city of Asahikawa. A Japanese airborne assault takes Khabarovsk, cutting off the Soviet army's retreat. The Japanese army recaptures Pyongyang with heavy naval support. Soviet bombers attack Tokyo, none of them makes it out of Japanese airspace; four Soviet airmen bail out and are captured the moment they land. The Japanese Army attacks the Soviet army in northern Korea from the font while Japanese troops in Pyongyang attack their rear. Prime Minister General Tojo issues a new order concerning Soviet soldiers “Shoot to kill”. The Soviet army in northern Korea surrenders after two days of heavy fighting. The Japanese troops that defeated them are redeployed to face the Soviet army still occupying most of Manchuria. The Soviets know they are outnumbered and that victory is now lost to them, but they keep fighting.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 9th: The Soviet Union requests a ceasefire, which is granted. Prime Minister General Tojo orders all Japanese forces to cease fire.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 10th: The Tokyo Accords are signed by the Soviet Union and the Empire of Japan. The Accords give all territory occupied by the Soviet Union will be returned to Japan. In addition, the USSR will permanently cede the northern half of Sakhalin to Japan. The Sea of Okhotsk will  now become Japanese territorial waters. Stalin does not like the terms of the ceasefire, but since the Soviet Union was the aggressor in the war and is now the loser, they must pay the heavy price.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 14th: Prime Minister General Tojo announces that he will substantially increase industry in the Empire. He also announces that Empire’s military will be doubled in size. In London, Winston Churchill meets with the Japanese ambassador to discuss establishing closer ties between the Empire of Japan and the UK.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 15th: The first regular ferry service is set up between Kitakyushu (in the Japanese home islands) and Fusan (in Korea). This allows free and easier movement of colonists and the establishment of shipping lines between Korea and the Home Islands.

The Question Of America's War Responsibility
1942, September 16-19th: After the war, former Vice-President Wallace writes a best-selling book called "The War I tried to stop". He embarks on a series of book tours across the United States where he reads from his books to huge numbers of people. Each reading is a sell-out and when news of a new reading is announced, it sells out within the hour. He starts every reading the same way, by reading the preface to his book:

''When I learned that Roosevelt had made up his mind and was set on war, I opposed the war as strongly as I possibly could, but it was not enough. When I objected to the war, I was forced to resign as Vice President where I continued my campaign of opposing the war with the Empire of Japan. When my public campaigning against the war came too close to the date of our surprise attack, I was arrested and placed under house arrest until the surprise attack was over, at which point I was released. I continued my campaigning against the war, the administration tolerated me until Japan started the fight back, and with each American loss, my Anti-War campaign and I were blamed. I was labeled a “Traitor” and “Dirty Jap lover” by the administration and some of the press who were eager to blame anyone for the failures of our war effort except blame those whose fault it really was.''

''When the war started going against us when Japan started the fight back, the administration, desperate to blame anyone other than themselves for the failure of our war effort, turned to the Japanese immigrants and the Japanese Americans and heaped the blame upon them. They ordered that the Japanese citizens living in the United States and the Japanese-Americans citizens were to be herded into Nazi-style concentration camps where they were 'subjected to and suffered overwhelming atrocities that were perpetrated by the members of the American armed forces. I campaigned to raise public awareness of this, but my words found few who would listen to them. Those brave souls that did listen to me were also branded as “Traitors” and “Dirty Jap lovers” by the administration and the press who supported this illegal war. My campaigning did little good, those in the internment camps were still being treated as horrifically as those poor souls victimized by the Nazis.''

''When I pointed out that the way this administration treated Japanese citizens living in the United States and the Japanese-Americans citizens was just as horrific as those poor souls victimized by the Nazis, I was labeled as being “Pro-Nazi” and “Anti American”. It is not “Anti American” to campaign for peace and an end to an unjust war. It does not make me “Pro-Nazi” to point out the barbaric treatment of our own citizens and those living within our borders. Freedom is the right of all people, not just those that support an unjust war.''

With the war being over, he vents his entire frustration against FDR and his administration, he lays the blame for the war and the US' subsequent territorial losses to Japan squarely at Roosevelt's feet. The former Vice-President, once restrained by the war, is no longer kept back and releases his full opinion. Many historians who are studying the war believe as Wallace does that Roosevelt was responsible for the war and the atrocities committed by the American forces. Some people think that FDR and his cabinet should have been tried for war crimes. There was a petition presented to Prime Minister General Tojo to have FDR be tried for war crimes, but he turns it down, saying that "America needs time to heal and recouperate from the wounds inflicted on it by the unjust war it started. The new administration has a long task ahead of it and we need to allow America the time to heal as they have been hurt enough.

America's War Apology
1 942, September 21st: The United States Congress releases an apology for America's conduct in the war:

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">''During the recent war, the United States of America, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war, only to ensnare the American people in a fateful crisis. Our actions in the recent war caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of Okinawa and to Japanese nationals living in the United States and to Japanese Americans. In the hope that no such mistake be made in the future, we regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history, and express here once again our feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology. Allow us also to express our feelings of profound mourning for all victims, both at home and abroad, of that history''.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"> The apology is greeted with  sceptecism in Okinawa. The Governor of Okinawa, Imajo Tsuyoshi says that “The a pology offered by the US Congress is not to be taken seriously, America has not apologized sufficiently for the suffering they caused with their unprovoked attack on Okinawa ”. Many people in Okinawa and the Japanese Home Islands believe that America has not apologized sufficiently and that the apology offered by Congress is not enough and that the President should perform dogeza, in which an individual kneels and bows his head to the ground - a high form of apology in East Asian societies. But it is doubtful that would happen, as the US administration would find that too humiliating for the President to do.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1942, September 22nd: In what is see as a subtle swipe at the United States, the Pacific States issues a map of North America, showing California and Alaska as being part of the Empire of Japan. While the map acruatly reflects the current territorial situation in North America, there are those who believe that the issuing of the map is nothing more than the Japanese rubbing it in that they emerged victorious while the US was proven to be the loser. And this is exactly the reasoning behind the issuing of the map as Prime Minister Prince Konoe wanted to subelty remind the US who won the war and who lost.

A Short Peace
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 23rd: The shipyards in Kure begin work on the largest ocean liner in the world. It is also announced that the Kure shipyards would be double in size to accommodate the increased number of ships being built for the Navy.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 26th: The Japanese government reorganizes the territory and puppet-states that currently make up the overseas Empire into a system of provinces, with a governmental structure similar to that of the American States.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 27th: Prime Minister General Tojo signs a Historic trade agreement with Australian Prime Minister Kennedy. This is the first since the Pacific War and a sign that relations between Japan and Australia are warming up after the war.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 29th: Despite the signing of the Tokyo Accords, relations between the Soviet Union and Japan are still strained. This is no more evident as when Prime Minister General Tojo orders the immediate expulsion of all Russians on Sakhalin Island, which he announces is to be called Karafuto Island. Stalin is furious with Tokyo, stating he believed that the Russian citizens would be allowed to remain on the island. Prime Minister General Tojo says the Russians, who number at 60,000, must leave within one month or they will be considered illegal immigrants and subject to arrest and detention. Tokyo announces that Russian ships will be allowed to head to Karafuto Island to assist in the removal of the Russians, which is to begin in three days time. Stalin angrily demands that the Russian settlers be allowed to stay, but Prime Minister General Tojo refuses. He also announces “That from this moment on, the Sea of Okhotsk will hence forth be known as North Japan Sea”. This further enrages Stalin, who says that “Japan is going too far, first they expel the Russians living on the northern half of Karafuto Island and now they rename the Sea of Okhotsk”. Stalin knows that ranting is all he can do as the Sea of Okhotsk and the Northern portion of Sakhalin Island were awarded to Japan after the recent Soviet-Japan war.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, September 30th: With the US military being forbidden from the Pacific Ocean, a problem arises as to what to do with their surplus military equipment. Rather than destroy their surplus military equipment, the United States sells it to Japan, who keeps the useful military equipment and what is left, they use as training equipment and targets for sniper target practise and bombing practise by the Imperial Air Force.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 1st: The day of the expulsion of the Soviet citizens from Karafuto Island arrives; two Soviet passenger liners arrive to begin the evacuation. The passenger liners have a maximum passenger capacity of 1200 each, which means that each trip can only carry 2400 passengers. Prime Minister General Tojo tells the Soviet ambassador that unless more Soviet ships are sent to evacuate the Russians on Karafuto Island, then the Japanese government will round up the Russians and send them home in cargo ships and freighters. This enrages Stalin, who says that “Any attempt to forcibly remove the Soviet citizens is wholly unacceptable. The actions by Japan contribute neither to the development of positive co-operation between the two countries, nor to the settlement of the dispute”. Stalin knows that when the Northern portion of Sakhalin Island were awarded to Japan after the recent Soviet-Japan war, the Empire of Japan is well within its rights to remove the Soviet citizens living there. Prime Minister General Tojo releases a counter statement that says “Russia was the aggressor nation in the war between our two countries, and as a result of losing that war, Russia will be expelled from all other territories which have been awarded to Japan” He then reaffirmed Japan’s sovereignty over the islands. The Soviet ambassador to Japan is told that unless more Soviet passenger ships are sent to evacuate the Russians in five days, Japan will carry out its threat to forcibly remove them and send them home in old cargo ships and dirty freighters.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">

<p style="margin-right: -0.59cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 3rd: The Imperial Air Force develops the J1N Gekko, a long-range bomber escort and the J2M Raiden, a dedicated interceptor. Both prototype aircraft perform beyond expectations and are immediately rushed into full production. Imperial Military HQ has high hopes that the two new planes will keep the Imperial Air Force ahead of the other nations. Tokyo also announces the National Transportation and Communication Act. Elements of this act include: the construction of the China-Tibet railway, the building of the New Guinea Highway, and the digging of the Malaysian Canal through the Isthmus of Kra and a bridge will be built over the River Kwai.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 4th: The Governor-General of Formosa reports that Communist activity has increased on the island. He says that Communist sympathisers have been trying to stir up trouble and that they are all non-Japanese or non-citizens of the Empire. Tokyo tells him to deal with the Communist sympathisers however he sees fit. So he chooses to outlaw Communism on Formosa and enacts anti-Communist pogroms throughout Formosa. This draws sharp criticism from Moscow.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 5th: Prime Minister General Tojo reports that Industrialization plans have been extremely successful, especially in Burma, Indochina, and the Philippines. He announces that the bridge over the River Kwai will be built by Japanese and American laborers. This is the first joint project Japan and America have embarked upon and is taken by many as a sign that relations between the former war-time enemies are on the up and up.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 6th: A Communist rebellion breaks out in Nepal. America begins sending supplies and weaponry to the Nepalese government, while the USSR supplies and arms the rebels. Although Japan declares itself neutral, it keeps a watchful eye on the situation. The Anti-Communist pogroms started in Formosa are expanded throughout the Empire. In Hawaii, the first recorded marriage between an American and a Japanese citizen takes place. Captain Sasuke Nagano, Captain of the IJN Yamato, marries Cassie Wilson, an American émigré to Hawaii.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 7th: Three more Soviet passenger ships arrive to help with the evacuation of Russians from Karafuto Island. In order to speed up the removal of their citizens from Karafuto Island, the Soviet passenger ships double up the number of passengers they can take on board. This is not good enough for the Japanese, who say that the Russians must use every ship they can to get their people off Karafuto Island.

Operation Red Bloodflow
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 10th: The largest Ocean Liner in world, Kyoto is completed and sold to Trans-Pacific Cruses; a large Japanese corporation. The Kyoto is scheduled to make its maiden voyage in three days, but the situation in Nepal postpones this. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 11-12th: Work is started on the Malaysian Canal and on the China-Tibet Railway. The situation in Nepal gets worse as the Communist rebels step up their attacks. The Nepalese government sends an official request for assistance to Tokyo. The request is approved and under "Operation Red Bloodflow" Japanese troops are sent to assist the government of Nepal against the Communist rebels. The capital of Nepal comes under heavy rebel attack. Japanese and Nepalese troops are forced on the defensive.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 14-16th: The Imperial Air Force begins airstrikes at Communist positions throughout Nepal while Japanese troops manage to finally clear the remaining rebels out of Lucknow (the capital out Nepal). However, rebellion continues to dominate much of the countryside. Along with Nepalese troops, Japanese troops comb the Nepalese countryside where they begin systematically slaughtering the Communist rebels, their sympathisers and anyone who harbors a rebel. While the international community urges Japan to stop the slaughter of Communists, the harshest criticisms of the Japanese and Nepalese action are from the Soviet Union. Stalin harshly denounces the slaughter of Communists as "State sanctioned murder against our fellow socialist brothers and sisters". He sends a formal message to Tokyo demanding that the slaughter stop. His message is ignored by Prime Minister General Tojo, who releases a statement: “The Nepalese government asked for our help in ridding their country of the Communist plague, and we will help them and be damned anyone who objects to our actions”. Stalin is incensed by the insult but knows that there is little he can do. The Nepalese rebels are nearing defeat and so he reluctantly cuts off all Soviet support for them. The last of the Nepalese Communist rebels are whipped out when the Japanese drop napalm bombs on the village where they had been hiding. With the Communist rebels destroyed, the Nepalese government declares victory. The Nepalese Prime Minister thanks Prime Minister General Tojo for “The help of the brave Japanese military who risked their lives to save our country from the scourge of Communism”.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1942, October 17-18th: The last vestiges of the Communist rebels in Nepal, previously thought to have been wiped out, are cornered in a small town where they demand the right to form a Communist government. In response, the Nepalese army surrounds the village while the Japanese Air Force drops napalm bombs on the village, wiping it and everyone in it off the face of the earth. The Nepalese Prime Minister announces that any Communists found within Nepal will be summarily executed on the spot and that anyone supporting Communists or giving them aid of any kind will be arrested and executed.

A Time For Peace
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 19th: Kyoto begins her maiden voyage, she is scheduled to stop at ports Korea, Malaysia, Karafuto then head on a voyage across the Pacific to Hawaii then California before heading back home.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, <span id="cke_bm_44S" style="display: none;">    October 20th: Mutual defense pact is signed with Tibet. A number of agreements designed to further encourage trade between the two countries are also signed.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, October 23-26th: Two Soviet cargo ships arrive at Karafuto Island to assist in the removal of Russian citizens. In conjunction with the three passenger liners, the fleet of six ships runs day and night for three days, fully evacuating the last of the Russians’ on the morning of March 26th. Stalin once again denounces the Japanese expulsion of the Russian settlers, which is ignored by Tokyo.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 1st: Japanese work crews are sent to Karafuto Island where they begin demolishing the Soviet villages and settlements in preparation for the construction of Japanese villages and settlements.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 2nd: An attempt is made on the life of Captain Nagano when the IJN Yamato docks in San Diego. It is believed to be the work of US Special Forces although there is no proof of this.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 7th: Eastern Burma is hit by terrible flooding. Hundreds die and thousands become refugees.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 8th: The Japanese Air Force begins air dropping supplies to flooded regions. Disaster relief workers are dispatched to began rescue operations and set up emergency housing.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 10th: The Japanese government orders mandatory evacuation of everyone in the flooded areas. Thousands of trucks are sent to begin the evacuation.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 12th: Diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union are reduced to a bare minimum after Stalin says that “The Japanese are led by an old fool who ascended to the position upon the death of his father”. Prime Minister General Tojo points out that in the Empire of Japan, they have democracy and the people choose their Prime Minister whereas Stalin is a virtual dictator who violently suppresses those who stand against him. <span id="cke_bm_44E" style="display: none;">

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 18th: Despite the opposition of Senate Majority Leader Joseph McCarthy, the US Senate passes the Bill Concerning the Relationship of Hawaii to the United States in a 53-47 vote, establishing diplomatic ties with the former territory for the first time since World War Two.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 21st: After months of their pleas for Indian independence falling on deaf ears, the Indian Revolutionary Front (IRF) declares war on England and commences a massive rebellion throughout India. The civilians evacuated from Burma during the flood are permitted to return. Work begins on the vast amount of rebuilding that has to be done.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, November 23rd: An amendment to the constitution that would give citizenship to non-Japanese residents of the Empire is narrowly defeated in the Diet.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 1st: Prime Minister General Tojo dies of a heart attack; he is replaced by Prince Fumimaro Konoe. In his first act as Prime Minister, Prince Konoe organizes a state funeral for Tojo and Emperor Hirohito announces a day of national mourning for “The man who led the Empire through two wars and served the Empire and his Emperor faithfully”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 2nd: The Imperial Diet approves a bill that allows representation in the Diet of non-Japanese provinces. However, the only voting population will be the ethnic Japanese who have moved there.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December' 8th: Mohandas Gandhi is executed as a traitor by the IRF for his outspoken pleas for peace.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 10th: The China-Tibet railway is completed, linking Beijing to Lhasa. The Kiyomono Bridge spans the Salween River as part of the China-Tibet Railway.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 12th: <span id="cke_bm_44S" style="display: none;">    Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that the first of the United States funds to rebuild Pearl Harbor have been paid and that reconstruction is proceeding at a steady pace. He also announces that Communism is now officially outlawed through-out the Empire. <span id="cke_bm_44E" style="display: none;">

Operation Red Bloodflow Redux
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 13-15th: Chinese Communists protest Japanese rule in Xian. When one large crowd marches on the Governor’s office, Japanese Troops opened fire and killed 22 protestors. Another 57 were wounded. Rioting erupts in cities across China. Several Japanese officials are killed. Martial law is declared and troops are sent to crush the rioters. The Communist underground, the Peoples Liberation Army Resistance (PLAR) declares open war on Japan. Eager to get one over on Japan, the Soviet Union secretly begins to supply PLAR with weaponry. Communist rebels and rioters continue to fight in Shanghai, Nanjing and Xian. A barge in the Yellow River loaded with Japanese troops hits a mine and sinks. 117 Japanese soldiers are killed.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 16-20th: Fighting breaks out in Manchuria and Hong Kong. Japanese troops began to counter attack in Nanjing. PLAR guerrillas seize complete control of Xian. Japanese gunboats began bombarding rebel controlled sections of Hong Kong. In Nanjing, Japanese soldiers push PLAR troops back into the city center. The PLAR troops in Nanjing try to fight back but they are gunned down by the Japanese military. Eager to get one over on Japan in public, Stalin publicly announces that the Soviet Union supports the PLAR “In their struggle against the Imperialist forces hell-bent on wiping out our Chinese Communist brothers and sisters”. Shortly after Stalin’s announcement, the Governor of China, Yasuo Aso is assassinated in Beijing by a PLAR sniper. Japanese Marines land in Hong Kong, but face bitter resistance and their progress is bloody and slow. Jilin surrenders to PLAR forces. Mines laid on tracks derail a Japanese troop train north of Batou, 23 Japanese soldiers are killed in the initial derailment while a further 16 are killed by a PLAR attack. 

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 21-25th: The Japanese gunboat 'Shoko' off Hong Kong is sunk by heavy mortar fire; all the Japanese sailors survive and are picked up by a Japanese warship. After heavy fighting, PLAR troops in Nanjing surrender to the Japanese Army. Japanese troops are driven out of Shanghai while heavy fighting breaks out in Hangzhou. Prime Minister Prince Konoe is shocked when he is informed that the Japanese 7th Army is destroyed in a series of battles with PLAR troops along the coast of the Yellow Sea. General Wu Jintao, Generalissimo of PLAR, declares the formation of the Peoples Republic of China. Its borders stretch from the Yellow River, southward and eastward to the coast and westward to the borders with Sinkiang and Tibet. The only Japanese troops remaining within this area are the holdouts in Nanjing, Hong Kong, and Hangzhou. The Soviet Union immediately extends formal diplomatic recognition to the Peoples Republic of China. Japanese troops seize the city of Jilin from PLAR forces, any remaining PLAR forces within the city are executed on the spot by the Japanese, who then strengthen their positions around the city and prepare for a Chinese counter attack. 

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 26-30th: The Japanese troops holding Nanjing are forced to retreat from the city to avoid being surrounded. The Japanese garrison in Hangzhou is overrun and destroyed by the PLAR while a PLAR army crosses the Yellow river and marches on Beijing, forcibly recruiting and equipping peasants along the way. The PLAR army captures Shijiazhuang without a fight and then they continue their march on Beijing. The PLAR army reaches Beijing and lays siege to the city. The Japanese 1st and 2nd armies are deployed to Tianjin to strengthen the Japanese forces stationed there. The Japanese 1st and 2nd army attempts to envelop the PLAR army outside of Beijing. However, Chinese scouts notice the maneuver and the PLAR army pulls back to Shijiazhuang. The Japanese 10th army launches a series of attacks against the Peoples Republic of China's southern border. A major breakthrough is achieved at Nanning when Japanese snipers take down 23 PLAR soldiers and 12 Chinese collaborators. The 10th army begins to drive along the coast in an attempt to link up with Japanese forces in Hong Kong. The Imperial Japanese Air Force bombs Xian and Wuhan. The 1st and 2nd army's besiege Shijiazhuang. In an effort to end the war, General Wu Jintao sends a message to Tokyo:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">“If the Imperialist crusaders in Tokyo were to abandon their unbelief and join with us and turn their swords against the enemies of Communism, it would be accepted of them and they would be our brothers and sisters in Socialism.”

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">His message is ignored by Prime Minister Prince Konoe. The 10th army is defeated at Guangzhou and is forced to retreat to Zhanjiang while the PLAR army retreats from Shijiazhuang and shelters in Taiyuan. The 1st and 2nd Japanese army's pursue them. PLAR saboteurs infiltrate a Japanese air base in Qiqilhar and ignite a large number of explosives. Nine bombers, six fighters and a supply transports are destroyed in the explosion along with the main hanger, most of the bases fuel supply, and part of the barracks. Nineteen people are killed. All but two of the eleven saboteurs are killed or captured. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1942, December 31- 1943, January 3rd: Japanese troops secure complete control over Hong Kong, flushing out almost all of the PLAR soldiers and their sympathisers. In the East China Sea, the Japanese tanker Hiei Soryu hits a mine and sinks. Only seventeen crew members survive. The Japanese army in Zhanjiang retreats to Haiphong to avoid having their supply lines cut off by the PLAR. They are forced to leave most of their artillery and vehicles behind but unbeknownst to the PLAR, this is all part of the Japanese plan as the vehicles and artillery are all booby-trapped. Japanese troops launch a series of raids against PLAR forces in Chengdu and Kunming. They are successful, forcing the PLAR to abandon Chengdu and Kunming, which are then occupied by the Japanese military. The PLAR army in Taiyuan is smashed by a heavy Japanese attack. The survivors try to flee across the Huang River but are gunned down by a Japanese patrol boat. Another Japanese freighter, the Nagoya sinks after hitting a mine in the East China Sea. The Imperial Japanese Navy begins to investigate how PLAR got mines so far out to sea. The survivors of the PLAR army routed at Taiyun regroup at Xian.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, January 3-8th: The Japanese army attempts to cross the yellow river at Zibo, but is driven back with heavy losses. A long stalemate ensures, with only skirmishes and raids going on. In their first major offensive in nearly four months, a PLAR army invades Vietnam. The Vietnamese government demands that the PLAR forces withdraw or else a state of war will exist between Vietnam and the PLAR. They do not withdraw so the Vietnamese government declares war on the PLAR and asks for Japanese help in eradicating the “PLAR vermin who infest our country”. The PLAR army that invaded Vietnam reaches and begins attacking Haiphong. A Japanese scout plane spots the Chinese freighter Yin Shan laying mines in the East China Sea. The Japanese frigate Kimi-Yo is sent to capture it. However, when the Kimi-Yo arrived, the Chinese freighter opened fire with a battery of captured Japanese artillery pieces. After a short but vicious gun battle the Kimi-Yo is sunk. The Yin Shan though heavily damaged and with the loss of all but five of her crew, managed to limp back to port. The Japanese Army launches another attack across the Yellow River after being re-inforced by elite troops. During this battle the Japanese Air Force tests the Akihito-17, a prototype helicopter gunship. The helicopter is a great success and the Japanese army captures Jinan and Zibo, none of the PLAR forces defending the two cities survive. The Japanese Army continues its advance and attacks Qingdao. The city falls after six hours of heavy fighting.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm"> 1943, January 9-14th: Haiphong falls to the PLAR army. The remains of the Japanese 10th army retreat to Hanoi. An attack is launched at Zhengzhou. The PLAR army defending it is forced to retreat to Xian and the city falls to the Japanese. General Wu Jintao desperately begins shifting troops northward to deal with the Japanese. A Japanese thrust out of Hong Kong is driven back by the PLAR but not before the Japanese do heavy damage to the PLAR. Nanjing comes under heavy Japanese assault. With the help of heavy air cover, Japanese armored columns penetrate deep into the city while PLAR troops begin to encircle Hanoi. Nanjing is cleared of PLAR resistance. Though Japanese losses have been massive, they now have a toehold on the south side of the Chang River. A Japanese attempt to take Wuhan is repulsed. A massive Japanese attack is launched into Shanghai, the self-declared capital of the Peoples Republic of China. As battleships bombard the docks and bombers level the inner city districts, hundreds of thousands of Japanese troops engage in a fierce battle with the PLAR in the outskirts of the city. The PLAR army is driven into the city center after a series of relentless Japanese attacks. General Wu Jintao flees the city along with the rest of the government. The Japanese army completely surrounds Shanghai. While leaving enough troops to contain what’s left of the PLAR army in Shanghai, the rest of the Japanese army moves into position to attack Hangzhou. Hanoi surrenders to the PLAR. Japan launches Operation Michiko. Thousands of Japanese paratroopers capture Nanning and the surrounding area. This poses a major threat to the PLAR's rear areas. Japanese troops in Nanning began to spread out in order to cut off the PLAR army in Hanoi from the rest of China.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, January 15-20th: PLAR troops rapidly disengage from fighting south of Hanoi and began to retreat, hoping to get out before they are cut off. PLAR sympathizers in the Manchurian cities of Baicheng and Harbin rise up and seize control of the cities. The Japanese army surrounds Hangzhou and begins to probe its defenses. However, any major attacks have to be put on hold due to the troops being sent to Manchuria to deal with the crisis. The Japanese army completes the encirclement of the PLAR army in Vietnam. After making a bloody and useless attack upon Japanese positions the PLAR army is forced to fall back into a nearby forest. Japanese troops begin the re-conquest of Baicheng. Unfortunately, progress is slow due to PLAR resistance and landmines scattered throughout the area. Baicheng surrenders and is brought under Japanese control while the Japanese army turns its attention to Harbin. Imperial Japanese armored columns drive deep into Harbin, overrunning the city and exterminating the rebels; Harbin is now under Japanese control. Hangzhou surrenders after a series of bombing raids that left most of the city alight. A Japanese supply convoy is ambushed near Nanjing. A dozen trucks are destroyed along with most of its escort. After heavy fighting, the PLAR army in Vietnam surrenders to the Japanese Army. The Japanese army launches simultaneous attacks on Xian, Wuhan and Chongqing. Wuhan and Chongqing are captured by the Japanese though Xian repeals the attack. With this masterstroke, PLAR control over eastern and southern China is fragmented. A number of major city's are still under their control but Japanese troops rapidly take back much of the surrounding countryside. Xian is cleared of PLAR resistance. Operations began against a number of PLAR pockets still holding out.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, 'January 20-25th: Many of the PLAR holdouts in eastern and southern China are brought back under Japanese control through a combination of starvation tactics and brute force. The major exceptions to this are a force of 2,500 to 3,000 PLAR troops holding out in the hills south of Guiyang and a group of about 500 soldiers in Gejiu. A last ditch effort is launched by the PLAR in an attempt to retake Xian. The offense fails when superior Japanese armor and air support cut off and destroy the army miles away from its objective. A force of 10,000 Japanese soldiers lays siege to the Guiyang holdout. Japanese torpedo bombers spot the Yin Shan and two other make-shift warships of the PLARN (Peoples Liberation Army Resistance, Naval). All three are sunk by the bombers, though an anti-aircraft gun downs one and damages three more. Japanese troops storm and capture Gejiu; the PLAR force in the city is crushed. PLAR soldiers trap and obliterate the vanguard of a Japanese column pushing west. 100 Japanese infantry are killed and five armored cars are destroyed. The Japanese Army attacks Guiyang, but is repulsed, mainly through the use of large numbers of land mines. However, all is not lost as the PLAR take heavy casualties. Fast moving PLAR raiders destroy a supply convoy on its way to the Japanese Army in the west. With the loss of its supplies, it is forced to halt its advance temporarily. Japanese troops launch another assault on Guiyang. This time they manage to drive the PLAR out of their outlying fortifications and into their central fortress.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, January 26-30th: The few remaining PLAR manage to break out of Guiyang and scatter into the countryside. The soldiers combing the countryside for the PLAR survivors are called off that duty after High Command decides that the few remaining survivors who have remained uncaptured aren't worth the effort. The PLAR troops are ordered to retreat. The Peoples Republic of China pulls back its borders to include just the province of Qinghai along with northern Gansu. Though no official treaties are signed, fighting begins to die down now. The Peoples Republic of China is concentrating on building a real country inside the territory they have and so content themselves with instigating revolt in Japanese occupied China. The Japanese Empire is worried about another conflict with the Soviet Union, who has threatened war if the present boundaries of the Peoples Republic of China are violated. Japan also has a lot of rebuilding too. Because of this, though neither country officially recognizes each other and though a lot of border skirmishing goes on, the Second Chinese Civil War is effectively over.

Peace Time
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, February 1st: England finally recognizes the existence of the National Republic of India (including Pakistan), and its government, the Council of State Guardianship and Peace, lead by Rajendra Singh. An immediate evacuation of English troops and government officials begins. Prime Minister Prince Konoe holds an emergency meeting of the Diet to oversee the beginning of the long process of rebuilding the cities and infrastructure of China that was damaged during the war. Many in his cabinet want to rebuild their military forces and go after the rest of China and then go after the Soviet Union for their support of the PLAR. Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses, saying that they need to concentrate on rebuilding “The cities and infrastructure of China that was damaged during the war”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, February 4th: Joseph Stalin dies. His successor is Georgy Malenkov. His first act as Marshall of the Soviet Union is to announce a day of mourning for Stalin. In an official statement, Malenkov says “Party members, military men and the public should faithfully follow the leadership of Comrade Joseph Stalin and protect and further strengthen the unified front of the party, military and the public”. He also calls for an international day of mourning and urges “All world leaders, regardless of their political views, to show respect for Comrade Marshall Stalin”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, February 5th: The Japanese Nuclear Program achieves its first nuclear reaction. Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that Japan is one step closer to developing an atomic weapon. Malenkov is angry as he believes that Japan released this information one day after Stalin died. He urges Japan to “Show proper respect for Comrade Marshall Stalin”. He issues a personal invitation to Prime Minister Prince Konoe to “Come to Moscow and show proper respect for Comrade Marshall Stalin”. Konoe declines the invitation, saying that it would be inappropriate for him to attend the funeral given the current relations between Russia and Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, February 9th: Japanese relations with Australia take a turn for the worse when the HMAS Canberra intercepts the IJN Musashi as it enters the waters around New Zealand. The HMS Canberra insists the Musashi violated Australian waters and that they need to explain why. The Captain of the Musashi ignores the Canberra and takes his ship into New Zealand’s waters, almost ramming the HMAS Canberra. Upon hearing about this, the Australian ambassador to Japan lodges a formal protest Prime Minister Prince Konoe; who replies that the IJN Musashi did NOT violate Australian waters and even if it did, trying to block it was a bad idea. He says the Captain of the HMAS Canberra should have spoken to the captain of the IJN Musashi instead of trying to block his path. The Australian ambassador leaves in an angry mood when Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses to take any action against the captain of the IJN Musashi.

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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">1943, February 12th: As part of their program to indoctrinate native peoples in the Japanese culture, the Institute for Greater Japanese Study is opened in Yangon by the Japanese Government. An Institute for Greater Japanese Study is opened in Hawaii and California.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 16th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe reveals that at the end of the war with Nazi Germany, as Japanese forces closed in on Berlin, Nazi scientists surrendered to Japan in exchange for safety from the Russians. He reveals that Werner Von Braun, the Nazi rocket scientist and his team of engineers were amongst those that surrendered to the Japanese. He says that Werner Von Braun and his team of engineers surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army just outside of Berlin and were taken back to Tokyo where they were debriefed and interrogated. It is also revealed that Von Braun and his team of engineers offered to work for the Empire of Japan in return for sanctuary. As proof of their sincerity, he showed the Japanese Army concept designs for a new weapon he called the ‘V-1 rocket’. Seeing the potential, the Japanese Army accepted and Von Braun and his team of engineers were granted sanctuary. Prime Minister Prince Konoe says that Von Braun and his team of engineers have been working on the inaugural Japanese space program. It is also revealed that when other German scientists and engineers heard about Von Braun and his team of engineers being given sanctuary by Japan, more and more fled west and surrendered to the Japanese. Prime Minister Prince Konoe reveals that over 635 top scientists, engineers, doctors, mathematicians, mechanics and PhD's were given sanctuary in Japan under the code-name “Operation Advancement”. This news angers the international community, especially those nations that fought in the war alongside Japan, especially the Soviet Union, the United States and the UK. The nations that made up the Allies demand access to the German scientists in Japan, but Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses, saying they now work for the Empire of Japan and that letting other nations, particularly hostile ones like Russia have access to them it would undermine the security of the Empire.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 17th: The Soviet Union, the United States and the UK all announce the creation of their own Space Programs in an attempt to rival the Japanese space program. But with the advantage Japan has in the German scientists it took in, the Soviet Union, the United States and the UK all know that Japan has a massive lead in, what one political commentator in the UK calls “The Space Race”. Although none of them say it publicly, the Soviet Union, the United States and the UK all believe that Prime Minister Prince Konoe revealed that Japan had given Nazi scientists sanctuary as a precursor to a major announcement that they believe is due to be released soon.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 20th: At 8:21AM, a prototype rocket is launched from the Oahu Launch Center in Hawaii. The rocket achieves orbit and stays there for eight hours before crashing down in a ricefield in Korea. It is quickly retrieved by the Japanese military and taken back to the research center on Shikotan Island. This worries the Soviet Union, the United States and the UK as they know that Japan is ahead of them in the “Space Race” and that this launch could signal a new development.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 21st: The belief that the Soviet Union, the United States and the UK had that Prime Minister Prince Konoe revealed that Japan had given Nazi scientists sanctuary as a precursor to a major announcement that they believe is due to be released soon comes to pass, much sooner than any of them had expected. Prime Minister Prince Konoe makes a public statement:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">''In the field of scientific research, the Empire of Japan has successfully conducted the next great technological leap forward with the launch into orbit of the Himitsu-75 satellite. It was launched from the Oahu Launch Center in Hawaii at 8:21AM, on July 20th 1943. This comes at a time when the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great, prosperous, powerful Empire. The launch was conducted with wisdom and technology that is 100 percent safe. It marks an historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the Emperor and his people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant space program. The Himitsu-75 will broadcast patriotic songs for those all over our Empire to hear and on a clear night, it can be seen crossing the night sky. This launch will contribute to the ever expanding imperial space program and will ensure our Empire remains at the forefront of technological development''

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The announcement that the Empire of Japan has put a satellite into orbit makes the other nations involved in the Space Race very nervous.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 23rd: In another announcement, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that Japan has developed the world’s first jet engine. He announces that the Imperial Air Force has developed the J9Y Kikka, a jet-fighter capable of great range and speed. It is revealed that the J9Y Kikka was based on designs for the German Messerschmitt Me-262 fighter, a designed jet-fighter that the Nazis never had a chance to put into production. This announcement is not taken well by the Soviet Union, the United States and the UK, who feel that Japan should share access to the German scientists they took during the war. Japan refuses, saying the scientists are under Japanese protection and they will not share access with them.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 26th: The Japanese Government announces the creation of Japanese Airlines. This state-owned corporation will construct airports in Yokohama, Sapporo, Kitakyushu, Fuzan (Korea), Manila (Philippines), and Bangkok (Siam). Japanese Airlines will have exclusive control of these airports for the time being. The Imperial Air Force begins developing a version of the J9Y Kikka engine for civilian use.

A Korean Nuisance
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 27th: In Korea, a bomb explodes, devastating the office of the Governor General, killing Governor Koiso Kuniaki. A Korean terrorist group called the Korean People’s Liberation Army, takes credit for the bombing. Their leader, Kim Sung-Park makes a statement:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The Korean People’s Liberation Army will fight until every last Japanese occupier and their collaborators are wiped out and our country is united under the glorious banner of socialism.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">The Kempeitai, having been on the trail of the KPLA for several months, is able to round up a half dozen KPLA members, who are then interrogated. Once they have been interrogated and revealed any useful information, they are sentenced to be used by Unit 731.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, July 28-31st: Just one day after their bombing, Kim Sung-Park and the rest of the KPLA are captured on the outskirts of the small town of Pyongyang. They are tried and found guilty of acts of treason against the Empire of Japan. Kim Sung-Park is executed in Seoul while the rest of the KPLA are sentenced to be used by Unit 731.

A Return To Peace
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 5th: The inaugural Japanese Airlines flight takes place. It is a short-haul flight from Tokyo Airport to Seoul in Korea. The flight is sold out and more flights are planned for the following day when the rest of the JAL routes are to be revealed.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 6th: The Kempetai captures three Russian agents as they try to enter Japan on forged Polish passports. The Russian agents stick too their cover-story of being Polish tourists but the Kempetai do not believe them. Since the only crime they committed was entering on forged passports, said passports are destroyed and the three agents are deported back to the Soviet Union.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 7-9th: The Soviet Union attempts to launch a satellite of its own called Sputnik-1. The launch fails and the prototype rocket explodes on the launch platform, killing 124 Soviet technicians and rocket engineers. Marshall Malenkov blames the accident on “Japanese refusal to share vital technological advancements with the peace-loving people of the Soviet Union”. Prime Minister Prince Konoe says that “The Soviet Union is anything but peace-loving. They have declared war on us twice and supplied our enemies and rebels with arms and funds; that is not what a peace-loving people would do, that is what an antagonizing goading hostile power would do when trying to provoke a response”. He also reiterates the Empire's refusal to allow foreign access to the German scientists it took in at the end of the war. Yet another refusal angers the Soviet Union, with Marshall Malenkov vowing “To make Imperial Japan pay for not sharing its technology with the Soviet Union”.

Churchill's Downfall
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 12th: The Soviet Union and the UK sign a secret co-operation pact to develop space technology together. Though the UK is working with the Soviet Union, it remains opposed to Communism and refuses to entertain the idea of becoming part of the Communist Bloc. An American spy in London leaks this information to Washington, who goes public with the information. Prime Minister Winston Churchill acknowledges that the UK did indeed sign a secret co-operation pact to develop space technology with the Soviet Union and releases a full statement explaining why:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">''We undertook this pact with Russia in order so that the British Empire could develop space technology of its own. The pact with Russia was signed in part due to the Japanese admission that they have German scientists working for them on their space program and Tokyo's steadfast refusal to share access to them or to share the basic information on the space technology they have developed so far. When the pact was signed with Russia, it was mandated to cover and support all the activities in the British Empire and the Soviet Union concerning the peaceful applications of space science and technology. Not only do we need more this pact with Russia, Russia also needs this pact. In this world today, to avoid being bullied, we cannot be without it. The signing of this pact and carrying out joint space research programs with Russia is not aimed at antagonizing any one nation per se, but instead at enabling our two countries to develop space technology aimed at equaling our position with Japan in the Space Race. This co-operation act also allows us to develop our own atomic weaponry by sharing information with the Soviet Union; we will level the playing field between the various nations. Contrary to popular belief, we do not want confrontation; we want to engage in dialogue. However, we want a dialogue that acknowledges the equality of both parties’ interests. We seek peaceful relations with other nations; we do not seek to destabilize any part of the world. Rather than hoard the technology they develop, it would be better for the Empire of Japan to share the technology they develop and the German scientists they have working for them.''

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 13th: The day after his speech, there is a massive protest in London about the UK working with the Soviet Union. Thousands of people march on Downing Street, demanding that Churchill resign. He refuses to resign but says that a general election will be held so that the people can decide if he should stay or go.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 20th: One week after the march on London, a General Election is called. Churchill says he will respect what the people of England want and he will stay if they want him to and he will leave if they want him to. The turn-out is the highest voter turnout since before the war. After the polls are closed and the votes counted; the results are in. Winston Churchill has been voted out of office in a landslide result. The new Prime Minister is Alex Bonneville who, after returning from Buckingham Palace, the first thing he does is tear up the UK-Soviet pact, saying “The people of England will never work with Communist countries, now or EVER”. The Soviet ambassador to the UK says “It is a great shame that the people of England no longer want to co-operate with the peace-loving peoples of the Soviet Union”

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 21-23rd: Prime Minister Bonneville announces that the UK is establishing friendly relations with the Empire of Japan and West Germany, much to the chagrin of the Soviet Union, whose ambassador to London lodges a protest with Downing Street, saying that "Given the tensions between the two Germanys, Downing Street should have given the Soviet Union a notification of their intention to establish friendly relations with Bonn and Tokyo".

Peace Returns
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, August 25th: There are tensions in West Germany as Bonn accuses the East Germans of trying to provoke a conflict by sending troops and military vehicles across their border. West German Chancellor Gerhardt says that “Repeated East German violations of our sovereignty will not be allowed to continue and steps will be taken to prevent any more from happening”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, September 1st: Tensions between West and East Germany nearly erupt into open conflict when West German engineers and builders begin construction of the ‘German Wall’; a massive wall that runs along the West German border with East Germany. Marshall Malenkov denounces the construction of the ‘German Wall’ as “A sign that the capitalists in Bonn and their capitalist allies do not wish peaceful relations with East Germany and the USSR”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, September 7th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe arrives in Hawaii to see how the rebuilding of Pearl Harbor is progressing. He is also there to oversee the launch into orbit of Sentai-75, the second Japanese satellite. The launch of Sentai-75 goes off without a hitch.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, September 11th: In Washington DC, there are protests against Konoe’s visit to Hawaii. President Tracker says their protests are useless as Hawaii is now part of the Empire of Japan and the US Instrument of Surrender signed Hawaii over to Japan. The protestors insist that President Tracker take a hard-line not only against Japan, but the California, demanding that he take hard-line stance against the former-state and use force to bring it back into the Union.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, September 19th: The Governor-General of California, Takeshi Miazaki invites Prime Minister Prince Konoe to California to see how the rebuilding of San Diego is going; Konoe accepts and will visit California after his trip to Hawaii is over.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, September 20-23rd: Prime Minister Prince Konoe arrives in California for his 3-day visit to the only Imperial Japanese protectorate in North America. Governor-General Miazaki greets Konoe at the airport where he is taken to the State Capitol to see how California is faring under Japanese protection. On his first full day in California, Prime Minister Prince Konoe is taken to San Diego to see how the rebuilding of San Diego is going. Governor-General Miazaki shows him around the San Diego Naval Base where he is shown the hull of the new Californian Defence Ship 'Tojo', which is named after the late, great General Tojo, Konoe's predecessor as Prime Minister.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">On his second full day in California, Prime Minister Prince Konoe is taken to a baseball game where he sees the California Samurai’s beat the Dodgers by 123. He is then given a tour of Toho Studios US (OTL MGM) where he watches a scene from the upcoming Hollywood feature-film “From Here to Eternity” starring the Hollywood actor Burt Lancaster. He tries his hand at directing and directs the scene when the IJN Yamato docks in Hawaii.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">On his third and final day, Prime Minister Prince Konoe tours the city of Los Angeles, meeting business and civic leaders. He received a warm welcome from the City of Angels! He greeted enthusiastic crowds in Yamamoto Park (formerly MacArthur Park) and took in the view from the top of L.A City Hall. Later, he paid a call to Santa Monica Pier, where he was given the keys to the city. The whirlwind tour was capped off by a four-hour speech to city leaders, where the Prime Minister outlined his vision for a prosperous alliance between the Empire of Japan and California. He vowed to root out the parasitic Anti-Japanese elements that have crippled the Californian economy since the mid 1880s and to liberate the masses from the grip of American subjugation. He finishes his speech with the now-famous “Bold Future” quote: “Together, we will put Californians back to work and make California great once again. Side by side with the Empire of Japan, California marches proudly toward a bold future”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 1st: British Prime Minister Bonneville is informed that Russian submarines have been seen in the Irish Sea and in the English Channel. While this makes him nervous, there is nothing he can do as the Russian submarines stayed in international waters, and although they skirted the edge of British and Irish waters, they did not breach them.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 6th: As Captain Sasuke Nagano, Captain of the IJN Yamato and his wife, Cassie Nagano are celebrating the birth of their son Makoto, the IJN Yamato is shadowed by a Russian submarine as it heads to Hawaii. The Russian submarine follows the Yamato but does not take any hostile action. After three hours, the Russian submarine leaves the area.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 7th: Recognizing the propaganda potential of Sasuke and Cassie Nagano’s newborn baby son, Prime Minister Prince Konoe, after consulting with His Most Imperial Majesty Emperor Hirohito, who gives the plan his Imperial Seal of Approval, invites Sasuke and Cassie Nagano to bring their newborn baby son to Tokyo, where he will be blessed in a traditional Shinto ceremony at the Yasakuni Shrine and receive a personal blessing from the Emperor himself. Sasuke and Cassie Nagano naturally agree and arrangements are made to bring them to Tokyo.

Red Rising USA
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 12th: Anthony Summers, chairman of the Communist Party of America, holds a protest rally on the California-Arizona border, protesting against the Imperial Japanese presence in North America. Unlike in Japan, Communism is still legal in the United States. As well as protesting the Imperial Japanese presence in North America, Anthony Summers protests against President Matthew Tracker and his policies of appeasement toward Japan:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">''No doubt the Japs aren't a lovable people; I don't care about them myself and I do not think that there is any loyal American who does care about them. In the war we fought against them, which was a morally right and just war, they stole territory from us and forced us into the shame and humiliation of signing the surrender then tried our leaders for prosecuting the war. The capitalists that lost us the war were ‘dealt with’ by the Japs, but things have not gotten any better for our country. Instead of a fresh start, we have the same capitalists at the helm of this great nation; and they are steering her toward disaster. It is time for the workers of this country to rise up and it’s time to wake up, Comrades! The old capitalist ways have struck a mortal blow, but it is not too late for us to save our country. We must rise up against the powers that be, freeing hundreds of illegally imprisoned patriots and sending a fiery message of defiance to those who've stolen our country; we want our country back and we will do what ever it takes to get it.''

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">His rally has some success as a slow and steady flow people begin joining or supporting the Communist Party of America, though they all Communist sympanthisers or dissected Socialists.

A Very Chinese Defection
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 19th: Chinese General Chang Kai-Shek defects to the Empire of Japan, bringing with him a detachment of loyal officers and soldiers plus some troubling news; the Communist Party of America is receiving funding and support from Taiyuan and Moscow. He says they are doing this to facilitate a Communist revolution in the United States. He tells the Kempeitai that debrief him that although the Communist Party of America is receiving funding and support from Taiyuan and Moscow, they are still a long way off from achieving their goal of facilitating a Communist revolution in the United States. He says that Taiyuan and Moscow are planning an 'event' of some kind, one that will bring about the beginnings of an American Communist revolution. The Kempeitai tell him that while they verify this, along with his men, he will have to remain under their 'protection'. He agrees as does his men. Upon hearing about the defection, the Chinese ambassador to Japan demands that General Kai-Shek and the soldiers and officers that defected with him are returned to China as they are considered traitors. Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses, saying that "General Chang Kai-Shek and the detachment of loyal officers and soldiers are under our protection and will not be returned to China". This angers Taiyuan, but there is little they can do about it. The Chinese ambassador to Tokyo lodges a formal protest with Prime Minister Prince Konoe over the defection but the protest is quietly ignored.

An Imperial Christening
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 21st: Admiral Yamamoto announces his decision to retire due to his age. He is succeeded as head of the Imperial Japanese Navy by the Captain of the IJN Yamato, Sasuke Nagano. The appointment of Sasuke Nagano allows him to be brought to Tokyo sooner than planned. Prime Minister Prince Konoe arranges for the IJN Yamato to stop at Pearl Harbor and pick up Admiral Sasuke Nagano, his wife Cassie and their baby boy Makoto. The IJN Yamato stops in Pearl Harbor where it picks up Admiral Sasuke Nagano, his wife Cassie and their baby boy Makoto.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 24th: The IJN Yamato arrives in Tokyo Harbor. Admiral Sasuke Nagano, his wife Cassie and their baby boy Makoto are met at the dock by Prime Minister Prince Konoe, who takes them directly to the Imperial Palace. When they arrive at the Imperial Palace, they are greeted by Shingo Yamamoto, Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Office and son of the now retired Admiral Yamamoto. While Prime Minister Prince Konoe leaves to speak to the Emperor, Grand Steward Yamamoto escorts Admiral Nagano and his wife and child to a lavish waiting room which has been prepared for them. The attendants help them get ready for their audience with the Emperor by helping them get into traditional clothing that is required when being given a personal audience with the Emperor. Prime Minister Prince Konoe returns once they are ready and escorts them to the Meiji Throne Room. They bow deeply on entering the throne room, showing the proper respect for Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako. Prime Minister Prince Konoe presents them to the Emperor and Empress, informing them that Captain Nagano has just been promoted to Admiral and is the new head of the Imperial Navy. Emperor Hirohito approaches Admiral Nagano and formally conveys upon him the position of head of the Imperial Navy. Emperor Hirohito then turns to Cassie Nagano and asks to see their child. She presents to him the infant Makoto. To the sleeping baby's pajamas, the Emperor affixes the Imperial Seal and tells Cassie that her baby will have the best education the Empire can provide so that when he comes of age, he can enter the navy and become Captain of the IJN Yamato, like his father. The audience is interrupted when an aide rushes in and informs them that Shikotan Island has been attacked and invaded by the Russians.

The Short-lived Soviet Invasion
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 25th: Admiral Nagano orders the Yamato and the Musashi to head to Shikotan Island to force the Russian forces to surrender. The Russian ambassador to Tokyo says the Russian forces invaded the island because “The Soviet Union claims them as their own”. The Russian ambassador is told that the Northern Territories are “An integral part of Japan” and that no negotiations will take place over their status. The Russian ambassador is also told that they will not give the Russians on Shikotan the chance to surrender as they are to be treated as invaders of Japanese territory. The IJN Yamato and the IJN Musashi arrive at Shikotan Island where they begin bombarding the Russian positions, decimating them within 45 minutes. The Soviet survivors, overwhelmed by the coastal bombardment, broadcast their surrender, which is ignored by Admiral Nagano. The Yamato and Musashi continue their bombardment until the Soviet troops are wiped out. Marshall Malenkov denounces the Japanese refusal to accept the surrender of the Soviet forces as “Wholesale slaughter of Soviet forces that were offering to surrender”. He recalls the Russian ambassador to Japan and expels the Japanese ambassador. Prime Minister Prince Konoe congratulates Admiral Nagano on his “Speedy and efficient dispatching of the invading Russian forces”. Admiral Nagano and his wife are informed that the blessing of their son at Yasakuni will take place on November 10th. It will be conducted by the High Priest of the Yasakuni Shrine with Emperor Hirohito in attendance.

The Reds, they are rising
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 27th: Kempeitai agents operating in the United States report back to Tokyo that they have found evidence that supports General Chang Kai-Shek's claims that the Communist Party of America is receiving funding and support from Taiyuan and Moscow. They report that while the CPUSA is receiving funding and support from Taiyuan and Moscow, they are indeed far from being able to instigate a full-blown Communist revolution in America. They also report that there are Communist activities going on in California as well as Oregon and Washington State, though these are not as successful. Prime Minister Prince Konoe sends this information to Governor-General Miazaki in Sacramento with orders to enact Anti-Communist pogroms and laws as has been done in the rest of the Empire. The rise of Communism is of concern to the Empire as it can be used to foster Anti-Japanese sentiment.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, October 31st: there is a CPSU organised protest in Seattle, Washington. The Communist protestors, all of who the CPSU had brought in from other states, protest outside the state capitol. The protestors demand a change in the state law that would forbid business from donating to political campaigns, they also demand that the state take direct control of big businesses and nationalise the transport network. When Governor Winters refuses, the protestors begin a small-scale protest outside several banks, this soon degenerates into a full-scale riot when the National Guard shows up and begin arresting the protestors. The National Guard are forced to open fire on them, killing 71 and injuring 113. The remaining protestors are either arrested or taken out of the state by the CPUSA. When he hears of this, CPUSA chairman Anthony Summers denounces the killings and arrests as “Proof the United States is in the grip of the capitalists who led this country to war and who now appease the nation that stole part of our great nation”. The killings and arrests of the protestors have the desired effect of bringing more and more people to the CPUSA. Governor Winters holds a top-secret call with the Governor of Oregon Arthur Coleman in an attempt to co-ordinate their efforts to combat the Communist protestors.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, November 1-3rd: There are a series of co-ordinated protests and acts of vandalism directed against banks and business in the states of Washington and Oregon, as well as Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. The CPUSA claims that the protests are led by the citizens in those states who are “Tired of living under the yoke of capitalism and yearn to live under the glorious umbrella of Communism”. The protests have success in Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona, where the governors of those states agree to some of the protestors' demands, but they do not have any success are all in Washington and Oregon, whose Governors and citizens remain firmly opposed to Communism. CPUSA chairman Anthony Summers suggests that Governor Winters and Governor Coleman meet with him “To discuss a way we can end the protests in a peaceful way to end the protests and come to a mutually acceptable deal”. Naturally, Governors Winters and Coleman refuse, issuing a joint statement saying “We will not meet, discuss nor listen to anyone who thinks they can change government policies by violent protests and riots. Communism is the tool of the devil and the States of Washington and Oregon will NEVER succumb to the Red Menace”. Chairman Summers denounces their refusal to meet with him as “Proof that the capitalists in DC do not want to even TRY to negotiate with us”. He uses this as part of the CPUSA propaganda drive against President Tracker. He calls for more people to “Join our cause, join the Workers Revolution and bring about the end of the Capitalist regime that has brought this country to its knees”.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, November 5th: British Prime Minister Alex Bonneville informs President Tracker that there are Communist-backed protests in England and that he suspects that the CPUSA are finding them. While Prime Minister Bonneville says the US can't outlaw Communism because of the Constitution citing Free Speech, he says the UK can ban Communism, which it does. There are protests in Manchester, Leeds and Wakefield as the ban takes effect, but those protesting against the ban are Communists and most are arrested with a few fleeing the country. Marshall Malenkov denounces the English ban of Communism as “Proof that the West is Anti-Communist and does not want peaceful relations with the Soviet Union”.

An Imperial Christening: Round II
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, November 10th: Admiral Nagano and his wife Cassie take their baby boy Makoto to the Yasakuni Shrine for the Shinto blessing. When they arrive at Yasakuni, they are greeted by Prime Minister Prince Konoe who leads them into the Haiden, the hall of worship or oratory where the Emperor is waiting. The exact nature and content of the ceremony is highly secret, though it is rumoured that the High Priest of Yasakuni blessed baby Makoto and that the Emperor gave the infant child his personal blessing and Imperial Seal. After the Shinto blessing, Admiral Nagano and his wife Cassie are invited back to the Imperial Palace where they have tea with the Emperor and baby Makoto is looked after by the Imperial nanny and is allowed to interact with the infant members of the Imperial Family. Admiral Nagano and Cassie are invited to spend the night at the Imperial Palace.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, November 11th: Before they leave the Imperial Palace, Admiral Nagano and Cassie are informed of a secret regarding baby Makoto's future. They are sworn to secrecy regarding the secret, which was told to them by Emperor Hiorohito himself.

The continued rise of the Reds
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, November 18th: The destroyer IJN Konipara Maru is shadowed by a Soviet submarine as it pays a good will visit to Seattle, Washington. The Soviet submarine shadows the IJN Konipara Maru as far as the US border then turns back.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, November 23rd: At Pearl Harbor, the IJN Fuso encounters the same Russian submarine that shadowed the IJN Konipara Maru on its good will visit to Seattle, Washington. This time, the Russian submarine is inside Japanese waters and the IJN Fuso drops depths charges, forcing the Russian submarine to surface, where the crew is arrested for violating Japanese waters. When Marshall Malenkov hears of this, he demands the immediate release of the submarine and its crew. Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses to release the submarine and its crew, saying that it violated Japanese waters. Malenkov once again demands their release, hinting at “Strong action will be taken” if the submarine and its crew are not released at once with an official apology from Tokyo for the “Illegal seizure of Soviet property and the illegal detention of Soviet sailors”. When Prime Minister Konoe refuses to order their release; Marshall Malenkov vows “Swift justice against the Japanese aggressors”. The British ship, the HMAS Prince of Wales releases radio and tracking information which proves the Russian submarine was in Japanese waters. This is backed up by the West German ship, the GDR Leipzig. Faced with two different nations presenting contradictory evidence, Marshall Malenkov blasts this as “Capitalist propaganda designed to aid the Imperial Japanese and their justification for the detention of our submarine and its crew”. Knowing the submarine was indeed in Japanese waters, Malenkov demands their immediate release, but quietly drops the thinly veiled threats toward Japan.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, November 30th: The Kempeitai report that elite Russian troops are being pulled off their regular patrols within the USSR and are being relocated. They believe that this is the start of a Russian military build-up for possible military action. This is not the case as the Russian troops are being gathered to parade and provide security at the Moscow Cosmodrome where Marshall Malenkov announces that Russia is about to become “The next nation to achieve a milestone in the Space Race”. The whole world watches as the Russians launch Sputnik-1 into orbit. This makes Russia only the second nation after Japan to launch a satellite into orbit. He says this even levels the playing field between Russia and Japan and that soon Japan will not be the leader of the Space Race. But all is not well at the Soviet Space Programme as many in the military believe that the mounting cost of the Russian space programme makes it prohibitively expensive. Malenkov ignores them, saying “Russia can not and will not step out of the Space Race. We must continue and persevere and show the world that the Imperialist dogs in Tokyo that Communism is the future, not just for Russia, but for the whole world”. Sputnik-1 orbits Earth for 19 hours before falling back down and burning up over Denmark.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, December 1st: A series of disturbing rumors begin emerging from South America, they concern possible sightings of Adolf Hitler. During the final days of the war, as Japanese troops closed in on Berlin, there were rumours that the body of Hitler that was found was that of a double and that Hitler escaped to South America. While these rumors are publicly derided as falsehoods and miss-sightings by Tokyo, Washington and London, Marshall Malenkov secretly believes them. He orders SMERSH to investigate all credible sightings of Hitler and if the former German dictator did indeed survive, they have orders to bring him back to Moscow alive.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, December 5th: A small passenger ferry, the Tsushima Maru sinks 23 miles off the coast of Formosa. It was carrying 29 school children back to Okinawa after a school-trip to Formosa. The sinking of the Tsushima Maru is a mystery as the ship sank so quickly, it did not have time to send out a distress call. There are no survivors from the Tsushima Maru and very little wreckage. Blame is immediately placed on Communists, which allows Tokyo to increase the Anti-Communist pogroms and arrest anyone suspected of either being a Communist or aiding them in any way.

Out with the League, in with the United
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">1943, December 9-16th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe visits Washington DC along with Prime Minister Bonneville, Governor-General Miyazaki, President Peytan and West German Chancellor Gerhardt. The meeting of the world leaders is intended to discuss formation of a new organisation after the League of Nations disbanded due to its inability to prevent the Second World War. Marshall Malenkov protests the fact he was not invited to the meeting, taking it as a great insult. “The fact that the Soviet Union, one of the victor nations in the recent war with Nazi Germany, and a world power, has not been invited to this meeting in Washington is a great insult that will not go unanswered”. For the sake of maintaining a semblance of peace, Marshall Malenkov is invited. When he arrives the following day, the meeting decides that a new organisation is needed, but there is some slight dissent as to where the new organisation should be based. President Tracker suggests New York, Prime Minister Bonneville suggests Wakefield, President Peytan suggests Dieppe, Governor-General Miyazaki suggests Modesto, Marshall Malenkov suggests Moscow and Prime Minister Prince Konoe suggests Shikotan. The idea of Moscow as the host city for the new organisation is turned down instantly, leading Marshall Malenkov to accuse the other nations of “Never giving our suggestion of Moscow as the new home of the new international organisation any serious consideration”. President Tracker points out that all the nations must reach consensus on the host city of the new international organisation and to prove that the suggestion of Moscow has been given consideration, he puts it to the vote. No-one votes for Moscow save for Malenkov himself. “Perhaps now Marshall Malenkov will stop complaining” President Peytan says “We have voted on Moscow and we have turned it down”. Prime Minister Prince Konoe suggests to the others that the base for the new international organisation could be based on the island of Shikotan. He says that the island of Shikotan would be perfect as it is the only one of the Northern Territories that the Empire of Japan has little infrastructure on. He says that its location to the Home Islands provides perfect transport links and that security would be virtually guaranteed due to it being part of the Empire of Japan. Marshall Malenkov immediately protests the suggestion of the island of Shikotan, as “Sovereign Russian territory”. He ignores comments that remind him Russia lost the Northern Territories during the last Russia-Japan War. He says that the Soviet Union will boycott the new international organisation if it is based in Japan and not Russia. The other leaders vote on the proposal and the unanimously vote to have the new international organisation based on Shikotan Island. Malenkov immediately protests this and walks out, saying to the others before he leaves:

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">''This meeting, to discuss the need for a new international organisation too replace the failed League of Nations, while a good idea, has only confirmed to myself and the Soviet leadership of the West's bad intentions toward the Soviet Union. It became clear that when I was not first invited to this meeting, it was clear that the West does not have friendly intentions toward the USSR. If you did have friendly intentions toward the USSR, then I would not have been left out of the initial invitation. But this insult is only the latest in a long line of insults by the West and Japan that have been directed at the USSR. You have all enacted Anti-Communist pogroms and some of you have actually outlawed Communism. There can be no justice so long as our brothers and sisters in Communism are victimised and treated as second class citizens. The site chosen to be the site of the new international organisation is also an insult to the USSR. Our suggestion to have Moscow as the host city for the new international organisation was dismissed without giving it any serious thought, this will not do. The Soviet Union will not take part nor be a member of any such international organisation that does not show that it respects the Soviet Union''

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 1em 0cm">Once Malenkov has gone, the others vote to house the new international organisation on Shikotan Island. An agreement is signed pledging the support of all the nations at the meeting to make the new international organisation work.

Reach for the Stars
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1943, December 20th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe makes an announcement which is seen as the next step in the Space Race:

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">''I believed that when this nation began our space program, we should fully commit our self to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. This goal has been the aim of our space program since its inception. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind or more important in the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.''

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">His speech is seen by the Soviets as an announcement that the IJAXA is ready to launch a manned space flight so they redouble their own efforts, as do the US and the British.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1943, December 21st: Japanese scientists begin researching the possibility of a reusable space vehicle that would be launched into orbit on a rocket but return to Earth. Plans are also drawn up to place nuclear missiles into space but that faces the problem of getting the missile up to orbit.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1943, December 22nd: As the year draws to a close, Prime Minister Prince Konoe knows that the coming new year will bring more problems for the Empire of Japan and her allies. But he also knows that what ever these problems are, the Empire of Japan will emerge victorious once again.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1943, December 23rd: In a special meeting, Emperor Hirohito informs Prime Minister Prince Konoe of the christening regarding Admiral Nagano and Cassie's baby boy. Prime Minister Prince Konoe is surprised when the Emperor tells him but accepts it and says that it is a bold choice for the Empire, one that will ensure the survival of the Empire for generations to come.

The Oppenheimer Soloution
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1943, December 24th: There is a diplomatic crisis in North America when US nuclear scientist Dr Albert S Meinheimer crosses into California and asks for diplomatic protection. He tells Governor-General Miyazaki that he fears for his life after he uncovered a Communist plot to give US nuclear secrets to the USSR and China. The FBI arrives in California and demands that Dr Meinheimer be turned over to them, but Governor-General Miyazaki refuses, saying that if he did that, Dr Meinheimer would be in fear for his life. This refusal to turn him over to the FBI, while not souring relations between the US and California, is used as propaganda by CPUSA chairman Anthony Summers as “More proof that the Capitalist Imperialist machine that is Japan has hostile intentions toward us. They intend to develop nuclear weapons in California and threaten us with atomic annihilation”. President Tracker calls Governor-General Miyazaki and where Miyazaki informs him of the threat made against Dr Meinheimer. President Tracker tells Governor-General Miyazaki that he is aware of the Communist plot to give US nuclear secrets to the USSR and China, he says that he is allowing it to happen as the 'secrets' they are trying to steal are loaded with errors that would make a Russian or Chinese nuclear weapon impossible. Governor-General Miyazaki says that Dr Meinheimer will be given sanctuary in Japan until the threat to his life is over.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1943, December 25th: The United States makes an official diplomatic request to both California and the Empire of Japan to return Dr Meinheimer. The request is turned down by Tokyo who says that Dr Meinheimer has been given sanctuary and citizenship within Japan. The turndown of this request cools relations between Japan and America.

1943 ends on a Red Note
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1943, December 31st: On the last night of 1943, the hopes that the year would end on a peaceful note are dashed when it is announced that Japan intends to try the Soviet submarine crew for violating their borders and aggressively shadowing one of their ships. Marshall Malenkov, upon hearing about this, demands their immediate release, saying that Japan has no right to try the Soviet crew and demands their immediate return. Prime Minister Prince Konoe says that since the Russian submarine was captured in Japanese waters and was there without permission, Japan can and WILL put the submarine crew on trial, he releases an official statement: <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">''My government emphasizes that this blatant and unprovoked maritime violation by the Soviet government is tantamount to an act of hostility against the Empire of Japan. Instead of apologising to the Japanese people and nation, it is brazenly asking for the submarine and its crew back. It seems he [Malenkov] has forgotten that Japan's maritime borders were violated, and that Japan's internal affairs were interfered with. Instead of an official apology and admitting to this violation, they are making this request, which is being denied''

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">Marshall Malenkov vows to get back the sub and its crew from Japan, hinting at possible military action to retrieve them if Japan does not hand them over willingly.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm">

A new year, same Red Problems
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1944, January 1-3rd: The New Year does not get off to a good start. Propaganda by CPUSA chairman Anthony Summers encourages more and more people to join the CPUSA to “Free our beloved country from the grip of financial and Capitalist profiteers who have led us to disaster time and time again”. He organised two large rallies, one in Washington DC and the other in Los Angeles. The protests attract large numbers of CPUSA members and those that support them. In Washington DC, President Tracker is unable to do anything since the protestors are peaceful but in Los Angeles Governor-General Miyazaki is able to take direct action. He calls out the California Defense Force and orders them to arrest anyone who is a member of the CPUSA or any of their supporters. When the CDF is deployed to Los Angeles the protestors immediately turn violent and begin hurling stones, bricks and petrol-bombs at them, in retaliation, the CDF open fire on the protestors, killing dozens and injuring hundreds. The few protestors that are not killed or injured are either arrested or they attempt to flee the city; which fails and they are arrested. Anthony Summers uses the shootings as propaganda against Washington and Sacramento, saying that “Innocent citizens were protesting when the heavy-handed tactics of Governor-General Miyazaki resulted in the deaths of many of our brothers and sisters”. This has an effect, but not one Washington and Sacramento were hoping for: More people join the CPUSA. It is now estimated that the CPUSA has a total membership count of 8,453,435. They try to use this to their advantage and get a CPUSA member elected governor of Washington State, but when the ballots for the CPUSA candidate are disallowed, they claim the election was rigged to prevent them from gaining power. CPUSA chairman Anthony Summers denounces this as “Capitalist aggression and segregation against our CPUSA brothers and sisters”.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm">1944, January 4-8th: A motion is put before and passed by Congress making Communism illegal within the United States. This effectively makes the CPUSA illegal. CPUSA chairman Anthony Summers protests this, but with the ban making his political party illegal, he is arrested. This marks the end of the CPUSA. China and Russia denounce this as “Political racism”. CPUSA chairman Anthony Summers tries to appeal the decision, but no lawyer will defend him. He tries to defend himself but he fails and is sent to prison for life. With the CPUSA chairman now behind bars, the CPUSA soon withers away and dies. Communism is now extinct within the United States. The remaining members of the CPUSA are hunted down and arrested with many fleeing to the Soviet Union.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm">

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><span lang="EN" style="color: rgb(58, 58, 58); line-height: 115%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">1944, January 9th: <span lang="EN" style="color: rgb(58, 58, 58); line-height: 115%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Japanese Empire, the United Kingdom, most of Europe and most of Southeast Asia (especially the areas under Japanese Imperial influence), have all become joined by the USA in banning Communism, something, which although it does not directly improve relations in between the Western allies and the Japanese Empire, at least gives a clear indication to the common enemy. The same day, Prime Minister Prince Konoe himself travels all the way to Washington D.C. to congratulate President Tracker on the effective ban on Communism, as one leader to another. The talks also drop into such matters as the diplomatic status of Dr Oppenheimer (met with a kind, but persistent no), the status of the (if possible) co-operation of the countries space-programs, Australia, tighter diplomatic connections with the United Kingdom, the question of the Soviet Union and the Communist areas of China. Despite recent disagreements, there is a more friendly atmosphere, as President Tracker is relieved that the (up until then) increasingly violent Communists no longer have <span lang="EN" style="color: rgb(58, 58, 58); line-height: 115%; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">a head, and Prime Minister Prince Konoe is happy to see that the USA has finally taken action against the Communist menace.

An Alliance Is Born
1944, January 10th: In a phone call with President Tracker and Prime Minister Bonneville, Prime Minister Prince Konoe gets pledges from the US and the UK for co-operation in construction and for funding for the headquarters for the new international organisation on the island of Shikotan. Marshall Malenkov once again protests the construction of the international organisation's headquarters on Shikotan, saying that a location within the Soviet Union was never given serious consideration. Once again, he says that unless the Soviet Union is given a major role in locating the HQ for the new international organisation, then the Soviet Union will not sign it nor will it take part in it. And as they did last time, President Tracker, Prime Minister Bonneville and Prime Minister Prince Konoe ignore Malenkov's demands, with Konoe dubbing them "The whinings of a fat Communist dog".

1944, January 11th-15th: In response to the refusal to locate the new international organisation within the USSR, Marshall Malenkov orders a meeting in between the different Communist leaders of the world with the intention of forming a world Communist alliance against the capitalist nations led by the Empire of Japan, UK and the United States. Although most of the Communist parties of Asia have all but gone due to the pogroms, many of those beyond the influence of the Japanese Empire still persevere, and all across eastern Europe the local governments are ready to contribute to this grand alliance Malenkov proposes. They hold memorials for the dead of the Communist Party of Nepal, denounce the different western powers, while praising Malenkov for carrying out Stalin’s "glorious legacy". The fact that the meetings are held in the heart of Moscow, and that Malenkov’s opening speech says "Welcome, brothers and sisters, to the UNITED Communist Parties!" worry many, especially the British, who are concerned over a possible hint to the incident over the United Nations incident, and that geographically they are the closest to the Soviets.

1944, January 16th: Worried over the Communist meeting in Moscow, Prime Minister Hugh Bonneville calls President Tracker to discuss what to do. Although they are both relieved over the effective handling of the Communist threat, and are de facto devoid of any real Communist threat, they are still worried over what Malenkov might do next. The call lasts for almost three hours, but some important resolves are made:

First, that the extent of Communist influence is to be limited.

''Secondly, the different security services are to help each other if they discover any threat to the others safety. In this respect the British are more advanced, and offer their help in return for some minor demands.''

Third, they shall not interfere with each other’s businesses, unless they are a direct hindrance to the cause.

Fourth, “hidden” economic sanctions are to be made at any Communist-sympathetic country, where trade will be rerouted and currencies deluged with fakes.

But at the question of the Japanese Empire, the two countries stand divided. President Tracker wants a tough line on the Japanese Empire due to the still present animosity between Washington and Tokyo over the losses ensured by the US during the last war. Prime Minister Bonneville states that they need to keep on Japan's good side as they have done more to eradicate Communism then they have put together.

1944, January 17th: The name of the new international organisation is announced At a press Conference in Tokyo, with the US and UKL ambassadors at his side, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announced that the new international organisation is to be called the Union of Nations. Though a few hours after the press conference, it is announced that the Union of Nations has changed its name and will be known as the United Nations.

A thinly-veiled Threat With An Added Insult
1944, January 18th: As Malenkov's Communist meeting draws to a close, the Communist nations shows of unity get bigger and more intense, with massive parades, plays, banquets and parties. From all over the Soviet Union, children come to give flowers, gifts, thanks and their respect to the “Great Leader Comrade Marshall Malenkov!” The celebrations are more intense than ever, culminating on the 17th with massive celebrations, featuring the largest play to have ever been put up in the history of the world, a banquet the size for a small army, and a parade that dwarfs everything the Red Square has ever seen: 30,000 men from the army, followed by 50,000 from the navy, 20,000 from the air force, which are escorted by over 2500 air planes, 21,000 artillery and 70,000 tanks, and 100 massive missiles. At the end of the day, after a needed rest, the first session of the United Communist Parties ends with a display of fireworks that will cost millions. But Malenkov has achieved his goal: the nations of Western Europe are impressed, intimidated and a little bit curious. Despite all the hardware and troops on display, the one nation Malenkov hopes to intimidate with the show of force is the Empire of Japan. But Tokyo just ignores the display of Soviet military power Malenkiv takes this as a personal insult and a slight against the Soviet Union.

The Fall Of China
1944, January 19th: After several attacks along their shared border and the shelling of a border-town that killed three Japanese soldiers, Japanese High Command is planning a surprise attack on the PLAR with the intention of occupying and annexing the remainder of China not yet under its domination. This operation is planned under the highest secrecy as the PLAR would easily garner support even from the most reluctant of the other Communist nations. Fortunately though, the High Command abandons the idea as the projected costs are considered too high, and that waiting a little wouldn't hurt either, until the emotional storm has settled. And meanwhile, the reconstruction projects are faring extremely well, with men such as Nguyen Van Thoc, Chang Kai-Shek (as thanks, he had become governor over different provinces), Governor-General Miyazaki, and the Thai Government of Siam, showing industries on level, and even better than before the war.

1944, January 20th-1945, 14th January: In response to the previous days attacks on their shared border, Japan launches an invasion of China. Heilongjang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei and Shandong are taken with very little resistance as the invasion caught the Chinese off guard. The Japanese blitzkrieg offensive shocks the PLAN and their hastily arranged counterattack is crushed by the overwhelming invading Japanese force. The shock of the invasion stuns the international community, with the Soviet Union leading the denouncement of the invasion with Marshall Malenkov saying that unless Japan pulls out of the lands in China it has just invaded, then a state of war will exists between Japan and Russia. Shanxi and Shaanxi are taken next where the PLAN puts up a stronger resistance, but the Japanese give no quarter to the Chinese soldiers or anyone who takes up arms against them and as a result, the Chinese casualties are horrifying when compared to the minimal Japanese losses. The Soviet Union gets the other Communist nations to back the threat of force if Japan does not pull out of the invaded areas of China. In response, the IJN Yamato and IJN Musashi blockade Vladivostok. They shell Russian forces that try to resupply Vladivistok, wiping them out. Upon hearing this, Marshall Malenkov announces that a state of war now exists between the Soviet Union and Empire of Japan. With the declaration of war against Japan by the Soviet Union, the United States joins the war on the side of the Empire of Japan. President Tracker says that Japan has the right to defend itself from Chinese aggression and that Russia wil pay the price for supporting Chinese terrorism against Japan.

Shortly after the US declaration of war against the Soviet Union, the UK also issues a declaration of war against the Soviet Union. Using the distraction caused by the UK's declaration of war, Japan invades and annexes the provinces of Jiangsu and Shanghai. This time, the PLAN are able to put up a stronger defense but they are defeated due to the sheer numbers of Japanese forces attacking. four days after the initial US declaration of war, the first American troops arrive in China to help the Japanese forces. The US troops attack Zhejiang and Fujian and quickly overrun, forcing the PLAN into full retreat. The US troops are more restrained that their Japanese counterparts in dealing with Chinese prisoners. After hearing about the US forces joining the fight against China, Marshall Malenkov announces that a state of war now exists between the Soviet Union and the United States. Upon the declaration of war by the Soviet Union, the Empire of Japan sends a warning to Moscow that says if they do not cease all support for China and rescind their declarations of war within three days, they they will suffer only what the Germans have suffered. Realising that this is a threat and reference to the atomic destruction of Hamburg, Marshall Malenkov orders that the Soviet Unions own atomic weapons program be sped up as to produce a bomb at the earliest convenience. But he knows that they will not have an atomic weapon ready before the Japanese deadline expires - and he is right. For on the day the Japanese deadline expires, the city of Vladivostok is incinerated in an atomic explosion. The destruction of Vladivostok has the desired effect on the Soviet Union as the people are shocked, demoralised and scared. Marshall Malenkov reluctantly announces that the Soviet Union is "Pulling out of the war due to the horrific act of destruction brought down on the innocent people of Vladivostok". With the Soviet Union out of the war, things look and are indeed very bleak for China. With the Soviet Union pulling out of the war, Japan concentrates all its efforts on China - the first being a blitzkrieg-style attack on Hunan and Anhui provinces. The PLAN puts up a better and more organised defense, but the sheer number of Japanese troops plus the US troops crushes any resistance the PLAN can put up.

While the Japanese consolidate their gains in Hunan and Anhui provinces, US forces invade and capture Fujian and Guangdong but this military victory comes at a price. Rising protests against the US involvement in the war in China have been rising in the US, culminating in a protest in Washington DC involving 50,000 people. They call for “Peace in China and an end to US involvement in Japan's conquest of China” and “Bring our troops home and regain our West Coast from the barbarous Japs”. The growing number of protests and the rising Anti-War sentiment in Washington forces President Tracker to withdraw US forces from China. As the US troops pull out, the Imperial Japanese Air Force begins carpet-bombing Hubei and Hunan provinces, making no distinction between PLAN forces and non-combatants, causing a massive exodous of Chinese civilians eastward. Due to the exodous, Tibet closes its borders with China and asks Japan for protection against the seemingly unending waves of Chinese refugees. Tokyo agrees and deploys an initial 9000 troops to assist Tibetan border guards in safe-guarding its border with China. The  waves of Chinese refugees is nigh-on impossible for the 9000 Japanese troops to stop so as Japan begins a ground offensive into Jiangxi, Japan dispatches an additional 9000 troops to defend Tibet's borders with an order of shoot to kill any Chinese trying to illegally cross into Tibet. Realising that they are going to be defeated, the PLAN pull out of the provinces of Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan and re-group in Qinghai - leaving behind only token forces for the defense of those provinces. To the suprpise of the Japanese High Command, Tibeten troops cross into Qinghai and begin attacking the Chinese forces gathering there. Seeing the advantages of having the Chinese fighting on two fronts, Japan begins bombing the PLAN forces in Qinghai while advancing into Sichuan and Gansu provinces. In an effort to further divide the Chinese forces even more, Tokyo offers the Ningxia Panhandle to Mongolia which Mongolia accepts. As Mongolian forces take the Ningxia Panhandle, they eliminate the Chinese forces there and annex the territory into their nation. After which, they sign a treaty of friendship and cooperation with Tokyo.

As Japanese forces beghin carpet-bombing PLAN forces in eastern Qinghai, Tibeten troops take parts of southern Qinghai as well as small south-eastern and south-western portions of Xinjiang. The carpet-bombing of Qinghai intenifies with 24 hour bombing raids. These constant bombing raids force the PLAN to evacuate the province, with them falling back to Xinjiang provice. This latest defeat drains whan ever morale the Chinese civilian population had in maintaining the war. Rather than fleeing, thousands then hundread of thousands of Chinese civilians begin surrendering to Japan. Then within a week, all Chinese civilians encounted by the Imperial Japanese army begin surrendering to them, including units from the PLAN, who have also grown disenfranchised with the Communist leadership and their mishandeling of the war. When Qinghai is invaded by the Japanese, Xinjiang is left as the only territory of China not under Japanese control. And with Tibet bordering them on one side and Japan on the other, the PLAN blockade the border in an attempt to regroup and launch a counter attack. The planned couter-attack is put on hold as Mao orders all available forces to defend the border from Japanese and Tibetan attacks. Knowing that a military confrontation would result in their total defeat, Mao desperatly sends out peace-feelers. But the Imperial Japanese Military refuses to negotiate, saying they will only accept a total surrender of Mao and the PLAN - to which Mao naturally refuses, vowing to fight on to the bitter end. Prime Minister Prince Konoe does resists calls from the military to use atomic weapons on Qinghai as he does not want to waste the few atomic weapons they have on China.

Instead of using atomic weapons, Prime Minister Prince Konoe gives General Shiro Ishi permission to do what he pleases to Qinghai to ensure its surrender and annexation into the Empire. With no restraints on what he can and can't do, General Ishii uses the full resources of Unit 731 on Qinghai. He releases plague-infested rats and dogs into Qinghai as well as spraying poison gas over parts of the province but he does not stop there. Special abduction squads of Japanese ansd Tibetan soldiers begin raiding across the border and snatching Chinese soldiers and civilians who oppose them. The captured soldiers and civilians are handed over to Dr Ishii and Unit 731 where they are subjected to varying kinds of medical and scientific experimentations. Unbeknownst to anyone outside Unit 731 and Prime Minister Prince Konoe, Dr Ishii has three wanted Nazi war criminals, Dr Joseph Mengel, Dr Fritz Klein and Professor Sigmund Rascher, working for him at Unit 731. Under his guidance, these three Nazi war criminals further the research and experiments of Unit 731. Some of the people sent to Unit 731 are infected with smallpox and other communicable and fatal diseseas then sent back to Qinghai, where they spread their sicknesses around. Soon there are epidemics breaking out all over the last remaining Chinese province. As the plagues and diseases spread around Qinghai, Tokyo and Lhasa decide to launch an all-out assault on Qinghai to finish off the last Chinese forces holding out there. They also agree to split Qinghai in half, with each side taking half of the province.

After a week of incendiary bombing raids over Qinghai, Japanese and Tibetan forces stream over the border and begin the final assault on Qinghai. The Chinese forces, already severely weakened by the plagues and diseases spread around the province by Unit 731, are easily overrun by the Tibetans and Japanese after just a few short hours. As they Chinese forces pull back, the Japanese and Tibetans begin executing anyone who is showing signs of sickness. They say this is to prevent the spread of the diseases and that the infected are already dead. The Chinese forces attempt to regroup but it is no good as three days after the assault on Qinghai begun, Japanese and Tibetan troops surround the stronghold of Mao Zedong and arrest him. He is forced to sign the surrender of the Chinese to the Empire of Japan, and when that is done, he along with his top advisors and generals, are executed by beheading. And so, 11 months, three weeks and five days after it had begun, the invasion and annexation of all of China is complete. The Empire of Japan has total domination over all of mainland China.

The Answer to the Chinese Question
1945, 15th January: After the fall of China, an uneasy peace descends on the world. The Empire of Japan consolidates its hold over China but for Japan, there is a problem with its recent conquest of China - what to do with the Chinese rebels, criminals, former soldiers, government officials and other undesirables. Some of General Ishii's fellow officers at Unit 731 favour copying the Nazi method and advocating the wholesale extermination of the Chinese people while keeping some alive for experimentation and slave labour but General Ishii disagrees with them. He says that keeping the Chinese population under control will require a vast amount of resources and manpower. Instead of wasting these resources, General Ishii proposes keeping some alive for experimentation and slave labour and deporting the rest out of Japanese territoy. Prime Minister Prince Konoe knows that General Ishii's plan will require a lot of resources and manpower, but ultimately it would require less resources and manpower to keep the Chinese under control or to simply exterminate them. To this end, throughout occupied China an edict is declared: all Chinese who do not wish to live in the Empire of Japan must leave at once - except for convicted criminals and former soldiers who commited acts of aggression against the Japanese invasion forces. They are to be kept in detention. The announcement of this edict begins what historians call “The Second Exodus” - which wpuld continue well into the next decade.

A Deal Done In Secret
1945, 16th January: In a top-secret deal that is done in Kiev, Moscow and Helsinki sign a Treaty of Friendship. This decree of friendship between Moscow and Finland stipulates that Russia and Finland will cooperate in all areas, including defence and foreign relations. In return for favoured trade agreements, Helsinki agrees to lease Moscow two military bases within its territory. This Friendship Treaty is signed in secret, with only the Soviet and Finnish delegations knowing about it.

The Movement Of Civil Rights
1945, 20th January: After seeing the "anti-Chinese and anti-Russian" behaviour of the Japanese Empire during the invasion and annexation of China and the destruction of Vladivostok, Marshall Malenkov announces that the Soviet Union will boycott the United Nations until such time as Japan pulls out of China and apologises for using an atomic weapon on Vladivostok and makes reparations to the relatives of those who died in the city.

1945, 21st January: Prime Minister Bonneville and President Tracker meet at Camp David in Frederick County, Maryland to discuss what actions to take against Japan for its recent invasion of China. Since they both want to maintain good relations with Japan, and owing to the fact that the US sent troops to help Japan, they decide that no actions will be taken against Japan. And to try to further good relations with Tokyo, Prime Minister Bonneville arranges to visit the Pacific States on a goodwill tour. 

1945, 22nd January: Tensions between the United States and Pacific States increases when the Pacific States issues a map of California all in Japanese. Governor-General Miyazaki dismisses the US criticism of the map by saying that as they are part of the Empire of Japan, they are entitled to issue maps of their territory in Japanese. One of the problems Washington has with the map is that it only shows California with the United States whited out.

1945, 23rd January: In a move that raises tensions with Washington, Governor-General Miyazaki announces that so long as they pledge loyalty to the Pacific States of America and the Empire of Japan, then African-Americans will be afforded equal rights within the PSA. This announcment is viewed by some in Washington as provocative but the message is heard loud and clear in the border states and soon spreads by word of mouth. Knowing that the way things are in the US and their distinct lack of civil rights, African-Americans in the border states uptick and leave the US for the PSA.

1945, 24th January: Governor Howard of Nevada says that the African-American population of his state is not allowed to leave for the Pacific States as he classifies this as "Defecting to an enemy power". He orders troops to the borders to prevent any of the African-American population of his state from leaving but Governor-General Miyazaki says that any armed troops on the US side of the border will be viewed as a provocation and matched with an equal number of PS troops.

1945, 25-28th January: A group of six African-American teenagers from Little Rock, Arkansas attempt to cross the border but are stopped at the US/PS border. The US Army units at the border refuse to let them cross into the PSA, reiterating Governor Howard's statement that he classifies this as "Defecting to an enemy power". The six teenagers try to cross the border but are forcibly detained by the US Army. By now, a growing number of African-Americans have also gathered at the border and are also demanding to be let across the border. On the Pacific States side of the border, Governor-General Miyazaki says that the US refusing to allow people to cross the border is in effect a blockade and that unless free movement across the border is allowed, this will be viewed as an act of aggression and will require a full proportional response. As tensions between Sacramento and Carson City threaten to get worse, President Tracker intervenes and orders Governor Howard to allow the “Little Rock Six” and anyone else who wishes to do so to cross the border. Governor Howard protests the decision, saying that Washington overriding the lawful decision regarding the African-American population was his to make and that by overruling him, President Tracker has deliberately deliberately his authority.

1945, 29th January: After the previous day when his orders were overridden by President Tracker, Governor Howard and several prominent and high-profile politicians met in Las Vegas to discuss what actions to take in regards to what they see as President Tracker's "Pro-Nippon and Pro-Negro" administration.

Greek Empire Redux
1945, 29th January: The situation in all the major powers of the Japanese Empire, the USA, the United Kingdom and the USSR is calm, as all settle down for the spring. But in the streets of the capitals of France, Sweden, Norway, Turkey and Rome there are ongoing protests over the deal between Finland and Russia in which the USSR got a base to operate from in Finland as part of the friendship deal they signed on 16th January. Surprisingly, Greece remains unaffected as the protests occur throughout certain European capitols. This comes as a surprise when Pro-Communist protests erupt all across Turkey. Antonio Papendreyou, the Greek Prime Minister sees the instability in Turkey as a chance to expand Greek territory. Plans are drawn up for the invasion of Turkey.

1945, 30th January-February 13th: As the instability in Turkey grows, the Greek armed forces launch a blitzkrieg-style attack as they seize key positions on the Turkish side of the border. The instability in Turkey means that the Turkish armed forces are in a state of confusion and put up only a token defence and within two days, Greece has control of the Turkish territory it shared a land border with. At the same time this is happening, Greek forces on Greek Islands near the Turkish mainland launch attacks on multiple targets on the Turkish mainland. With the Pro-Communist riots now sweeping across all of Turkey, the Turkish armed forces quickly link up and annex a few more pieces of Turkish territory before Prime Minister Papendreyou orders the invasion to stop. With the invasion stopped, Greece quickly consolidates its hold on the Turkish territory it annexed. Turkish Prime Minister Racip Davutoğlu, grappling with other Pro-Communist riots and uprisings in his country, lodges a formal protest with the Greek govwernment and demands the return of the territory. Greece refuses and as a result, Turkey withdraws its ambassador from Athens and expels the Greek ambassador.

1945, 14th February: At a ceremony in Athens, Prime Minister Papendreyou announces the dissolution of the Hellenic Republic and the formation of the Greek Empire; he also announces the dissolution of the Greek government and the formation of the Imperial Greek Government with himself being crowned as Emperor Antonio I. Prime Minister Prince Konoe sends his congratulations to the new Imperial Greek Government and signs a friendship treaty with the Greek Empire.

Afghanistan Goes Commie
1945, 15th February: Desperate to advance its sphere of influence after its recent losses to Japan, the Soviet Union sends support to various Communist regimes such as Afghanistan and Turkey. But as happened in certain capitols in Europe, there are Anti-Communist riots and protests. None more so than Afghanistan where several Soviet advisors are killed when their motorcade is attacked by Anti-Communist protestors. The USSR uses the deaths and its mighty army as leverage in negotiations with Afghanistan, throwing its support behind the Communist government. 

1945, 16-20th February: The Soviet 'Advisor’s' arrive in Afghanistan and within two days, they have succeeded in eliminating 99 percent of the opposition to the Communist Government in Kabul. Over the next few days, the Soviet 'Advisor’s' and the Afghanistan Government have managed to eliminate all but a few scattered opponents to the new Communist Government in Kabul. The few opponents to the new Soviet-backed regime flee to the United States and Pacific States.

1945, 21st February: The most prominent of the Anti-Communist refugees to flee to the Pacific States is Hamid Rashid; the former Minister of Finance who was openly critical of the Soviet Union and the Communist government. Governor-general Miyazaki grants him refugee status and refuses the Soviet and Afghani demands to return him and dismisses their statements that he is a dangerous anti-party subversive who is guilty of many crimes in Kabul. The refusal to turn him over sours relations between Afghanistan and the Pacific States.

The Rise Of McCarthyism
1945, 22nd February: Prime Minister Prince Konoe is informed of a situation in Chosen. At the Southern port city of Pusan, a Russian scientist named Serge Korolyov and approximately 240 scientists have been found on board a freighter from Siberia and that they have all requested asylum in the Empire of Japan. When interviewed by Imperial Intelligence, Korolyov says he fled due to the ever-clearer militarism of the USSR’s High Command, the ever-increasing paranoia and brutality of Malenkov, and the ever-greater abuses of power by Lavrentiy Beria, despised and hated head of the NKVD. Realising the opportunity and advantage to having Korolyov and his scientists working alongside Werner Von Braun, Prime Minister Prince Konoe grants their request for asylum. He knows that this is a major victory for the Empire and an embarrassment for Malenkov, who would be too ashamed to announce to the world.

1945, 23-27th February: The notorious, infamous and by the intellectuals hated, Senator Joseph J. McCarthy begins to wield his works of lies, deceit and abuse as never before. He accuses almost every single person he can see as a threat to his power as a Communist, whether there is proof of it or not. Nobody dares to speak up against the senator, all fearing, justifiably, for their careers, families and even lives. He accuses nuclear physicist Dr Alan Gelb of being a "Dirty, Jap-loving, Communist SPY!" and rambles about having massive lists of Communist infiltrators, even accusing men next to, or in the administration of President Tracker himself, sometimes even leading President Tracker to have to fake the firing of some of them so as to not raise any possible eyebrows over why he’s keeping "Communists". Senator McCarthy even goes so far as to, on certain occasions, link the two main perceived "threats", that the Japanese Empire and the massive networks of "commie-spies" from the Soviet Union are the same thing. Sometimes, in private, he even accuses the Japanese Empire to actually be the Soviet Union in disguise.

As the FBI becomes more and more of a weapon of terror and fear in the hands of the Machiavelli-extremist (dubbed “The Grey Inspector Eminence”) J Edgar Hoover, the rule of such men as infamous gangster king Charles “Lucky” Luciano and others, seem to spread over the streets of the USA. Strangely enough, it seems as if the FBI is even allowing and accepting the spread of organized crime, as Supreme Chief J Edgar Hoover believes that the real threat to the safety of the USA, comes from the Communist infiltrators. Besides, he thinks, so long as they can keep giving in a steady stream of "discovered" Communist and Japanese spies.

The Fall of Turkey And The End Of Malenkov
1945, 28th February: Despite all the talk and paranoia, there is indeed a Communist threat and its leaders have become more and more emboldened, both by the great display of “The Supreme Power of The Soviet Union! and its great Communist allies, brothers and sisters in Socialism!", and the apparent lack of counter response from the "Western Imperialists and their enslaved, profiteering vassals, and the Imperialists of the East!”. As the different leaders of the Communist parties all have headed back home, they, instead of settling down, immediately start planning for a Communist takeover of their country. But thanks to the “Red Scare” spreading across the Atlantic from the US, all of these attempted Communist uprisings fail to get off the ground as Communism is outlawed in most Western European nations.

1945, 1st March-May 4th: In Greece, Emperor Antonio takes a firm stand on Communism and orders the arrest of anyone supporting or giving support to Communists or Socialists. This increases tensions with the People's Republic of Turkey, tensions are already high with Turkey due to the Greek invasion and the Greek refusal to return the territory taken during the invasion. But thankfully, the Turkish armed forces are not in any position to pose any kind of threat to the Greek Empire. Seeking to expand his country and make it into a proper Empire, Antonio orders up plans for the total invasion and annexation of Turkey into the Greek Empire. After a week of planning, the Greek Empire launches a full scale assault on the People's Republic of Turkey. From multiple locations, the Greek military advances farther into Turkish territory while the Imperial Turkish Air Force conducts bombing raids on selected Turkish military targets. Turkish Prime Minister Racip Davutoğlu appeals to the Soviet Union for assistance in fighting the “Imperial capitalist pig-dogs”. But still suffering from the losses to the Japanese in the east and sanctions imposed on the Soviet Union by Japan, the UK and United States, Marshall Malenkov can only spare token assistance for Turkey, though the assistance from the Soviet Union comes with a direct threat; if either the US or Japan comes to Greece's aid, then it will mean war between the Soviet Union and those nations that aid Greece. Unafraid of Soviet threats, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces support for Greece and says that "If the Soviet Union wishes to sign its own death warrant, then the Empire of Japan will gladly sign it for them ...".

From staging grounds on Karafuto and Alaska, Japanese forces launch a blitzkrieg-style attack on the Soviet Union, invading Kamchatka and Chukotka. At the same time, Greece deploys armed guards along the border with Albania and Bulgaria, stating that any Soviet forces that cross the border will be shot on site. In response, Marshall Malenkov announces that a state of war now exists between the Greek Empire, Empire of Japan and the Soviet Union. The United States and United Kingdom join the war against the Soviet Union and send forces to Greece and Japan to aid both nations.

Faced with a war on two fronts that he knows he could only win on one front, Malenkov sends out unofficial peace-feelers to Washington and London, but before they can chive any success, France and West Germany announce support for Greece and Japan; And at Bonn's request, French troops are sent to the border with East Germany to defend against Soviet retaliation. Despite now having six nations at war with the Soviet Union, the one thing that Malenkov fears most of all is another atomic strike by Japan. Despite increasing the resources and manpower to their own atomic program, the Soviets have yet to create atomic weapons of their own. The peace-feelers carry with them conditions for which the Soviet Union would be willing to end the war:
 * 1) Japan must pull out of the territory it has stolen from the Soviet Union.
 * 2) Japan must respect the interests of the Soviet Union in regards to its foreign policy.
 * 3) The Soviet Union shall be given a sphere of control in what used to be China.
 * 4) Japan must stop the Anti-Communist pogroms and persecution of Communists and their supporters.
 * 5) Japan must sign a Treaty of Friendship with the Soviet Union.
 * 6) All nuclear technology must be shared with the Soviet Union.

Naturally, the peace-feelers are rejected as the conditions attached are unacceptable to Japan, with Prime Minister Konoe saying that “The Soviets started this conflict with their barbaric and antiquated notion of Communism. This war will one of two ways; either Communism dies or the Soviet Union does”. Malenkov says that this is proof of Japan's intention of never accepting friendship from the Soviet Union. As the war progresses between Russia and Japan, the Greek invasion of Turkey continues unabated.

The Greek air-strikes allow the Imperial Greek military to consolidate their current holdings and to advance in places. The Turkish military is now putting up a more coordinated fight against the Greek invasion but due to the Communist revolution that took place in Turkey, the resistance is spotty and though effective in places, it is disorganised in terms of nation-wide coordination. On the northern and southern coasts of Turkey, Greek amphibious landings capture several points and further dividing the Turkish forces. Emperor Antonio calls on the Turkish Prime Minister Racip Davutoğlu to surrender “and avoid further bloodshed and loss of Turkish lives”. Prime Minister Racip Davutoğlu refuses, vowing to “Fight on and smash the imperial capitalists in Athens”. As they are fighting the Greek invasion, units of the Turkish military switch sides and begin helping the Greek invasion, claiming that “Annexation by Greece is the only way for Communism to be eradicated from Turkish soil now and forever”. In Moscow, Marshall Malenkov knows that the Soviet Union can not fight the Greeks as well as the invading Japanese so he orders all Soviet forces to cease any and all support for Turkey and redirects them to the east to fight the Japanese invasion.

Knowing that the Russians will fight to the bitter end to regain their territory, the Japanese invasion force begins showing no-quarters to the Russian soldiers they encounter and to any Russian civilians that show opposition to them. The brutality of the Japanese toward the Russians dwarfs anything seen during the last war. This act of no-quarters forces thousands of Russian citizens to flee westward to escape the invading Japanese. With help from the US troops that have arrived to help, the Japanese are able to attack Magadan, Khabarovsk and Primorsky. Despite increasing protests against more US involvement in what critics say is "Japan's expansionist and genocidal Empire building", the US forces secure several key points which allow the Japanese to advance further into Magadan, Khabarovsk and Primorsky. To put the fear into the Russians, the Imperial Japanese Air Force unleashes a wave of Kamikaze attacks on Sakha, Amur and Zabaykalsk. These attacks further demoralise the Soviet military, with many now questioning why Malenkov provoked the Empire in the first place.

With the Kamikazee attacks continuing and the Japanese hold on the territory they have invaded complete, there are calls from all over the Soviet Union for Malenkov to end the war and step down from office; both of which he refuses to do. In the Kremlin, Miraslav Vyacheslav Kisselev, the Minister of Foreign Relations, gathers together enough like-minded supporters in the Kremlin and in the military and stages a coup d'etat and arrests Malenkov and hols him prisoner. Immidiatly after this, Kisselev broadcasts to the Japanese that the Soviet Union is willing to offer a ceasefire and seek terms for ending the war. Tokyo receives the message and agrees to end the war on the following five conditions: Kisselev agrees to the terms and signs the peace-treaty with the Japanese ambassador in Moscow. With the war with the Soviet Union over, Japan begins to consolidate its hold on the territory it took from them; while in Turkey, things are going from bad to worse for Ankarra.
 * 1) Japan is allowed to keep the terriory it annexed in the Soviet Far-East
 * 2) Stop and and all support for Turkey and their Communist Party
 * 3) Not pursue, develop or possess atomic weapons for a period of ten years
 * 4) Stop any and all support for Communist regimes in nations not apart of the Soviet Union
 * 5) Stop and and all support for the Communist party in the United States

The Greek bombardment of the Turkish positions allows Greek paratroopers to take two chunks of territory behind the Turkish front lines. This gives the Greeks the ability to further extend the bombing campaign. The Greek bombardment of the Turkish positions allows Greek paratroopers to take two chunks of territory behind the Turkish front lines. This gives the Greeks the ability to further extend the bombing campaign. And since the Soviet Union was forced to stop any and all support for Turkey, the Turkish military has not been able to regain any territory from the advancing Greek invasion but they have managed to slow down the invasion somewhat by planting landmines and destroying bridges and roads where-ever they can. Prime Minister Racip Davutoğlu tries to rally international support for tgurkey in the face of the ongoing Greek invasion but lacking Soviet backing, no-one is willing to help the Turks fight off the Greek invasion.

In the United States, there is an ever-increasing movement to end US involvement in the war as many in the US as before, view "Japan's expansionist and genocidal Empire building" as being opposite to what the United States stands for. President Tracker refuses to listen to the protestors, whose number is up 3-fold on the last protest when the US helped Japan. Governor Howard of Nevada is leading the call to end US in the war, saying that “The United States can not afforsd to send troops to fight wars overseas, bnot when we have a hostile nation occupying our West Coast”. The protests, while gaining ground, do not make President Tracker change his mind and views on the war. The Greek military, in conjunction with the US troops and Turkish military that are surrendering/changing sides, are able to take more Turkish territory. Faced with ever-increasing citicisims of US involvment, the US troops pull back from active combat and remain behind the front lines to secure the territory while the Greek military advances further. In a surprising move, the Kingdom of Spain announces its full support for the Greek invasion of Turkey and says that they recognise Greek sovereignty over any and all territory they take from Turkey. This further demoralises the Turkish military, whose morale was almost at rock bottom. The Greeks advance even further into Turkey, finding that the deeper they go, the weaker the Turkish resistance becomes.

With an ever increasing number of losses to the Greek invaders and more units surrendering or turning traitor and helping the Greeks, Prime Minister Racip Davutoğlu orders all remaining loyal Turkish units to form a defensive blockade in an attempt to keep the last third of Turkey free from Greek domination. While the Turks are busy creating and fortifying the “Trench of the Turks”, the Greek navy launches a blitzkrieg-style invasion of Cyprus, quickly overrunning the Turkish and British garrisons stationed there. The British troops are allowed to leave while the Turkish troops are executed once the British troops leave. With Cyrpus now under Greek control, the Imperial Greek Military turn their attention to the “Trench of the Turks”. In order to confuse the Turkish military as to their true intentions, the Greek invasion force consolidates its hold on the two-thirds of Turkey they have under their control all the while building up the forces for the final assault on what remains fo Turkey. After two weeks of solid preperation, the Greeks launch the final assault on Turkey. The final assault begins with a joint naval and aerial bombardment which weakens the Turkish defences to the point where 10,000 Greek troops smash through them as if they were not there. The final Turkish military units are easily defeated by the Greek military, which is now swarming into the final third of Turkey with no opposition. In the small town of Erdogan where the Turkish government had retreated to, Prime Minister Davutoğlu is informed of the impending arrival of the Greek military. His surviving ministers urge him to flee what remains of the country before the Greek military arrive; but he refuses to do so, saying that “If my country is to fall, then I shall go down with it ...”. he dismisses his surviving ministers and urges them to leave the country, but they to refuse, vowing to stand with him until the end; and they do not have long to wait for the end to arrive.

34 hours after the final invasion, Greek paratroopers land in Erdogan and capture the town and Prime Minister Davutoğlu and his surviving ministers. General Kostas Ionanau accepts the surrender of Prime Minister Davutoğlu and his surviving ministers. Wit this final act of his government, Prime Minister Davutoğlu has sealed the fate of the final third of Turkey that was free and independant from Greek domination. With the surrender of Prime Minister Davutoğlu, the final third of Turkey that was free and independant from Greek domination ios absorbed into the Greek Empire.

1945, May 5th: With the end of Turkey as a sovereign nation, Emperor Antonio wax lyrical about the conquest of Turkey and the expansion of the Greek Empire. He says that the Greek Empire will not seek to take territory from any other nation.

1945, May 6th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe sends his congratulations to Emperor Antonio on the swift victory over Turkey and says that the Empire of Japan recignises the annexation of Turkey and Cyprus by the Greek Empire.

1945, May 7th: The US troops that are in Japan and Turkey begin heading home.

The Trouble With Secession
1945, May 15th: As the US troops that were in Japan and what was once Turkey arive home, Governor James Howard begins openly stating his opposition to President Tracker and his policies When asked by a reporter, Governor Howard states his intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming election. This raises concerns amongst African-Americans and Japanese-Americans in Nevada as they know that if Howard becomes President, then he will make life for them ever harder for them than it already is. With the announcment that Governor Howard is running for President, more African-Americans and Japanese-Americans begin leaving the US and entering the Pacific States.

1945, May 16th: In Sacramento, Governor-general Miyazaki hosts an informal dinner with various African-American civil rights leaders and US expatriates  living within the Pacific States. The reason for the meeting is to discuss the civil-rights situation in the United States. 16 year old Martin Luther King, having recently arrived in the Pacific States with his family, tells of the lack of civil-rights African-Americans have in the United States. He also tells a “shocked” Governor-general Miyazaki about segregation and how African-Americans are treated as second-class citizens.

1945, May 17th: In a move that angers Governor Howard, Governor-general Miyazaki bans all political adverts on Radio, in movies and in print that favour Governor Howard in the US Presidential election, within the Pacific States. He says that the ban is due to the policies Governor Howard stands for go against those of the Empire of Japan and as such, they will not be allowed within Japanese territory.

1945, May 18th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe speaks to Governor-general Miyazaki regarding the number of African-American's crossing into the Pacific States and the stories they bring regarding the worsening civil rights situation in the United States. It is agreed ton allow them to continue to cross into the Pacific States so long as they pledge loyalty to the Pacific States and the Empire of Japan. The upcoming Presidential election is also discussed and both men agree that if Governor Howard wins, then relations between Tokyo and Washington will deteriorate rapidly.

1945, May 19-22nd: David Ben-Gurion arrives in Tokyo for a top-secret meeting with Prime Minister Prince Konoe with the subject being finding a place where Jews can establish a home of their own. The initial plan of establishing a Jewish homeland in the middle east, specifically in the British mandate of Palestine, is impossible due to the increasing number of Arabs in the area and also the British are due to pull out of the area in a few months. Two ideas come to the forefront as viable solutions:
 * 1) Madagascar.
 * 2) Hainan.

Madagascar is discounted due to the high number of African native on the island. And so after lengthy discussions, Hainan is selected as the homeland for the Jewish people. It is decided that until an official announcement is made, the “Hainan Deal ” will be kept secret.

1945, May 23rd: Governor Howard officially announces his candidacy for the presidency. He says he is running on a platform of “Restoring the glory of the United States, restore our rightful position on the world stage and initiate a time of healing for the wrongs that have been done to us all”.

1945, May 25th: With the news that Governor Howard is officially running for President, Governor-general Miyazaki orders that plans be drawn up to deal with any possible aggression from the US.

1945, May 26-28th: As Governor Howard begins his campaign for the White House, he is faced with a familiar problem; people wanting to leave Nevada and cross into the Pacific States. At first, he wants to deal with it the same way he did the previous time this happened; by blocking them from leaving. But he knows as soon as he does this, President Tracker will overrule him and allow them to leave the US. Governor Howard still classifies this as "Defecting to an enemy power" and now openly calls those who want to leave for the Pacific States "Damn traitors that need to be shot". His fiery rhetoric strikes a cord with other politicians and a few other state governors who are of the opinion that President Tracker's administration is "Pro-Nippon and Pro-Negro". On May 27th, Governor Howard was giving an impromptu speech from the back of an open car at the Park Barrington hotel in Boise, Idaho. This is where Keith Hayward, a civil-rights activist, was living, working the occasional odd job, and living off his savings. Hayward joined the crowd, armed with a .32-calibre pistol he had bought at a local pawn shop, his intention was to kill the man that he called "The biggest threat to African-American civil rights since slavery". However, being only five feet tall he was unable to see over other people, and had to stand on a wobbly folding metal chair peering over the hat of James Cross to get a clear aim at his target. After the first shot Cross and others grabbed his arm and he fired four more shots wildly. He missed the mayor Anton Chermak but five other people were hit including Governor Howard. Two days later, Mayor Chermak died from his wounds while Governor Howard was released from hospital.

Using the attempt on his life as political momentum, Governor Howard openly calls for the reintroduction of segregation for African-Americans and for all foreigners to swear alliance to the United States or be arrested. The governors of Idaho, Utah and Arizona back Governor Howard, stating that they pledge the support of their states to Governor Howard, saying that "He is the only man who can restore the United States to its former glory and regain what was stolen from us". They send a letter to President Tracker, urging him to take a tougher stance on what they call are “The enemies of our once-great nation” and to “regain what was stolen from us by force to show those degenerate vermin that dare to stand against us that we are not to be pushed around”, they sign the letter as the "New Founding Fathers". President Tracker responds to the letter, saying that “The United States was the aggressor in the last war and as such, any territorial losses are the fault of no one except the last administration and our military leaders; they were the ones who led us to war”. The "New Founding Fathers" view this as a rejection of their letter and the plea to return US to its former glory.

1945, May 30th: In response to President Tracker's refusal to act on their letter, the "New Founding Fathers"  announce their "Declaration of Independence" from the United States:

''We the people of the Great States of Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Arizona, in Convention assembled, on the 30th day of May, A.D., 1945, declared that the frequent violations of the Constitution of the United States, by the Federal Government, and its encroachments upon the reserved rights of the States, fully justified these States in withdrawing from the Federal Union. We will forever remain an independent nation state, whose name shall be known as the United Commonwealth of States.''

With this announcement, the four states secede from the Union.

The Six Day Civil War
1945, May 29th: With the declaration of secession by the four states, President Tracker adresses the nation on radio:

''80 years ago, the Union prevailed in its war over the Confederacy, thus keeping our country united. But yesterday, where once there was one nation, united together, there now stands one nation that threatens to tear itself apart. These so-called “New Founding Fathers” have crossed the line we cannot allow them to cross. They have illegally broken away from the Union and have refused all demands to return control of their states back to Washington. And as a result of this, two hours ago my government officially declared war against the four break-away. Our hope for peace is over. We are now at war'' For the first time in 80 years, the United States goes to war against itself.

Day 1: US forces in Washington, with assistance from US forces in Oregon, attack the Idaho pan-handle and take it from the rebellious states and annex it into Washington State. Despite sharing a border with the Pacific States, the four rebellious states do not attack the Pacific States, rather they go to great lengths to avoid the border with the PSA.

Day 2: Not willing to wait for the inevitable attack, PSA forces cross into Nevada and attack several key locations in Nevada and Idaho. This disrupts the forces loyal to the rebelious states but also has an unwelcome side-effect of gaining more supporters for the rebelious states from the US military and poloticians, who openly support them.

Day 3: There are a series of bombings along the border with the rebeloius states, forcing US troops to pull back from their positions and in some cases, abandon their plan to attack. As more people join the rebellious states or flee to the Pacific States, many in the US are beginning to call for an all out strike against the rebelious states, including atomic strikes.

Day 4: In Las Vegas, Governor Howard meets discretley with several Russian representitives, who present him with their plans to help the Commonwealth gain independance from the United States. Their plan initially shocks Governor Howard, who realises that it is the only way for the Commonwealth to gain independance from the United States. There are a series of wildcat strikes across the United States organised by UCS supporters and infiltrators and aided by sympathisers. This causes major disruptions across the United States. After a flurry of high-level phonecalls and meetings, Governor Howard signs a peace-treaty with the Pacific States. This allows the UCS to redirect its forces to fight the US.

Day 5: The Soviet Union and Finland announce that they recignise the legitamicy of the United Commonwealth of States and declare their full support for the UCS. Marshall Kisselev says that "To Preserve the soverignty of the United Commonwealth of States, the Soviet Union along with our Finnish friends, is sending forces to aid the Comonwealth in their struggle against the corrupt, facist, capitalistic dictatorship in Washington". 2000 Soviet troops, which were already in place in Mexico, cross into the UCS and begin fighting the US forces that had crossed into the UCS.

Day 6: In Washington, President Tracker knows that the Soviet and Finnish troops tip the balance of power in favor of the UCS. He orders a full retreat and that a 'Scorched Earth' policy be enacted. The retreating US troops destroy anything and everything of value that they can't take with them to deny them to the UCS. Upon hearing about the full retreat of US forces, Governor Howard sends word to Washington that he is ready to discuss peace-terms. The reply from Washington is that the negotiations will take place the following day in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1945, 4th June: In Salt Lake City, Governor Howard meets with a representetive of the White House, who says that President Tracker will not attend the meeting but will agree to the proposals they agree to; which are as follows: The treaty is signed and an uneasy peace is established.
 * 1) The the end of the war is to be set as for June 4, 1945, at 1801 hours (6:01 pm, the day the negotiations began).
 * 2) The UCS will keep its current borders and will agree to no longer pursue military and/or expansionist action against other States in the Union.
 * 3) The UCS and USA will agree to a prisoner/POW swap and allow any citizens to leave the UCS and go to the USA and vice versa.

The United, Divided
1945, 5th June: With the Six-Day Civil war over, the United States is once again a different place. Reduced in size yet again from 48 states to 44 states, the United States has been proven to be the loser in yet another war. The United Commonwealth of States, despite only being made comprised of just four states and having lost the Idaho panhandle, is the victor in the war. Although the war may be over, things between the US and UCS are far from over. As well as being further territorially divided, opinion on the UCS is also divided. Some in the United States call for a full scale war to regain the four rebellious states and the execution of their leaders and anyone who supports them while some favour non-violent actions and peace at any cost. Fortunatly, cooler heads prevail and there is a tense peace in North America. There are signs that the tense peace in North America is already showing signs of cracking. Washington refuses to accept the UCS ambassador and refuses to send an ambassador to the UCS. The US also persuades the Pacific States not to accept the UCS ambassador and refuses to send an ambassador to the UCS.

How To Deal With Commies; Spanish-Style
1945, 6th-10th June: Both Spain and the United Kingdom have banned Communism, but while the United Kingdom does it with capitalism and punitive measures, Generalissimo Francisco Franco does it with brute force and execution squads, leading to the barbaric methods used by Franco’s soldiers. During the first few hours, more than 37 people have been killed by policemen as suspected Communists or supporters of Communism. The Pro-Communist protests in Madrid have gone increasingly violent, with several deaths. Official reports state that during the four days of violence, 191 people have been killed, 367 have been wounded and 253 severely wounded. The US and Empire of Japan, while publicly denouncing the brutal methods used by Franco, privately they fully support his measures.

A Very Mexican "Provocation"
1945, 12-14th June: Seeing the Baja California peninsula as a prime target for expansion, a group of Japanese soldiers disguised as "settlers and workers" selected an area just inside the Mexican border. This causes tension with the local Mexican population who view the settlers as "unwanted foreign intrusion" and "Jap expansionist tendencies"; which is exactly what Tokyo was planning on. With the rising tnesions between the Mexicans and Japanese settlers, Tokyo is able to covertly begin planning an attack on Mexico. three days after the settlers arrive, a group of armed Mexican peasants and farmers attack the Japanese settlers, who really being soldiers, fight back and defeat the Mexican peasants and farmers, but not without suffering several 'casualties' themselves. These 'casualties' are meerly staged to look like dead women and children. The attack on the Japanese settlers causes outrage in the PSA and throughout the Empire of Japan. The day after the attacks, Prime Minister Prince Konoe goes on the radio and makes the speech which becomes known as the 'We Will Avenge You' speech:

''In ancient Rome, just three words were enough to protect any citizen: 'Civis Romanus sum': I  am a Roman Citizen. So great was the power of Rome that an attack on a citizen of Rome  was considered an attack on Rome itself. This is the message I am sending out to the world: Anyone who carries a Japanese passport, anyone born in our great country has but to utter these words: 'Watashi wa, Nihon no shimindesu' - 'I am a citizen of Japan'. If you can speak those words, know that you will be protected. Our countrymen are under attack in Mexico all because of their Japanese heritage; we have seen their property destroyed and they have been murdered. Simply because they are Japanese. My message to them is simple: we will protect you. If we cannot protect you, we will avenge you.''

The speech is heard around the world and causes panic in the Mexican government.

The Expansion Of The Pacific States: Part I
1945, 14-18th June: After the attacks on the Japanese settlers, 8000 Japanese troops cross into the Baja-California peninsula where they face little to no resistance. After setting up a battle front within the Baja-California peninsula, an additional three thousand troops join the eight thousand already there and together they launch an attack on Sonora. They advance into Sonora then stop when they have secured Sonora's Northern coastline. This would be the only advance into Sonora during the invasion. With Sonora's Northern coastline secured, the Japanese troops return their attention to the Baja-California peninsula. The invasion force is unable to advance any further into Baja-California as the Mexican military has managed to re-group and has managed to land extra troops below the Japanese front-lines. While the Mexican military basks in this perceived 'victory' over the Japanese invasion, the Mexican government tries to bring about a diplomatic soloution to the crisis. President of Mexico Manuel Ávila Sanchez holds high-level negotiations via telephone with Governor-General Miyazaki and Prime Minister Kone in an attempt to end the war.

As the talks begin, the IJN Kariforunia-shū, a New-Mexico-Class battleship captured in California at the end of the Second World War, shells Mexican positions, allowing the Japanese troops to advance further down the peninsula. The firepower of the IJN Kariforunia-shū is more than enough to wipe out the newly acquired Mexican positions, thus allowing the Japanese forces to advance farther down the peninsula. But firing on land-based targets is not all that the IJN Kariforunia-shū does. The Mexican navy sends two battleships to intercept the IJN Kariforunia-shū but both are destroyed by the Japanese battleship with ease. After over eleven and a half hours of negotiations, a treaty is to be signed between the Empire of Japan and the Republic of Mexico. The treaty stipulates that:

The treaty is signed and the war is over.
 * 1)  The Baja-California peninsula and the territory it occuies in Sonora is to be ceeded to Empire of Japan.
 * 2) The Republic of Mexico will not recignise the UCS.
 * 3) The Empire of Japan will allow those Mexican citizens within their new territory to leave shopuld they so choose to.

1945, 19th June: With the treaty signing, the Empire of Japan has expanded its territory in North America. The Baja-California Peninsula is annexed directly into the Pacific States. The UCS protests the treaty signing, with Premier Howard saying that the annexation of the Baja-California Peninsula "Represents a clear and present danger to the United Commonwealth of States and we protest in the strongest possible terms the expansion of the Pacific States closer to our borders". Governor-General Miyazaki ignores his protests.

1945, 20th June: The exodus of Mexicans from the Baja-California Peninsula begins. To ensure an orderly process, the Pacific States opens multiple border crossings and for those Mexicans that want to leave but lack the funds to do so, Sacramento provides them with $100 for traveling/moving expenses.

1945, 21st June: Governor-General Miyazaki attends the ceramony at the old PS/Mexican border where the Baja-California Peninsula is formally transfered to the jurisdiction of the Pacific States. He congratulates the Japanese forces on "Expanding the Empire of Japan with a swift and decisive victory over the enemy".

1945, 22nd-23rd June: Japanese troops, engineers and civil sevrants take control of key points in and around the new Pacific States territory. The infrastructure of the peninsula was left intact by the Mexicans and that which was damaged during the brief war is repeaired easily. As well as taking control of existing infrastructure, locations were scounted for new military bases as well as civilian and military harbors. For a brief period of seventeen hours, the Pacific States border with Mexico is closed but reopened once proper checkpoints have been established.

For Want Of A Port
1945, 25th June: With the UCS essentially surrounded on all sides by hostile nations that do not recignise it, Premier Howard knows that the UCS will not last long unless it gets acsess to international trade. He knows that the quickest way to acomplish this is through the oceans, but he is well aware of the one major problem in that regard: the UCS is landlocked and does not have acsess to the oceans. being surroundd by hostile states that do not recignise the UCS prevents them from gaining acsess to the oceans and with the Baja-California Peninsula now being controlled by the Empire of Japan, plans to purchase territory to allow them acsess to the ocean has been blocked. Premier Howard knows that the Pacific States and United States will not allow the UCS to acsess the oceans via their borders.

1945, 26th June: Premier Howard speaks to President  Sanchez about the possibility of leasing a port or two, thereby giving the UCS acsess to the ocean. After seventeen hours of intense negotiations, an agreement is reached. Mexico will lease three ports to the UCS and allow the cargo to be transported across Mexico.

Reach For The Stars II
1945, 28th June: In Tokyo, an unknown Russian man, after nearly having been tortured to death during the past one hour and forty minutes, is led, barely alive, to a forest where he is slowly beheaded by an unnamed officer, who is then immediately promoted. During the night, Marshall Kiselev will leave a personal protest over the “barbaric” methods used by the Empire of Japan. Prime Minister Prince Konoe replies with a challenge to go public with the protest, “as you may do so, but do it at your own risk”. The three and a half long page report, denunciating the Japanese Empire, is never published. The Empire of Japan never gave the reason for the execution, simply stating that, as the blood of the executed man was drying up on the “very soil he had set out to perpetrate his heinous crime”. In a secret meeting with his cabinet, Prime Minister Prince Konoe reveals that the man was a Russian spy who was attempting to steal technological secrets pertaining to the Japanese space program.

1945, 29th June-July 2nd: Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that within six months, IJAXA will be ready to launch a manned space flight. The Soviet Union redoubles their own efforts to launch a man into orbit in an attempt to beat the Japanese. In a move that shocks the world, IJAXA announces that it will launch its first manned mission, the Taisen-75. The multi-stage rocket will carry a crew of three astronauts into orbit for a period of one week; they will then de-orbit and splash down in the Pacific Ocean. The world's press gathers in Oahu to watch the launch. Astronauts Tsuyoshi Kaijo, Akira Shinmei and Peggy Matsuyama board the Taisen-75. And amidst great fanfare, the rocket lifts off from the Oahu Launch Center. The Russians once again protest that they were not invited to view the launch, but their protests are ignored. The Taisen-75 jettisons its launch stages and the capsule enters low Earth orbit. The assembled press and dignitaries are impressed at the first manned space launch, President Tracker congratulates the Empire of Japan on “Winning this stage of the Space Race”. The Taisen-75 orbits earth not for six days as originally planned, but for just two days when it begins its de-orbiting. The three-man crew manage to stabilize the capsule as it re-enters the atmosphere. They guide it down to a splash-down off the coast of Hawaii where the IJN Yamato is waiting to retrieve them. They are taken back to Japan where they are hailed as national heroes. The success of the Taisen-75 spurs on other nations with their respective Space Programmes; especially the Russians.

1945, 29th July 3rd: A misplacement of cargo causes, when the engines of the first rocket of the Soviet Union fire up, a massive fire that quickly spreads and engulfs everything in its path. The fire soon reaches the fuel deposits, and starts to get even bigger, now fed by the massive containers. When they need him most, Marshall Korolev is in the nearby war room, drawing up plans for an attack on the Empire of Japan. When he hears of the fire, he immediately gives orders for it to be put out, despite not having heard about what is actually going on. Meanwhile, the fire is now so big it covers the entire launch site. All efforts to put it out have failed. In desperation, everyone is given orders to evacuate immediately. Instead, the remaining workers are to put up barriers to stop the fire from reaching the back-up fuel reserves; It fails. The fire reaches the fuel reserves and the pipelines, and they explode, gushing out burning oil on to the fields, the workshops and factories and the mines and quarries. Finally they reach the main oil refinery; it explodes with a sound that can be heard miles away, and will continue to burn for over a month.

1945, 29th July 4th: Enraged by the massive fire and the damages it has caused to the Russian  Space Program, Marshall Kiselev refuses to admit that it was a human mistake that caused the fire. Instead, he blames the works of spies, supposedly sent out by the Empire of Japan, the United Kingdom, and the USA. In his speech to the Supreme Soviet, he accuses “The Western Imperialists are trying to stop the glorious march forward by the great Soviet people! But they will fail, and the traitors of the Homeland will suffer the wrath of the true Russian bear! Long live the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics!”. His call is answered by millions with the words: “Long Live Marshall Kiselev! Long Live The Communist Party Of Russia! Long Live The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics!”.

The Fall Of Berlin And The Rise Of The Third Germany
1945, July 5th-July 20th: After repeated failures with the Soviet Space Program, Kisselev suspects (wrongly) that the work of saboteurs have caused the mishaps. He summons General Checkov, head of the KGB, and asks him to “take care of the spies in the Space Program that are sabotaging the success of the glorious Soviet Union”. That means that Checkov is to arrest people, and this time he does it as never before. Literally hundreds of workers, scientists and others are found guilty of having attempted to have sabotaged the Soviet Space Program. After the purge is over, Kisselev can happily state that “the capitalists have had their lesson!”, and immediately orders the people at the Space Program to work even more harder than before. Needless to say, the purges have done more damage than help, and the Soviet Space Program suffers more failures. Knowing that if he tried to take his aggression out on Japan he would lose, Kisselev orders that Berlin be invaded and taken away from the nations that had been their Allies during the last war. While his generals begin planning the assault on Berlin, Kisselev knows that it will not be an easy task and that many lives will be lost.

In an effort to try to gain support for its planned take-over of Berlin, Soviet agents approach French officials with an interesting proposal; If the French government gives up its portion of Berlin to the Soviet Union, then the Soviet Union will support the French permanantly annexing the Saar Protectorate and the portion of West Germany they currently administer. French President De Gaulle, ever eager to screw the hated Germans over, agree to the Soviet plan. Kisselev says that preperation is needed before the plan can be put into action so President De Gaulle agrees to wait until Kissev gives the all-clear but the secrecy of the Soviet plan is compromised when a junior Russian officer defects to West Germany, bringing with him copies of the Soviet plans and records of the offer made to and accepted by the French. When he hears about the defection, Marshall Kisselev demands that the junior officer be returned to East Germany along with the plans he took with him. “If the puppet German government in Bonn wishes to maintain good relations with the Soviet Union, then the traitorous officer must be returned to East Germany at once” Kisselev says in an official statement “If he is not returned with the plans he stole, then we will have to take necessary retaliatory steps”.

The British, Polish and American sectors of Berlin denounce the plan by the Russians to control all of Berlin, with the American sector saying that any aggression by the Soviets toward the British, Polish and American sectors will require a full response to prevent the aggressive Soviet plan being turned into bloody reality. The French deny the Soviets have any aggressive intention, with President De Gaulle saying that “The Soviet Union does NOT have aggressive intentions toward West Germany. They have compensated us greatly for which we turn over our sector of Berlin to their control”. The announcment that the French have turned their sector of Berlin over to the Russians causes a degree of panic in British, Polish and American sectors. The governors of those sectors know that the Russians will sooner or later take their sectors either by force or by coercion; so they decide to take action against it. Knowing that Russia can't blockade Berlin without causing an international incident, The governors of the Polish, British and American sectors remove any and all valuable documents, artwork and personnel, including German citizens from their sectors. To make sure the Russians do not take their sectors easily, the Polish, British and American forces place charges in and around their sector headquarters. Two days later, they receive word that the Soviets have officially taken control of the French sector of Berlin.

President Tracker lodges a formal protest with the Soviets and French over the Soviet absorption of the French sector of Berlin but Paris and Moscow ignore his protests. Marshall Kisselev reponds by saying that "The Americans have consistantly rebuffed our conciliatory moves. They have refused to divide Berlin more equally. They even refuse TALK to us about sharing all of Berlin. And for tjhat, they will pay the price...". The Polish sector of Berlin reports Soviet troops on the border, so under advice from the US, they abandon their sector, allowing the Soviets to swoop in and take control of it without a fuss. The charges planted around the Polish sector headquarters detonate, destroying the building and injuring the Soviet troops that were guarding it. Marshall Kisselev denounces this as "An act of aggression against the peaceful people of the Soviet Union which will not go unanswered". With Russian forces massing on their sectors of Berlin, the US and British pull out, making sure to detonate the charges, destroying their sector HQ's thereby preventing the Russians from seizing them. With the US and British sectors of Berlin now abandoned, the Soviets quickly invade and annex the last two sectors of Berlin not under their control.

With all of Berlin now under their control, the Soviets announce that "The birthplace of German Fascism and hatred is now under the rightful control of the People's Republic of East Germany". The US, Polish and British governments release a joint statement saying that they "Do not recognise the Soviet invasion and occupation of West Berlin". They also announce that the sections of Germany that are under their control will not allow Soviet Officials or citizens to enter and that any action taken against them will be considered an act of war. Marshall Kisselev is furious at this snub of what he sees as East Germany's rightful claim to all of Berlin, but he does nothing about this snub save for issuing a strongly worded protest to London, Warsaw and Washington denouncing the snub and border closings.

1945, July 21st: The French plan to permanently annex the Saar Protectorate and the portion of West Germany they currently administer is put under threat when US troops are deployed to the Saar Protectorate to ensure its safety. President De Gaulle says this is an act of aggression and will not stand unaswered. He says that unless US troops are withdrawn, they France will have no choice but to take action to make them leave.

1945, July 22nd-August 4th: When US troops refuse to leave the Saar Protectorate, President De Gaulle orders the French forces to cross into the Saar Protectorate to forciobly remove the US troops, but no sooner has the first French soldier corssed the border, the Saar Protectorate announces that it has re-joined West Germany and in addition to this, Bonn announces that "Any aggression against what was known as the Saar Protectorate by French forces will result in harsh reprisals by the Federal Republic of Germany". De Gaulle is outraged at the threat coming from Bonn. In response, he says that “Unless the West German aggressors and their Yankee paymasters want war with France, Bonn must grant us permission to annex the portion of German territory under our control, we will TAKE it by force and put down anyone who opposes us ....”. President Tracker and West German Chancellor Keitel remind President De Gaulle that "The German territory that France currently administers is only temporary. Any request to keep the territory will and always will be refused .....". Furious that his 'Request' to keep the German territory that France currently controls is refused, President De Gaulle announces that France will now “Keep the territory we administer since Bonn refused to accept our request to keep the territory and our generous offers of compensation”. The news that the French intend to keep the German territory they now control causes mass Anti-French protests in Bonn and all over West Germany. President De Gaulle asks Marshall Kisselev for support as per their agreement but in a move that catches Paris off-guard, Marshall Kisselev refuses to aid the French, saying that tensions with Japan and the other occupied German territory to the east of East Germany make providing support impossible.

With no Soviet support for their plan to annex the German territory they currently administer, President De Gaulle goes ahead and says that the territory “Will remain an independent nation state under the protection of the Republic of France”. This is not good enough for Bonn, who with the help of US troops, mass on the border of the French controlled territory, with West German Chancellor Keitel giving the French "One last chance to leave soverign German soil or once again face the wrath of Germany". De Gaulle tries again to unsucsessfully get Soviet backing for hismplan but none is forthcomming. The situation takes a turn for the worse for France as without waiting for any provocation, the West German troops cross into the French administered territory and retake it from the French forces. The West German troops easily overwhelm the French troops and retrake the territory. Other than protest about it, there is little President De Gaulle can do about the loss of the French-administered German territory. The refusal of the Soviets to aid the French sours relations between Moscow and Paris, with President De Gaulle saying "The Soviiets can not be trusted to keep their word. We were promised backing and support for our annexation of the Saar Protectorate and the German territory we administered; but they gave us nothing except lies, falshoods. The word of a Soviet is like the value of dog excrament; Worthless. Make a deal with the Soviets and you will end up the loser". Marshall Kisselev is furious at the 'disrespectful' attitude of President De Gaulle. He sends a stronjgly worded letter to De Gaulle, who throws the letter out without reading it.

The British and Polish sections of German territory now face a problem where before tghere was none; Russian aggression. The governors of the British and Polish sections meet with prominent German leaders in their respective territory to discuss how to stand up to possible Soviet aggression. After two days of discussions, a plan is suggested by the British wherein the Polish and British sections of Germany would unite into a third German nation that would stand with the West against Soviet Union. The plan is agreed upon by the Polish. They announce the unification of their sections of Germany into the Confederation of Germany with Hamburg as its capitol. Upon learning about the unification of the Polish and British sections of Germany, Marshall Kisselev protests it, saying that "The territory that makes up the Confederation of Germany is the rightful territory of the German Democratic Republic and must be returned to the rightful control of Berlin". In a joint statement, Bonn and Washington say that "Any aggression against the Confederation of Germany will result in recipricle action being taken against the German Democratic Republic". Kisselev is furious at this threat and says that any action against the German Democratic Republic will ber taken as an act of war against the Soviet Union. But behind the scenes, Kisselev knows there is little he can do about it. East Germany is now surrounded on both sides by German nations that would not hesitate to use force against East Germany, Kisselev reluctantly does nothing about the Confederation of Germany.

A Tense Peace
1945, August 5th:   The IJN Kyushu, while paying a goodwill visit to Alaska, receives strange reports that an iceberg has been sighted near the Aleutian Islands. While this is not strange, what is strange is that the fisherman who reported the sighting claims they saw wreckage just below the surface. Captain Morishi of the IJN Kyushu doubts their story, thinking they might have been seeing things, but when they stick to their guns, he decides to investigate. With the two fisherman on-board, the IJN Kyushu heads to where the iceberg was sighted. When they arrive, they search the area and much to Captain Morishi's surprise, they do indeed find an iceberg with wreckage embedded just below the surface. They manage to pull a small piece of wreckage off the iceberg and at first; it is thought to be wreckage from the famous cruise liner RMS Titanic, which sank in 1912 in the North Atlantic. This is dismissed as impossible due to the place where the Titanic sank and the simple fact that the iceberg that sank the great liner would have melted long ago. The piece of alleged Titanic wreckage, which is a ship's bell, is sent for study at the University of California.

1945, August 6th: Marshall Kisselev presents an official Russian request to Tokyo wherein the USSR asks that Japan share with them the technology behind the Taisen-75. The request is turned down by Tokyo, a move that angers Marshall Kisselev.

1945, August 7th: After a long series of delays and near cancellations, work on the Malaysian Canal is now at the half-way point. Prime Minister Prince Konoe is pleased that work on the Malaysian Canal is progressing, he assigns more engineers and workers to assist in getting the project back on track.<span id="cke_bm_44E" style="display: none;">

1945, August 8th: JAL announces it is opening 15 more routes due to the overwhelming success of its current routes. The Imperial Air Force announces it has developed a version of the J9Y Kikka engine for civilian use and that JAL has begun fitting it to some of their aircraft, which will allow them to fly to many more destinations. The first plane to be fitted with this engine is JAL Flight 123 from Tokyo to Honolulu International airport. The flight is sold-out and the nervous passengers board the flight. It takes off from Tokyo International airport at 8:58 AM and the flight is scheduled to land at Honolulu International airport six hours and 30 minutes later. The worlds' press is on hand at Honolulu International airport when JAL Flight 123 from Tokyo touches down two minutes behind schedule. The flight is deemed to be a major success and more JAL planes are to be fitted with the J9Y Kikka engine.

1945, August 9th: In the Pacific States, Governor-General Miyazaki signs an executive order stating that anyone who pledges loyalty to the Empire of Japan will receive Silver-level citizenship.

1945, August 10th: In a controversial move, the Empire of Japan buys the Falkland Islands from the United Kingdom for the sum of $7.2 million. The Islands, thought to be rich in natural resources, will remain undeveloped while the resources to develop them are put together. The Japanese purchase of the Falkland Islands is seen by Russia as proof Japan’s intention to expand into South America.

1945, August 11th: Construction on the HQ of the United Nations on Shikotan Island reaches the half-way point. Marshall Kisselev protests the construction of the United Nations HQ being in Japanese territory. He renews Malenkov's protest that Russia was never considered as the host nation for the UN. Prime Minister Prince Konoe ignores the protest.

1945, August 12th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that the Empire of Japan is making a gift to the United States of a passenger plane with J9Y Kikka engine that is for the use of the President only. The aircraft, known as Air Force One, will be painted in blue and white livery and will be handed over to President Tracker by Emperor Hirohito, who will be making his first ever state visit to the United States. Delivery of Air Force One is scheduled to take place in four days.

1945, August 13-14th: The American destroyer USS Eldridge sinks in the Pacific after striking an unknown submarine that had been trailing them. Responding to the Eldridge's distress call, the IJN Kyushu heads out but when they get there, they find only wreckage and bodies of dead sailors. As they are brought onboard, the bodies are proven to be radioactive, suggesting that a nuclear exoplosion took place.

An Imperial Visit
1945, August 15th: Air Force One takes off from Tokyo International Airport with Emperor Hirohito and Prime Minister Konoe on-board and will be accompanied by a squad of J9Y Kikka fighters. As the flight heads out over the ocean, a Russian ship is seen trailing them but seeing as they are out of range of the Russian ship, they ignore it and continue on their way.

1945, August 16th: A full state visit is organised and is ready for the arrival of Air Force One. He is on hand at New York's Idlewild Airport when Air Force One touches down. The world's media is on hand and watches as President Tracker and Vice President Gloria Baker bow as Emperor Hirohito steps onto American soil; the first Japanese Emperor to visit North America. Emperor Hirohito is scheduled to spend one week in the United States.

1945, August 17th: On his first day in the United States, Emperor Hirohito visits the US National Archives where he is given a rare viewing of the Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase document. He is impressed at the US preservation of its historical documents. Also on display is the American copy of the US Instrument of Surrender. When asked by Emperor Hirohito why the American copy of the US Instrument of Surrender is preserved alongside other historical US documents, President Tracker simply replies “it is a part of our history now”.

1945, August 18th: On his third day in the United States, Emperor Hirohito visits Texas where he is shown around an oil refinery. He then visits Appomattox Court House where the US Civil War ended with the Confederate surrender. He admires the condition the courthouse has been kept in and takes in the very room where General Lee signed the Confederate States Instrument of Surrender.

1945, August 19th: On his fourth day in the United States, Emperor Hirohito visits Miami where he takes in the view of the famous Miami Beach. He also views US Coastal Defences and the naval base under construction at Miami Harbor.

1945, August 20th: On his fifth day in the United States, Emperor Hirohito visits New England and the site where the Pilgrims first landed in the Americas. Once again, he is impressed by American efforts to preserve its historical landmarks.

1945, August 21st: On his fifth day in the United States, Emperor Hirohito visits a high school in New York City where he watches as the students perform a traditional Kabuki Play. He is impressed with the students and how they were able to perform the traditional Kabuki Play flawlessly. He honours them by inviting them to Japan to perform at the Imperial Palace.

1945, August 22nd: On his sixth and final day in the United States, Emperor Hirohito addresses a joint session of Congress, the first foreign ruler to do so:

''I am honoured to stand here before you all today, the first foreign ruler to ever do so. This shows how much our relations have improved since the end of the war. We have proven that we are no longer foes, but friends. Together we can create a better world. I cannot tell you that there will be no stumbling or missteps on the road ahead. But the stumbling and missteps are what defines our character and makes us better. Together we can work to forge a prosperous alliance between the Empire of Japan and the United States of America. But this is not going to be easy, there are still parasitic anti-Japanese elements that are working to cripple and destroy the friendship that we have built up. If we continue to work together, we will bring great prosperity to our two countries. If we stand back to work and work hard, we will make America a great and prosperous nation once again. Side by side with the Empire of Japan, America marches proudly toward a bold future ''

After his speech, he officially presents Air Force One to President Tracker in a brief ceremony before returning to Japan on-board a specially chartered JAL flight.

A Tense Peace II
1945, August 23rd: After his successful state visit to the United States, Emperor Hirohito invites President Tracker to Japan for a reciprocal state visit, to which President Tracker accepts. Marshall Kisselev suggests that if he were offered a state visit to Japan, then it would go a long way to easing tensions between the Soviet Union and the Empire of Japan. Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses to offer Kisselev a State Visit, saying “The Soviet Union has done nothing to earn the honour of a state visit and it shall not be given one”. Marshall Kisselev is angered by this, saying it is an insult not only to him but to the whole Soviet Union.

1945, August 24th: Eager to secure its friendship and alliance with Russia, Premier Howard offers Marshall Kisselev a full state visit to Las Vegas. “The United Commonwealth of States hereby extends the hand of friendship to the Marshall of the Soviet Union and hereby extends the full honours and privileges of a full state visit to Marshall Kisselev”. Upon receiving the invitation, Kisselev accepts instantly and says that the UCS is showing it is a friend of Russia by giving it the honour of a state visit. He also says that other nations should also show the USSR the same respect.

1945, August 28th: On the day that Marshall Kisselev arrives in the United Commonwealth of States for his full state visit, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that the last of the US reparations for rebuilding Pearl Harbor have been paid and that the United States now no longer owes Japan anything. He also announces that President Tracker's State Visit to Japan will happen on the first of the following month. These announcements are seen in Moscow and Las Vegas as attempts to draw international attention away from Kisselev's visit to Las Vegas.

1945, August 29th: West German Chancellor Keitel reports that the Soviet Union is building up conventional military forces on their side of the German Wall and says that West Germany will respond in kind. From Las Vegas, Kisselev denounces this as “West German aggression” and says that any action taken against the Soviet Union or East Germany will “Ensure the harshest reprisals against West Germany”.

1945, September 1st: At the end of his State Visit to the United Commonwealth of States, Marshall Kisselev praises the close working and trade friendship that the Soviet Union has with the UCS. “Our two nations will stand up to any and all threats, be they Imperialist or Capitalist”. Though not stated, the 'Imperialist or Capitalist' comment is widely accepted as being a thinly veiled reference to Japan and the United States.

1945, September 2nd: The anti-submarine defences around Hawaii are improved and new anti-aircraft artillery is installed.

1945, September 3rd: The IJN Musashi receives reports of Russian submarines off the coast of Hawaii but turn out to be Japanese submarines on training maneuvers.

1945, September 4th: Marshall Kisselev suggests to President Tracker that if he were offered a State Visit to the United States, then it would go a long way to easing tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States. President Tracker refuses, saying “As Prime Minister Prince Konoe said about the Soviet Union, Russia has done nothing to earn the honour of a state visit and it shall not be given one”. Marshall Kisselev is angered by this, saying it is yet another insult not only to him but to the whole Soviet Union.

1945, September 5th: NASA announces it is launching a satellite onto orbit, Freedom-1. The launch is a major advancement for the US, making them the second nation to launch a satellite into orbit. President Tracker announces the next satellite launch is a cooperative effort between NASA and IJAXA.

1945, September 6th: Marshall Kisselev protests the US satellite launch, saying that "Japan helping the United States into space is another event that proves Japan's hostility toward the Soviet Union as they are helping a nation hostile to us but refuse to help the Soviet Union".

1945, September 7th: There is major controversy in the literary world when US author Irving C.J. David publishes a book called 'How a Jew brought America to its knees', a scathing attack on President Roosevelt and how the war against Japan was lost. David's views on Roosevelt are plainly laid out in the preface of the book:

''It is as plain to see as the sky is blue that President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was a Jew, had brought this war on himself and on the United States. At 7:01am on May 19th 1942, the United States launched an ill-advised and ill-planned sneak attack on the Japanese island of Okinawa. During the unprovoked assault, the Imperial Japanese Navy lost five battleships, though two of them were beached before they could sink and were returned to service later in the war. The US Navy committed war crimes by shelling several small coastal towns and the capitol of Okinawa Prefecture, killing a total of 2998 innocent Japanese civilians. This brought war to the United States, a war which we had no desire to fight and would subsequently lose, thanks to the warmonger Jewish President. It was due to the war-monger Jewish President that we lost Hawaii to Japan. It was due to the warmonger Jewish President that we lost California to Japan. Let us now look at the origins of this fateful war and where it all started to go wrong.''

The book is denounced in literary circles, with prominent US Historian Walter S Guy saying the book “Is based on fabrications and gives a false impression of the war and its causes”. He also cites the erroneous belief by Irving C.J. David that President Roosevelt was Jewish, which he was not, as proof that the book is not worth the paper it is printed on.

1945, September 8th: Divers off the coast of Argentina discover the wreckage of a Nazi submarine. U-175 vanished during the closing days of the war, with a few captured Nazi officials saying that Hitler escaped and that the body in the bunker was that of a double. The discovery of the submarine reignites the debate on weather Hitler really died in the bunker at the end of the war. Senator Miles Maximus Mayhem of Washington State announces that he is going to run for President in the upcoming elections. A surprise candidate that no-one expected to run for office, Senator Mayhem is a firebrand politician, who favours overturning the treaty of Honolulu and regaining all the territories stripped from the US returned to them, including Hawaii, the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. Senator Mayhem quickly secures his party's nomination for the Presidency. President Tracker announces he will seek a full term in office, having served the remainder of Roosevelt's term in office.

A New Alliance
1945, September 9th-12th: In an attempt to gather allies of its own, the Soviet Union forms the Joint Security Operations Collective. This is designed to be the Communist-led alternative to the United Nations with Russia at the helm. All of the nations of the Warsaw Pact join the JSCO. The J.S.O.C. sends out ambassadors to countries in Eastern Europe and in Asia with the intent of signing up other nations to the fledgling organisation. The JSOC ambassador to Malaysia is refused permission to see the Prime Minister while the JSOC ambassador to Vietnam refused permission to get off the plane and is forced to leave the country. When he hears about this, Marshall Kisselev accuses Vietnam and Malaysia of “Impermissible rudeness toward the peoples of the peace-loving Soviet Union” and demands an apology, which he does not get.

1945, September 13th: The JSOC ambassadors do not have any success getting nations outside of the Warsaw Pact to join the JSOC, forcing Kisselev to recall them back to Moscow.

1945, September 14th: Marshall Kisselev suggests that the leaders of Malaysia and Vietnam "Come to Moscow for talks on how to ease the tensions". The Prime Minister of Malaysia and the President of Vietnam both refuse, saying that neither country wants anything to do with the JSO C now or ever. The J.S.O.C. does make one gain in Europe as East Germany becomes the first country to voluntarily join the J.S.O.C. Marshall Kisselev uses this in all official state broadcasts and propaganda.

1945, September 15th: In a surprising move, Kisselev sends a personal hand-written letter to Emperor Hirohito, inviting him to come to Moscow for talks on "Japanese participation in the J.S.O.C." and "How Japan can aid the J.S.O.C. in securing world peace". The invitation is not read by the Emperor, who is informed of its content. Like the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the President of Vietnam, Emperor Hirohito says that "Our Empire will have nothing to do with the J.S.O.C. now or ever. We would never weaken Our Empire by allying ourselves with the nation who have gone to war with us more than any other nation”. When he is informed of Emperor Hirohito’s response, Marshall Kisselev reportedly says that he is “Considering all appropriate responses”. J.S.O.C. even sends an ambassador to Washington, but he is refused permission to see President Tracker and leaves without ever setting foot outside the airport.

A Failure To Provoke The Dragon
1945, September 16th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that construction of the United Nations building on Shikotan Island is proceeding a little behind schedule due to the bad weather they are having at the moment on Shikotan but they will be able to get right back on schedule once the bad weather has subsided.

1945, September 17-18th: Soviet ships are seen off of the coast of Hokkaido and near the Northern Territories. The IJN Fuso nearly rams one of them when it refuses to leave Japanese waters; which it does after a tense stand-off with the Fuso. The Fuso is shadowed by a Soviet ship as it it crosses the Sea of Japan; other than that, the Soviet ship takes no action.

1945, September 19th: There is an attempt on the life West German Chancellor Helga Gerhardt. A bomb explodes in her office, injuring her and killing several of her staff. The blame for the bombing is placed on the East Germans, who strenuously deny any involvement in it. East German President Helmut Von Karginek says that any attempt to blame East Germany for the bombing is an attempt by the West to discredit the reputation of East Germany. He goes on to openly accuse Japan of planting the bomb as a means to drive inter-German relations apart. The West German authorities launch a thorough investigation into the bombing and triple the security around Chancellor Gerhardt.

1945, September 19th: Marshall Kisselev sends an envoy to Tokyo to negotiate for the return of the “Kuril Islands”, which Japan won from Russia during their last war. The envoy proposes that Japan return to the Soviet Union all of the Northern territories up to Urup Island with Japan keeping the four islands that are nearest to Hokkaido. Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses, saying the islands were awarded to Japan at the end of “Russia’s last war of aggression against the Empire of Japan” and “one must understand the psychology of our people; the Soviet Union was the looser in the war, and now the defeated side doesn’t want to accept the punishment for staring the war which they lost”.

1945, September 20th: Angry at the Japanese refusal to enter into negotiations for the return of the “Kuril Islands”, Marshall Kisselev begins planning his vengeance on Japan. He speaks to Premier Howard about the Commonwealth’s help, which he says will “Help restore the honour of the United Commonwealth of states and land that was stolen from it by Japan”. Premier Howard agrees to support Marshall Kisselev providing Russia can score a victory against Japan first. Kisselev says that they can and tells Premier Howard that he will be informed when the plan is ready to go into action.

1945, September 21st: Prime Minister Prince Konoe is informed that Soviet ships have been sighted near the Northern Territories and Soviet troops have been seen dangerously close to the Japanese/Russian Border. He believes that the Soviets are planning another war against Japan so he orders the military to increase their alert status and increases patrols on the Korean Peninsula, near the Japanese/Russian border and in and around the Northern Territories.

1945, September 22nd: In order to dissuade any possible Russian aggression, the Empire of Japan conducts an underground nuclear test on Urup Island. Marshall Kisselev denounces this as “Reckless Japanese provocation and an unnecessary step in raising tensions in East Asia”. Behind closed doors, Marshall Kisselev knows that the Japanese nuclear test was a warning to the Soviet Union that if they attacked, then Japan would use its nuclear weapons. Marshall Kisselev is then reluctantly forced to cancel the planned actions against Japan.

A Space-Race Cheat
1945, September 23rd: Cuca Takanori, the head of IJAXA, report to Prime Minister Konoe that plans for the next generation of Japanese have been stolen. She also informs him that the thief killed three security guards as they made off with the plans. There is one piece of good news and that is that the thief only got two-thirds of the plans, as the most important, the fuel assembly, had not been added yet. Director Takanori tells Prime Minister Konoe that who ever stole the plans will not be able to launch any vehicle as the fuel assembly is vital. She also states that if they try, their launch vehicle will explode and be destroyed. When asked who he thinks stole the plans, Prime Minister Konoe tells her “The Russians, who else”. Director Takanori is told to keep the theft quiet as Prime Minister Konoe wants to see just what happens with the stolen plans.

1945, September 24th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that America has donated $100 million dollars toward the construction of the United Nations HQ on Shikotan Island.

1945, September 26th: Exactly one week after the theft of the plans, Marshall Kisselev makes an announcement which Prime Minister Prince Konoe believes all but proves the Russians were behind the theft of the plans:

''The week, this month and this year, the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics has made a break-through in the next great technological leap forward. We have developed the Korolev, the next generation in space technology. It will allow the peoples of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics to advance to the next level of space technology and lead the way in the “Space Race”. This comes at a time when the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great, prosperous, powerful nation. The launch was conducted with wisdom and technology that is 100 percent safe.''

He then announces that the first test-launch will take place in the first week of September.

1945, September 27th: Japanese operatives in Russia report that the Korolev was indeed built with the stolen 2/3 of the plans from IJAXA. The operatives confirm that the Korolev will not launch and will never get off the launch-pad. Prime Minister Prince Konoe decides not to inform the Soviets of the fact that the Korolev is built using defective parts.

Raising Tensions
1945, September 28-29th: A Soviet 4-man spy-ring is discovered in Shikoku. There is a running gun-battle as the Soviet spies try to escape, but they are caught at the dock and are arrested. Prime Minister Prince Konoe releases a statement saying “Japan will not tolerate Soviet spies trying to steal our secrets and subvert the will of the Emperor”. He announces that the spies will be executed unless the Soviets “admit to spying on the Empire of Japan, apologise for this state-sponsored attempt at espionage against Our Empire, then the spies will pay the full price for Moscow’s crimes with their lives”. When Marshall Kisselev refuses to apologise, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that the spies will be executed in two days. With no apology forthcoming from Moscow and Marshall Kisselev, the Soviet spies are executed by beheading at Sugamo Prison. Marshall Kisselev is furious at the execution and vows “Massive and swift retaliation for the brutal murder of Russian citizens by the Imperialistic murderers in Tokyo”.

1945, September 30th: After the execution of the Soviet spies, Prime Minister Prince Konoe orders all Japanese operatives in the Soviet Union leave immediately. They either return directly from Russia or head to a safer country before heading back to Japan.

1945, October 1st: Marshall Kisselev says that the tensions between the Soviet Union and the Empire of Japan could be abated “If I were offered a State Visit, that it would go a long way to easing the tensions between our two nations”. Prime Minister Prince Konoe says that Kisselev will not be offered a State Visit as he does not deserve one.

1945, October 2nd: Anatoly Gromyko, the Russian ambassador to the Empire of Japan tries to present Prime Minister Prince Konoe with an official letter from Marshall Kisselev, suggesting that he be given a state visit. Ambassador Gromyko is refused entry to the Diet Building. Marshall Kisselev is furious at the refusal to let Ambassador Gromyko enter the Diet Building and recalls him from Tokyo and expels the Japanese ambassador to Moscow and closes the Japanese Embassy. Prime Minister Prince Konoe knows that another war with Russia is brewing, he also knows that the Empire, while stronger than the Soviet Union, is vulnerable in places. He orders that all defences around the Empire be doubled and patrols are tripled.

1945, October 3rd: President Tracker informs Prime Minister Prince Konoe that the Russian ambassador to the US has been suggesting that President Tracker use his diplomacy skills to get Tokyo to offer Marshall Kisselev a full state visit to Japan. In response to this, Prime Minister Prince Konoe makes an official statement:

''Marshall Kisselev has been suggesting and asking that he be given a full-blown State Visit to the Empire of Japan; this will not happen, now or ever. He does not deserve a full-blown State Visit and will never be given one, ever.''

Upon hearing this, Marshall Kisselev says that he is “Considering all responses to this insult against my person and against the Soviet Union”.

1945, October 4th: Eager to score one over on the Empire of Japan and the United States for not offering him a State-Visit, Marshall Kisselev announces that “All members of the CPUSA shall be welcomed as our oppressed brothers and sisters”. With the Soviet Union giving them sanctuary, the CPUSA members that are not in jail flee to the USSR. Marshall Kisselev says that Anthony Summers, chairman of the Communist Party of America, who was imprisoned when the US outlawed Communism “Should be freed, along with all Communism captives from your prisons, detention facilities, and concentration camps, regardless of whether they have been recipients of what you call a fair trial or not”. This is denied by Washington.

A Friendly Cup Of Tea
1945, October 5-8th: In order to foster good relations with the UK, a friendly race is organised. The HMS Hawke and IJN Fuso will race from London to the French port-city of Calais. The race, which is won by the Fuso, is seen as a sign that relations between the Empire of Japan and the United Kingdom is improving. After the race, the crew of the IJN Fuso give tours of their ship to the crew of the HMS Hawke. Captain Stanley Lord of the HMS Hawke says of the crew of the IJN Fuso “The Japanese sailors are the most disciplined sailors I have ever seen. They exude professionalism at a level that the Royal Navy could do well to emulate”.

1945, October 9th: Marshall Kisselev once again sends an envoy to Tokyo to negotiate for the return of the “Kuril Islands”, which Japan won from Russia during their last war. As with the last envoy, this one also proposes that Japan return to the Soviet Union all of the Northern territories up to Urup Island with Japan keeping the four islands that are nearest to Hokkaido. As with the last envoy, Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses the proposal. He says the islands were awarded to Japan after the end of “Russia’s last war of aggression against the Empire of Japan. He also says that Russia “was the looser in the war, and now the defeated side doesn’t want to accept the punishment for staring the war which they lost. The Northern Territories are a vital part of the Empire of Japan and we will not give them up”. Marshall Kisselev denounces this, saying that Japan is “hampering the efforts of the USSR to create a stable and lasting world peace”. Downing Street issue a statement saying that they back Japan.

1945, October 10th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that Shumshu Island and the territory gained from Russia during the last war will have military bases built there “To allow the Imperial Japanese military to easily defend this vital part of Japanese territory”. Marshall Kisselev protests this, saying that it is “An unnecessary provocation from Japan”. Prime Minister Prince Konoe stresses that “The Northern Territories and the Russian territory we annexed from Moscow at the end of the last war are Japanese territory and that therefore we are free to install defences on them whenever we need to”. He admonished Russia for “getting hysterical” about the issue. Prime Minister Hugh Bonneville issues a statement saying that "Japan has every right to defend its territory from a hostiloe and unfriendly nation".

The Calm Before The Storm
1945, October 11th: The construction crews working on on the United Nations building on Shikotan Island report that hundreds of tons worth of materials have been stolen as well as technical plans for the layout of the United Nations building. Prime Minister Prince Konoe suspects the Russians are behind the thefts, but he has no proof of that. He orders the Imperial Japanese Navy to patrol around Shikotan Island and orders that no-one other than the construction crews are allowed access to the island until construction is finished. 1945, October 12th: In his weekly meeting with Emperor Hirohito, Prime Minister Prince Konoe resists the suggestions by his Defence Minister Hitoshi Kano, that the Empire of Japan should expand southward and take Australia. Prime Minister Prince Konoe says that if they take any action against Australia, then there is a more than good chance that the Russians and Chinese would use this as an opertunity to declare war against the Empire. Hitoshi Kano disagrees, he says that if an "event" could be engineered where-in Australia acted aggressivly toward the Empire, then Japan would have every right to retalliate, and if the "Event" was serious enough, then they would have no choice but to invade Australia and annex it into the Empire. Prime Minister Prince Konoe says it is to risky, and while Emperor Hirohito agrees, he orders Konoe to work with Hitoshi Kano to formulate a version of his plan that would hold up to the international complaints and condemnation that would inevitably arise from any action taken against Australia.

1945, October 13th: There is trouble in Europe as West Germany reports an increase in Soviet spy activity. In an attempt to stop the Soviet Union spying on them, West German Chancellor Willem Keitel announces that any Soviet Spies caught within West Germany will be arrested as foreign spies and will face possible execution. Marshall Kisselev denounces this as "An open attack on innocent Soviet citizens living within the capitalistic confines of West Germany". He says that if West Germany executes any Soviet Spies that are captured and does not return them, then this will be considered an act of aggression against the Soviet Union. Deciding to play it safe, Marshall Kisselev orders 90 percent of all Soviet Spies in West Germany return to the Soviet Union, leaving only essential spies in vital missions in place.

1945, October 14th: Prime Minister Prince Konoe is informed that Isralie settlers in the British mandate of Palestine have decalred independance as the State of Israel. With the importance of having a foothold in the Middle East, the Empire of Japan, along with the United States, grants immmediate diplomatic recignition to the fledgling state of Israel. "We must help the young state of Israel in its early days if it is to survive" US President Tracker says.

The Re-Unification Of Germany And The Fall Of The Soviet Union
1945, October 15th: In a move that no-one was suspecting, West German Chancellor Keitel announces that West Germany has completed top-secret negotiations with Czechoslovakia for the purchase of a small sliver of Czechoslovakian territory that connects West Germany with the Confederation of Germany.

1945, October 16-18th: Marshall Kisselev denounces the West German purchase of the small sliver of Czechoslovakian territory. He says that the sale, as well as being illegal, cuts off East Germany from its Czechoslovakian allies and the rest of the Soviet Union. East German military forces are deployed to the new southern border with West Germany as Marshall Kisselev says that "Unless the capitalist West German government accedes to our request and turns over control of this territory to our administration; we will have no choice but to take strong measures to correct this injustice against us".

1945, October 19th: West German Chancellor Keitel refuses to turn over the newly-purchased territory to the East Germans and the Soviet Union. She says that "Any action taken against West Germany by East Germany or the Soviet Union will be taken as an act of war against the Federal Republic of Germany and will require a full retaliatory response". The President of the Confederation of Germany Albert Speer, Hitler's former architect and Armaments Minister releases  statement of support for West Germany and pledging military support for West Germany should East Germany or the Soviet Union take aggressive action. Prime Minister Prince Konoe and Prime Minister Hugh Bonneville release separate statements backing West Germany and the Confederation of Germany.

1945, October 20-June 2nd 1948: Tensions along the border between West and East Germany reach breaking point when 32 year old Willy Brandt defects to West Germany, bringing with him top-secret joint East German/Soviet plans for the invasion of West Germany and the Confederation of Germany. Brandt presents the invasion plans to West German Chancellor Keitel, who grants him sanctuary. The East Germans demands he be sent back to them as he stole classified information, but they refuse, saying he is under West German protection and that the plans have been sent for study as to formulate a defence. This infuriates many in Berlin and Moscow, who say that the plans were top-secret information, which is now in the hands of a foreign power.

As tensions rise, the Soviet Union takes action after taking the West German refusal to turn over their territory to them as an insult. Wiyth Soviet support, East Germnany launches an invasion of the territory West Germany purchased from Czechoslovakia at the same time they launch a lighting invasion of North-Western West Germany. The moment the East Germans cross into West German territory, Chancellor Keitel braks off all diplomatic relations with East Germany and the Soviet Union and announces that "As a result of the hostile actions taken against the Rederal Republic of Germany by the war-mongers in East Germany anhd the Soviet Union, a state of war now now exists between us".

Following the West German declaration of war against East Germany and the Soviet Union, the United States, Confederation of Germany and Empire of Japan all issue declarations of war against East Germany and the Soviet Union. Though this comes as no surprise to Moscow and Berlin as they expected these declarations of war, they are caught off guard by how soon at which the declarations of war were issued. Though publicly Marshall Kisselev dismisses the declarations of war, privately he knows that the Soviet Union has to emerge totally victorious in this conflict or face a united German nation that is hostile to the Soviet Union and the Warsaw pact.

One day after their declaration of war against the Soviet Union, Japanese forces annex the Jewish oblast with little resistance. At the same time as the Jewish oblast is annexed, Japanese forces launch a devastating bombing raid on the oblast of Amur; which paves the way for a ground invasion. The Russian forces in Amur put up a fight but they are almost obnliterated by the Japanese bombing raids and the ground invasion destroys any active oposition; forcing the few surviving Russian troops to retreat into Sakha. Marshall Kisselev is furious at having lost more territory to Japan and vows to  "Regain the territory lost to Japan and to kick the Imperialists all the way back to Tokyo". But he knows this will not be easy as he is also fighting against West Germany, the Confederation of Germany and the United States. Kisselev knows he has to conclude the war in Germany before he can turn his full attention to Japan and the war in the Far East.

In Germany, the West German forces halt the East German advance and they are able to force the East Germans into a stalemate. Angered at the stalemate being forced upon his forces by West Germany, the East German President Helmut Von Karginek sends Chancellor Keitel a demand for "An immediate cessation of hostilities and a West German treaty of friendship and cooperation with the People's Republic of East Germany". Chancellor Keitel refuses the demand and vows to "Crush the East German invasion force and make Berlin and Moscow pay for their act of aggression". Keitel sends orders to all West German generals and senior military officers to "Shoot on sight any East German or Russian soldier, offering them no quarter".

Four days after the East German invasion, the first US troops arrive in West Germany and are immediately deployed to the border with East Germany where they are drawn almost right away into combat with East German troops. The combined West German/US force is able to retake half of the territory purchased from Czechoslovakia and a minor portion  of the territory invaded in the North-West. The West German troops, following the orders issued by Chancellor Keitel, show no quarters to East German or Russian forces they encounter. The "No Quarters" order by Keitel shocks East German President Helmut Von Karginek and Marshall Kisellev, who both denounce the "Savage brutality of the West Germans again st the peace-loving East German and Soviet soldiers who are trying to bring peace to Germany".

In the Confederation of Germany, East German troops cross the border but are beaten back by Confederation troops with assistance from British troops that had been dispatched when war was declared. Marshall Kisselev is furious at the losses to the Confederation of Germany and sends a message to President Speer, demanding that "Confederation troops remain in their barracks on on their bases and allow East German and Soviet forces to establish buffer zones to prevent any acts of aggression between our nations”. President Speer replies with but just one word "Nuts". This infuriates Marshall Kisselev who vows to “Eradicate the bastard state of the Confederation of Germany and expand the Soviet Union across all of Europe and make those who stood against us pay for their crimes against the great Soviet Union and her brave allies".

The situation is no better for the Soviet Union in the Far-East. As after consolidating their hold on Amur and the Jewish oblast, the Japanese launch bombing raids on Zabaykalsk as well as launching blitzkrieg-style attacks on the northern border with Sakha. After being given the idea by Chancellor Keitell, Prime Minister Prince Konoe issues new orders to the Japanese troops, who begin showing "No Quarters" to Russian forces. And although they are no strangers to the brutality of the Japanese forces, the Soviet forces in Zabaykalsk are shocked at the brutality of the Japanese invasion. The Soviet armed forces are mercilessly cut down, given "No Quarters" by the Japanese invasion force. Seeing the brutality shown toward any that oppose the Japanese invasion force, Russian civilians, non-combatants and those not wishing to live under Japanese rule flee Zabaykalsk and head west.

With the loss of Zabaykalsk and the failure to beat the West Germans and the Confederation of Germany, Marshall Kisselev begins to get desperate. He blames the losses in the Far East on his Generals and the stalemate in Germany on the East Germans and the Americans and English. He institutes a series of purges, ridding himself of those he blames for the losses in the Far East and the failures in Germany. This demoralises the Soviet military, with many senior officers believing that they will be 'purged' next if they do not achive the "Total and unequivical" victory that Kisselev is demanding from them. A group of Soviet generals. fearful they will be 'purged' next form a resistance to Kisselev, calling themselves the "White Russians".

The 'White Russians' resistance movement helps officers who fear being purged escape to neutral territory in Switzerland. But a few of the escaping officers, when they arrive in Switzerland, go to the Japanese embassy and ask for asylum in exchange for information to help the Japanese fight the Russians in the Far-East. Sceptical of their intentions, the Japanese ambassador to Switzerland Jun Sato speaks to one of the Russians claiming asylum; Colonel Boris Bushkin. Over the course of the interview, Colonel Buskin reveals that the Purges instigated by Kisselev are causing wide-spread dissent amongst the Soviet military and there is a growing number of Soviet officers who would rather live  under Japanese rule where they would at least have the chance to be treated fairly and not executed for failing to win a military engagement. Eager to get any advantage over the Russians, Ambassador Sato grants the Russian military officers asylum on the grounds that they are “persecuted individuals who would suffer at the hands of a Communist madman”.

When this news reaches Moscow, Kisselev goes into a fit of blind rage, accusing those around him of aiding the Japanese in the Far-East or of being incompetant and causing the losses against West Germany. He personally executes two officers for "treason and crimes against the state" for suggesting that they seek a diplomatic solution to the war with Japan. While this is going on, the Japanese are able to take small portions of Sakha in the North-West and the tip of the easternmost part of Irkutsk. The loss of these small portions of territory to Japan only serves to increase Kisselev's hatred for the Japanese. He orders that the “Great and mighty Soviet Union be purged of all degenerate Japanese influences as top better strengthen our people and republic against their insidious ways”. He extends the purges to include anyone suspected of being pro-Japanese or possessing any Japanese items of any kind.

As the Japanese consolidate their latest gain in the Far East, the war in Germany also goes against the Soviets and their East German allies. West Germany is able to retake the territory they purchased from Czechoslovakia. They also take territory in the North-East and make an advance into the heart of East Germany. The East Germans put up a good fight but the mountin losses force them to retreat on all fronts. The Confederation of Germany attacks East Germany, and make an advance into the heart of East Germany like West Germany did. This leaves East Germany perilously close to being cut in two. In Moscow, Kisselev institutes a nation-wide draft, stating that all males between the ages of 16 and 60 must report for military service and that all women of the same age must report for civic service to aid the war effort.

The announcement of the general draft causes more dissent within the general Soviet population; with many young men and women refusing to report for military service and attempting to flee the country. When Kisselev finds out about this, he orders that anyone attempting to flee and not fight be shot on sight. He hopes that this will reverse the fortunes of the Soviet Union in the wars, but it does not; rather it has the opposite effect. There are mass desertions as civilians begin leaving by the thousands every day. But the problems for the Soviet Union do not stop there. A group of Soviet military officers stationed on a group of islands off the north coast of Sakha stage a coup and shoot the Colonel in charge. They immidiatly broadcast their surrender to the Japanese on the mainland in exchange for their lives being spared; their surrender is accepted by the Japanese on the mainland. But this mutiny and switching of sides is the first of many such incidents. A group of Soviet military officers stationed on a group of islands off the north coast of Krasnoyarsk, like their collegues on Sakha did, stage a coup and shoot the colonel in charge and offer to surrender to Japan if they are spared; this offer is accepted. In Moscow, Kisselev is furious at this latest loss of Soviet territory.

With the Japanese now holding islands off the coast of two major sections of Soviet territory, Kisselev gets even more desperate for a victory over Japan and the west which will turn around the fading glories of the Soviet Union. He orders that all countries of the WARSAW pact go to a full-scale war footing and mobalise all armed forces to the conflict in Germany; which is now in freefall for the Soviets and their East German puppets. West German and German Confederation troops sucseed in bifircating East Germany as their respective forces battle the East Germans and link up. With East Germany now cut in two and one half with its back against the sea, Chancellor Keitel and President Speer make an announcement that changes not only the war, but the face of Europe. They announce that West Germany and the Confederation of Germany are to unite into a single German nation; which is to be named the German Federation.

With the news that West and East Germany are unifying into a single nation marks the beginning of the end of East Germany. The German Federation quickly gains diplomatic recognition from all the nations in Europe bar France as well as gaining recignition from the United States, Israel and the Empire of Japan. East Germany refuses to recognise the new government and demands a return to the pre-war borders as a condition for a ceasefire and peace talks. The government of the German Federation refuse, with Keitel and Speer releasing a joint statement saying that "We will brook no ceasefire or truce, we will only accept a full surrender of the East German dictatorship and the unification of all of Germany under our rule".

The East German territory that it cut off from Berlin does its best to hold out against the German Federation and its allies, but it does them no good. Their forces fight on but are soon overwhelmed and are crushed. The German Federation sweeps through the part of East Germany that is cut off from Berlin and it is easily annexed into the German Federation. The East German rump state is surrounded by German Federation forces and has its back up against the sea yet Berlin stubbornly refuses to surrender to the German Federation and their repeated calls for assistance from Moscow go unanswered. Berlin knows that their days are numbered and that without Soviet help, they will not last long against the German Federation and their American allies.

In the Soviet Far East, things continue to go downhill for Moscow. Buryatia is invaded by Japan and annexed with very little Soviet resistance, with the majority iof the Soviet citizens prefering life under Japanese rule where they stand the chance of being treated fairly than the barbarity of the Soviet Union where the face execution for what ever transgression Kisselev accuses them of. The few soldiers and civilians that remain loyal to Moscow are either lynched by those that want to surrender to Japan or are cut down without mercy by the Japanese invasion force. The loss of Buryatia is yet another nail in the coffin of the Soviet Union. Kisselev knows that the Soviet Union is doomed but he insists that they fight on to the bitter end.

While raging in anger and hatred at the Japanese, Kisselev tries in vain to negotiate with the German Federation for a ceasefire and return to the pre-war borders with no sucsess. Now surrounding the East German rump state, the German Federation gives East Germany one day to surrender or face invasion and forcible annexation. When Berlin refuses to surrender, the German Federation simply surrounds the East German rump state and blockades it with warships along its ocean border. East German President Helmut Von Karginek appeals to the Soviet Union for assistance, but with the war in the Far East going very badly for Moscow, the East German appeals for help go unanswered. As the days drag on, the situation in East Germany gets worse. People begin fleeing East Germany, with the East German secret police and military shooting anyone who tries to flee Berlin. One week after the blockade of East Germany, there is coup-de-tat in Berlin in which East German President Helmut Von Karginek is deposed by a group of military officers who then contact Bonn and offer them their unconditional surrender; which is quickly accepted by Bonn. The loss of East Germany further demoralises the Soviet military, who lost some 10,000 troops, personnel and advisors with the fall of East Germany; fully one third of which were killed trying to escape after the surrender was accepted.



With the fall of East Germany, the German Federation reigned supreme over the entirety of German territory. The new German government declared victory and that a state of war now exists between the German Federation and the Soviet Union. In Moscow, the news of the fall of East Germany does nothing to improve Kisselev's mood or the falling morale of the Soviet Union. And to add to Kisselev's increasingly misery and depression, he is informed that the Japanese have invaded and annexed half of Sakha and part of Irkutsk. The loss of more Soviet territory demoralises the Soviet forces even more with the majority of them now refusing to fight, citing the mounting losses and the seeming inability to achive a victory over the Japanese invaders.

From the occupied islands off the coast of Sakha, Japanese forces are able to land on the tip of the territory, quickly seizing it and establishing a foothold. This allows them to launch bombing raids over all of Sakha. Instead of attacking Sakha, or from their newly-acquired a foothold in Krasnoyarsk, the Japanese launch an attack on Tuva as well as seizing another part of Irkutsk. And in a move that sends shockwaves through the rest of the Soviet Union, the Japanese invasion forces in Tuva show a level or ferocity and barbarity to both Soviet military and civilians. This causes both civilians and military to flee Tuva as well as the surrounding republics. The latest Japanese advances also have an effect on the nations that are under Soviet control.

Poland, Georgia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan all declare their independence from the Soviet Union with the German Federation, United States and Empire of Japan all recignising their independence. Despite the rock-bottom morale of both the Soviet military and civilian population, there is a surprising amount of resistance from Soviet military forces and those loyal to the crumbling regime in Moscow; who are able to retake Krakow and reaffirm Poland's loyalty to the Soviet Union. But this is all the success they can muster as the losses to Japan in the Far East continue to mount. In Moscow, there are desperate attempts to negotiate a peace-treaty with the Empire of Japan, all of which fails as Tokyo says it will only accept Moscow's total surrender. Rejecting the call for their surrender, Moscow pulls all military forces back to west of Sakha and redeploys all available military units in a massive defence line which is dubbed the “Russian Siegfried Line”.

The “Russian Siegfried Line” is re-enforced by all available Soviet and WARSAW pact troops plus any civilians that can be forced into military service. Though the number of civilians forcible recruited into military service is suprisingly high, almost all of the new conscripts desert their posts, prefering to flee than face the Japanese at the “Russian Siegfried Line”. When he hears about this, Kisselev orders that anyone not fighting to defend the country will be shot. This instills fear in the Soviet population, causing more people to flee. The Soviet and WARSAW pact troops re-enforce the “Russian Siegfried Line”, which Kisselev and the Soviet leadership know is the last line of defence for the Soviet Union against the Japanese invasion.

For all intents and purposes, the “Russian Siegfried Line” is a sucsess as the Japanese forces do not advance beyond it. But for those trapped outside the “Russian Siegfried Line” they can do nothing but sit back and watch as Japan advances further into Soviet territory. The remaining portion of Sakha is quickly invaded and annexed, with the Japanese forces facing little if any resistance. With the news that anyone showing resistance to the invasion forces being executed along with their families, Sakha is quickly pacified. After the conquering of Sakha, Irkutsk is the next to feel the force of the Japanese invasion; quickly falling in half the time it took to conquer and annex Sakha. For the next few weeks, there is no further Japanese advance; which makes Kisselev uneasy and very nervouse. He knows that Jaopan is planning its next assault. Some in Moscow believe that there will be no further Japanese advancement into Soviet territory; they are wrong. Three weeks after their annexation of Irkutsk, the Japanese invasion force sweeps into Khakassia and annexes the republic within a matter of days.

Moscow's nightmare since the establishment of the “Russian Siegfried Line” has come to pass; Japan now has a border along the “Russian Siegfried Line”. Despite the vast number of Soviet and WARSAW pact troops along the “Russian Siegfried Line”, Kisselev knows that at any time, the Empire of Japan can and more than likely will use nuclear weapons against Soviet targets. Several discrete peace-feelers are sent out to Tokyo, all of which are rebuffed and sent back with the statement that "The Empire of Japan will only accept the total surrender of the Soviet Union and nothing less". And in response to the peace-feelers sent out by Moscow, Japan advances into Krasnoyarsk along the border with the "Russian Seigfried Line" while at the same time the territory in the north of Krasnoyarsk advances eastward and links up with the rest of the Japanese territory.

Knowing they could never retake it from Japan, Kisselev abandons Krasnoyarsk and concentrates all forces on the “Russian Siegfried Line”. In Tokyo, Prime Minister Prince Konoe informs Emperor Hirohito of the spectacular progress of the war against the Soviet Union. Konoe says that with the Soviet and WARSAW pact forces now deployed along the  “Russian Siegfried Line”, further advances into Soviet territory will be very costly; bordering on impossible. General Hiro Nambara Chief of Staff of the Army says that the way to break the “Russian Siegfried Line” as well as the will of the Soviet people is one in the same; atomic strikes. While he agrees with the atomic strikes, Prime Minister Prince Konoe says that they should be used as a last resort. General Nambara suggests using Napalm and gas attacks against Russian positions to which Prime Minister Prince Konoe says is a good idea. Emperor Hirohito agrees with the plans for the Soviet Union and gives the plans his official seal of approval. The Japanese forces advance further into Krasnoyarsk in the north and south while totally ignoring the “Russian Siegfried Line”. This causes worry in Moscow as Kisselev and the military to panic; trying to figure out why Japan is not making any further incursions into Soviet territory.



In Moscow, the US, British and French pull their embassies and diplomatic staff out, which earns them the scorn of Kisselev, who says they are "Cowardly capitalist pig-dogs who are abandoning the brave people of the Soviet Union to the sheer and utter barbarity of the Yellow Jap menace". The northern islands of Arkhangelsk are taken but the main island is not as it is to well defended. Several unofficial discrete peace feelers are sent out to Tokyo without Kisselev's knowladge. They try to secure either a ceasefire or failing that, a more peaceful and less bloody expansion of Japan's borders. The Russians inform Tokyo that given the choice of living in the Soviet Union where they risk being "purged" for not ebing able to win an unwinable battle or living under Japanese rule; they would choose living under Japanese rule. This presents Tokyo with a unique opportunity to expand the Empire with minimal loss of life. The Soviet delagation reveals they are from the Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Kemerovo Oblasts and the Autonomous Okrug of Nenetsia. Prime Minister Prince Konoe meets with Matsuhiro Watanabe, the Army General in charge of the war against the Soviet Union. General Watanabe says that the Soviet officers need to return to their territory and begin covert plans to allow Japan to annex them.

The Soviet officers return to their territory to begin the necessary preparations. General Watanabe says to Prime Minister Prince Konoe that the Soviet officers rebellions will more than likely fail and be crushed by the Soviet military and that this should not be seen as a failure for Japan, but rather an opertunity. He points out that with a portion of their forces focused on crushing the rebellion, Japan can break through parts of the “Russian Seigfried Line” and advance deeper into Russian territory. As part of their plans to break through the “Russian Seigfried Line” and advance deeper into Russian territory, General Watanabe orders an advancement deeper into Krasnoyarsk. But things take a turn for the worst for the Soviet Union when a Russian garrison in Altai fires several anti-tank grenades across the border, killing seventeen Japanese soldiers. Using this as an excuse to attack the “Russian Seigfried Line” earlier than they had planned, the Japanese attack, breaking though a narrow tract of land at the southern-most tip of the “Russian Seigfried Line”.

As the Japanese forces stream over the border, Kisselev realised Altai is a lost cause but he vows to defend the Soviet Union "To the last man and take as many Japs with us as we can". At a meeting with Prime Minister Prince Konoe, General Watanabe says that victory over the Soviet Union is near and that the Soviet officers rebellions in Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Kemerovo Oblasts and the Autonomous Okrug of Nenetsia are underway and that Soviet forces have been diverted to fight them. This allows the Japanese to advance into Kemerovo with little resistance as well as expand further into Krasnoyarsk, taking half of what remains. Despite the Japanese breaking through the “Russian Seigfried Line”, Kisselev orders the troops defending it to continue doing so to slow down the Japanese advance; this is a mistake as along multiple positions, the Japanese use chemical and gas weapons, wiping out hundreds of thousands of Russian and WARSAW pact troops.

As the Japanese advance into Krasnoyarsk and totally annex it as well as break through the "Russian Seigfried Line" at multiple points, Poland launches a brief assault on the ailing Soviet Union when they invade and annex Kaliningrad. With Kaliningrad lost to them, with the exception of Kisselev and the hard-liners in the Kremlin, the Soviet Union  realises the war is lost and that all they can do is slow the Japanese advance down but not stop it. As the Russian forces are either obliterated or flee, the rest of Krasnoyarsk is annexed with Tomsk and Omsk following a few days later; Novosibirsk falls within a few hours as does Yamalia and Khantia-mansia. With the Japanese now within air-striking distance of Moscow, there is a coup-d'etat in Moscow where Kisselev and his cabinet and advisors are arrested and shot. As the Japanese forces annex Momentum, General Bushkin contacts Tokyo and requests a ceasefire as well as terms and conditions for ending the war. Prime Minister Prince Konoe responds with a list of demands that must be met or the war will continue. The list of demands are:


 * 1) The elimination and outlawing of Communism.


 * 1) Dissolution of the Soviet Union.


 * 1) Dissolution of the WARSAW Pact.


 * 1) Russian territory will be limited to Moscow, Murmansk, Karellia, Lenningrad, Pskov, Smolensk, Novgorod, Tyver, Volvogda, Yaroslavl, Arkhangelsk, Kaluga and Bryansk.


 * 1) The rest of Russian territory shall be annexed into the Empire of Japan.

General Bushkin accepts the terms and the ceasefire is signed then one week later a peace treaty is signed and the war is over. The Russian territory is reorganised into the Republic of Russia with General Bushkin as President. With the end of the war with the Soviet Union and the addition of so much new territory, the Empire of Japan now stands as the largest empire in history.

The Expansion Of The Pacific States: Part II
' 1948, June 3rd:''' Senator Richard Lewis of Oregon and Senator Mike Craig of Washington meet with Governor-General Miyazaki in a top secret meeting in Sacramento. They tell Miyazaki about growing discontent within their states about Washington's mishandling of the conflict with the UCS. They tell Governor-General Miyazaki that many of their citizens want union with the Pacific States and that the Anti-Union sentiment is growing at a very fast rate. Eager to take advantage of this and expand the Pacific States, Governor-General Miyazaki tells them to go back to their respective states and do whatever they can to further expand the Anti-Union and Pro-Japanese sentiment as best as they can.

1948, June 4th: Governor-General Miyazaki speaks to Prime Minister Prince Konoe about the situation in Oregon and Washington. He is encouraged by Konoe to do what he can to spur on the Anti-Union and Pro-Japanese sentiment with the intention of bringing the states of Oregon and Washington into into the Pacific States.

1948, June 5-6th: There is a cool-down in relations between California and the United States, as protestors inside California call for its return to the United States. The protestors are suspected operatives from the UCS who leave California when the protests are over.

1948, June 7th: At his weekly meeting with Emperor Hirohito, Prime Minister Prince Konoe informs the Emperor of the situation in North America concerning the states of Oregon and Washington. He informs the Emperor that the Pacific States Defence Forces are on high alert and that tensions between California and the United States are high and are bound to get worse once the situation with Oregon and Washington comes to light. He informs the Emperor of what he plans to do to protect and expand the Pacific States. He also informs the Emperor of a decision he has made which he believes is in the best interest of the Empire, the Emperor agrees and gives Konoe's plan his official seal of approval.

1948, June 8th: The situation in North America takes a step toward war when UCS Premier Howard announces that Oregon and Washington have petitioned him for entry into the UCS; this is denied by Oregon and Washington. They say that the UCS is trying to pressure them into leaving the United States and join their nation. They states that this will “Never happen now or EVER”. Premier Howard views this as an insult to him and his nation, and he vows revenge on Oregon and Washington.

1948, June 9-11th: At 0345 AM, the UCS launch a mini-invasion on the Pacific States; taking the small strip of Pacific States territory that separates them from the Gulf of California. At the same time, the UCS forces cross into Washington State and annex a small section of the state before they halt their advance and fortify their positions. Within a few hours of the annexation of the small strip of territory, the Pacific States declares war on the UCS and launch bombing raids across the UCS while Pacific States troops cross into the UCS and retake the territory taken from them as well as liberating the territory taken from Washington State. They also take additional territory from the UCS as punishment for the invasion and threaten them with all-out war if they do not accept the territorial losses. Premier Howard is forced to accept the terms as well as issue a statement saying that Oregon and Washington have not petitioned for entry into the UCS. The defeat of the UCS is a major blow for Premier Howard, who was banking on the invasion turning the tide of the failing UCS economy. With the loss of territory in the south, they are now cut off from any acsess to the ocean. Knowing that neither the Pacific States nor the United States would allow them to cross their territory to acsess the ocean, Premier Howard signs an agreement with Mexico for the leasing of four sea-ports.

1948, June 12th: With the growing pro-PSA sentiment in Oregon and Washington, both states announce that they are seceeding from the from the United States and petitioning for admittance into the Pacific States.

1948, June 13-14th: When the news reaches the White House of the planned seccesion of Oregon and Washington, President Tracker orders the US military to Oregon and Washington where they have orders to arrest and detain the governors of those states and take direct military control of them. When spies in Washington report this back to Governor-General Miyazaki, he decides to take emergency action and admits Oregon and Washington into the Pacific States of America. Governor-General Miyazaki then releases a statement which says that "Washington and Oregon, of their own free will, have joined the Pacific States of America; we will vigoureously defend our territory and will show no mercy to those who try to take it from us". Despite the threat, the US military arrives in the bordering states and prepares for a fight with the PSA and the Empire of Japan.

1948, June 15th: As the tensions between the US and Pacific States continue to rise, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that the Pacific States is being officially merged into the Empire of Japan.

1948, June 16-17th: The news that the Pacific States is being merged into the Empire of Japan causes tension between Tokyo and Washington DC. President Tracker says that Washington and Oregon are still part of the United States and that their secession is illegal. He says that unless the two states rejoin the Union, then the United States will be at war with the Empire of Japan. In response to the US threat, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that the official ceremony marking Pacific States of America's entry into the Empire of Japan will take place on July 4th. The UCS, eager to score one over on the PSA, sends word to Washington that they would be willing to join in any attack on the Pacific States in exchange for territory directly to the south of the UCS; this is rejected by Washington with President Tracker saying that the United States will regain all the territory lost to both the Pacific States and the UCS. This leaves the UCS with the possibility of fighting on two fronts against the USA and Empire of Japan; a situation so bad that the UCS could not survive such a war.

1948, June 18th: Premier Howard speaks to Governor-General Miyazaki considers the proposal and agrees; but behind closed doors, Miyazaki begins to draw up plans to attack the UCS at a later date. 

1948, June 19-21st: At 0821 PST, the US military launches artillery strikes against Washington state while flying bombing-raids over Oregon. The Japanese Air Force is able to beat-back the bombing raids and inflict damage on US positions. Carpet-bombing raids destroy US positions in the states bordering the PSA. This paves the way for a massive Pacific States ground invasion of the USA. After seven hours of fighting, Montana falls to the PSA. The demoralised US military pulls out of Montana and a humiliated President Tracker is forced to seek terms of surrender to end the conflict.

1948, June 22nd: Governor-General Miyazaki says that the PSA will only accept a US surrender and relinquishing of the territory the PSA now occupies and a demilitarised US presence on the new border. President Tracker reluctantly agrees to the terms and signs the surrender. And with that, the "Two-Day war" is over and the Pacific States has expanded even further. Shortly after the signing of the US Surrender, Prime Minister Prince Konoe announces that the Pacific States is now officially part of the Empire of Japan with Governor-General Miyazaki taking the new position of Governor-General of the North American Prefectures.

The Answer To The Chinese/Russian Question
1948, June 23-26th: In Tokyo, Prime Minister Prince Konoe meets with his top generals and advisors. The subject is what to do with the Chinese and Russian civilians and prisoners taken after the conquest of China and the Soviet Union. There is much discussion about what to do with the Chinese and Russian civilians; but it is Dr. Shiro Ishi who comes up with an idea. He suggests moving the Unit 731 facilities to Takao Island (Cheju) off the south coast of Korea where he can use more subjects for his tests and experiments without risk of being caught. While his idea is one they all decide is the perfect answer to the Chinese/Russian question, they are all in agreement that the plan needs adjustment. There are far too many people to be disposed of - far too many for Unit 731 to use so they came up with a new plan. Dr. Ishi will continue to use the current Unit 731 facilities until such time as new ones can be constructed on Takao Island using Chinese and Russian slave labour. Dr. Ishi agrees with this new plan, and on the last day of the meeting, he presents an interesting dilemma; “what is to be done with the Chinese and Russians that are not to be used at Unit 731?”. It is decided that they will be disposed of in the same manner as the Nazis used in the concentration camps. Though unlike the Nazis' Gas Chambers, the Unit 731 facilities will be underground and hidden from view. The new Unit 731 facilities on Takao Island are scheduled to open in three years.

The Australian Incident
1948, June 27-28th: Japan/Australia relations have not improved since the end of the Second World War. Australian Prime Minister Jarred Rebecci orders Australian warships to patrol the Australian border and “Take any suitable action against any trespassing ships”. This is put to the test when the IJN Yamato enters Australian waters after rescuing an Australian fishing trawler that had developed engine trouble. Captain Ishiguro of the IJN Yamato tries to explain to the captain of the HMAS Canberra that they are here on a mission of mercy, returning the Australian fisherman back home after they rescued him. Captain Paul Robinson does not believe Captain Ishiguro and tries to use the HMAS Canberra to block the Yamato from entering Australian waters. The IJN Yamato, which dwarfed the HMAS Canberra, did not see the smaller ship. Leiutenent Murakami, who was Officer of the Watch, was on the deck near the forward guns when he spotted the HMAS Canberra. He rushed back in, where Captain Ishiguro was now on duty. When asked what was wrong, Murakami replied “Australian ship right ahead”. Ishiguro turned to the helm and issured the orders "Hard to port" which resulted in the ship's tiller being moved all the way to port (the left side of the ship) in an attempt to turn the ship to starboard (right) and “full ahead”. Yamato's heading changed just in time to avoid a head-on collision, but the change in direction caused the IJN Yamato to strike the HMAS Canberra with a glancing blow. While this did little damage to the IJN Yamato, it was more than enough to inflict serious damage on the HMAS Canberra. The bow of the Yamato clipped the side of the HMAS Canberra, ripping a chunk out of the bow and tearing a 23-foot long hole in the side. As the IJN Yamato came to a stop, a half-mile behind them, the HMAS Canberra was listing heavily to port and was going down by the head. Captain Ishiguro ordered rescue boats be lowered and sent to help the Australian ship, but it was too late. By the time the first rescue boat had been lowered, the HMAS Canberra had taken too heavy damage and had sunk. Out of a crew of 236, the Yamato's rescue boats picked up just 63 survivors. The IJN Yamato drops them off in Sydney along with the fisherman they rescued before they leave and set sail for New Zealand where they need to effect repairs after the collision.

1948, June 29-30th: Upon hearing about the collision and loss of the HMAS Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Jarred Rebecci summons  the Japanese ambassador to Australia and lodges a formal protest with him. He says that he wants the IJN Yamato to answer for the destruction of the HMAS Canberra, which he calls “Unabashed Japanese aggression”. When Ambassador Sato points out that the Yamato was trying to return a fisherman they rescued, Prime Minister Rebecci does not believe him, saying that “The Yamato intentionally rammed the Canberra in a deliberate act of aggression” and “The Yamato kidnapped the sailor then used the pretense of a rescue as an excuse to ram the Canbera”. Ambassador Sato walks out of Prime Minister Rebecci's office, saying that “We save the life of an Australian fisherman and how do they thank us? By trying to ram our ship then accusing us of ramming THEM”. Back at the Japanese Embassy, Ambassador Sato informs Prime Minister Prince Konoe of the situation.

1948, July 1st: In an urgent meeting with Emperor Hirohito, Prime Minister Prince Konoe and Defence Minister Tsuyoshi Kaijo present HMIM with all the information regarding the incedent with the HMAS Canberra. Defence Minister Kaijo says that this plays into their expansion plans perfectly. He explains that if they announce what happened, they can slowly start to turn public opinion against the Australians, thus bnuilding up support for their eventual invasion. When HMIM the Emperor asks what he thinks, Prime Minister Prince Konoe says that the incident with the HMAS Canberra has indeed played into their hands, but he urges them not to rush ahead. He says that “Planning is important” and “This needs to be escalated at a slow yet steady pace”. Defence Minister Kaijo agrees with Konoe. The Emperor gives the plan his official seal of aproval.'''

 1948, July 2-5th:''' The newspapers in Japan begin publishing acounts of the incident between the IJN Yamato and the HMAS Canberra. They have no need to alter any part of the story as it is all true. They begin hyping up the Anti-Australian sentiment that begins in Japan once news of the incident broke. The newspapers report that “The Imperial flagship Yamato is out of action due to the blanantly stupid and downright hostile actions of Australia when the brave crew of the IJN Yamato rescued an Australian fisherman who had run into difficulties”. The main newspaper in Japan 'Nihon Daily' carries an interview with the Australian fisherman, Harold Bishop:

''Nihon Daily: The IJN Yamato rescued you?

Harold Bishop: Yes, my boat experienced engine trouble. I was adrift when the IJN Yamato pulled up alongside. They took me on-board and they even hauled in my nets so I did not lose my catch

Nihon Daily: So you were grateful?

Harold Bishop: Of course. I even cooked some of my fish for the crew as a thank-you for saving me

Nihon Daily: What did you see of the collision with the HMAS Canberra?

Harold Bishop: I saw the Yamato turning to AVOID a collision with the Canberra

Nihon Daily: So they did not ram them?

Harold Bishop: No, they tried to avoid hitting the Canberra. In fact, it was the HMAS Canberra that was at fault, they stopped directly in the path of the Yamato and they only managed to avoid a head-on collision''

The full interview with fisherman Harold Bishop goes into greater detail about the collision, placing the blame squarely on the HMAS Canberra. The Australian ambassador to Japan, Sir Reginald Styles, complains about this, saying that “The interview in Nihon Daily is biased, one-sided and full of lies, half-truths”. He suggests that the Nihon Daily interview the crew from the HMAS Canberra so that they can “Get the whole story and inform the Japanese people as to the TRUTH of the incident”. Naturally, the Nihon Daily refuses, saying that if they published any interviews of the crew from the HMAS Canberra, they would only be “Perpetrating Australian lies to try to pass the blame for the accident onto the Yamato”. Ambassador Styles is furious at this. He calls Downing Street and informs them of what has happened so far. Meanwhile, the Yamato reaches New Zealand where it limps into a dry-dock for repairs following the accident. The collision buckled the hull, popping rivets and damaging an area of the hull covering only about 12 to 13 square feet (1.1 to 1.2 square meters) in total. According to the dock-master in New Zealand, Paul K. Matthias, who made the initial inspection of Yamato, the damage consisted of a "series of deformations in the starboard side that start and stop along the hull ... about 10 feet [3.0 m] above the bottom of the ship". With the Yamato in dry-dock, the repairs get under way. The damage to the Yamato is widely publicised across the Empire, thus increasing the Anti-Australian sentiment.

1948, July 6th:The relations between Japan and Australia take another turn for the worse when the fisherman rescued by the Yamato enters the Japanese Embassy in Canberra and requests asylum. Harold Bishop claims he is being threatened by the Australian authorities to change his story of his rescue, shifting all of the blame onto the Yamato. He also says his family are under surveillance and that by seeking refuge in the Embassy, his family will pay the price. Ambassador Sato says that his family will be given diplomatic protection. He sends his aide to go and get Harold's family and bring them to the safety of the Embassy. When he is informed about this, Prime Minister Rebecci orders the Canberra police, as well as units from the Australian Defence Force to blockade the entrance to the Embassy. When Ambassador Sato's aide returns with Harold's family, the Australian Defence Force and Canberra police try to stop them, prompting Ambassador Sato to send a message to Prime Minister Rebeci “That car has diplomatic plate, and if anybody from your government tries to stop the car from entering our embassy, we'll consider it an act of war”. The car is allowed to enter and Harold and his family are reunited. Prime Minister Rebecci demands that Harold be turned over to them, saying he has “Information vital to our investigation into the HMAS Canberra's accident”. When Ambassador Sato refuses to hand Harold over to them, he says that he “Is considering all appropriate actions”.

1948, July 7th: In Japan, the news that their embassy is under blockade causes an increase in the Anti-Australian sentiment. A large crowd of angry protestors gather outside the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, they shout abuse and carry signs that show their clear and growing Anti-Australian sentiment. Tensions outside the Australian embassy get heated even more when a group of the protestors burn the Australian flag. In response, Australia's Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest and said it will ban two Japanese nationalist organizations from entering the country. According to Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Tomoyuki Edano, however, no laws were violated in the incident, and Tokyo refused to investigate the incident further. This en-flames tensions with the Australians even further. 

1948, July 8th: There is an uneasy calm between Japan and Australia, but both sides know that the tensions between them will not be solved overnight. The Australian ambassador to Japan, Sir Reginald Styles, tries once again to get Japan to admit some measure of responsibility for the incident with the HMAS Canberra. In a meeting with Prime Minister Prince Konoe, he proposed that Captain Ishiguro return to Australia, accept the blame for causing the accident and offer a simple apology. He says that if he does this, then it will help repair relations between Japan and Australia. Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses saying that “Captain Ishiguro has nothing to apologise for. The accident was caused by the careless and provocative actions of the Canberra and her crew, it is THEM who should apologise to US”. Sir Reginald Styles walks out of the office, saying that “Japanese arrogance has prevented us from settling things before they get worse”.

1948, July 9-15th: September With tensions high between Australia and Japan, Prime Minister Prince Konoe meets with the Australian Prime Minister Jarred Rebeci in Christchurch in an attempt to ease the tensions between the Empire of Japan and Australia. During the talks, Prime Minister Rebeci reiterates his stance that the accident involving the Yamato and the Canberra was mainly the fault of the Yamato, though he does concede that the Canberra may have been partially at fault. Also brought up is the subject of fisherman Harold Bishop, who Prime Minister Rebeci wants returned to Australia to face trial. Prime Minister Prince Konoe refuses, saying that he and his family have been given sanctuary in Japan. Prime Minister Rebecci knows that Harold Bishop will not return to Australia so he lodges a protest with Prime Minister Prince Konoe about it then drops the subject. In an attempt to smooth the troubled waters between the two nations, Prime Minister Prince Konoe proposes that Captain Ishiguro and the Captain of the HMAS Canberra meet and shake hands publicly, putting the incident behind them. Prime Minister Rebecci agrees, knowing that this is as close to an apology as he is going to get. At the end of the week-long meeting, Prime Minister Prince Konoe informs Prime Minister Rebeci about the Pacific Territories Treaty, the classified treaty signed between Downing Street and Tokyo at the end of the war. The contents of the treaty, previously only known to Downing Street and Tokyo, come as a total shock to Prime Minister Rebeci. He requests and receives confirmation of the Pacific Territories Treaty from Downing Street. Prime Minister Rebecci is shocked at receiving confirmation of the Pacific Territories Treaty from Downing Street. Prime Minister Prince Konoe informs Prime Minister Rebecci that even though he has brought up the Pacific Territories Treaty, he has no intention of activating the treaty just yet. He informs Prime Minister Rebecci that the treaty will definitely be activated at a later date, but not right now. Prime Minister Rebecci is told not to reveal this information to anyone in his cabinet.

Rivers Of Red Blood Run Deep
1948, July 16th: President Tracker announces sweeping new laws to outlaw Communism in the United States. Despite Communism already being outlawed, the CPUSA still exists. He announces that anyone found to be a Communist or Communist supporter will be arrested without trial and sent straight to prison under the new Anti-Communist Act. The few remaining CPUSA members denounce this and vow to continue the fight.

1948, July 17-18th: The incident that comes to be known as “The American Rivers of Blood” takes place. The few remaining CPUSA members stage a mass protest in Washington DC, calling for the release of CPUSA Chairman Anthony Summers and a reversal on the nation-wide ban on Communism. When this does not happen, the protestors become angry, with some of them damaging property and setting cars ablaze. The National Guard, having been brought in to police the demonstration, opens fire on the protestors, killing the majority of them and fatally wounding the rest. President Tracker orders the FBI to track down and send straight to prison any Communists or Communist sympathisers they find. With the CPUSA decimated in the incident in DC, the FBI is easily able to round up the last few Communists within the US. Communism is declared eradicated within the United States.

An Imperial Visit
1948, July 19th: It is announced that Emperor Hirohito will visit Hawaii. This will be the first time a Japanese Emperor will have left the Home islands and traveled abroad. The trip is scheduled to take place in two days time and will last for six days.

1948, July 20th: Emperor Hirohito and Empress Kojun departs Japan for Hawaii onboard the IJN Yamato, which is escorted by three warships, two submarines and one aircraft carrier.

1948, July 21-28th: After travelling for two days, Emperor Hirohito and Empress Kojun arrive in Hawaii. Governor-general Inouye greets  the Imperial Couple as the disembark from the Yamato in Pearl Harbor, from there they are taken to their hotel. On their first full day in Hawaii, the Emperor and Empress visit Battleship Row where they see the exact spot where the first Japanese bombs fell during the war. They tour the Liberation Museum that shows the Hawaiian struggle for freedom while under US rule and how much Hawaii has improved since it became part of the Japanese Empire.

On their second day in Hawaii, the Emperor and Empress visit the Veterans Hospital and meet veterans from the Liberation of Hawaii and those civilians who were also injured during the liberation. They also visit the Pearl Harbor Museum of Surrender where they view the US Instrument of Surrender which is kept in the Pearl Harbor Museum.

On their third day in Hawaii, the Emperor and Empress visit a new high school that is named after the late General Tojo. Emperor Hirohito opens the school and dedicates it to the former Prime Minister General Tojo.

On their fourth day in Hawaii, the Emperor and Empress attend a Kabuki Play at Hideki Tojo High School. They are so impressed by the standard of the Kabuki Play that they invite the pupils to perform at the Imperial Palace.

On their fifth day in Hawaii, the Emperor and Empress visit Governor-general Inouye's office where he shows them the progress Hawaii has made since becoming part of the Japanese Empire. He shows them future plans for the islands including developing the northern most island and plans to increase immigration to the islands by offering tax breaks to those people that relocate to Hawaii and tax breaks for businesses that set up on the islands. As a reward for their loyalty to the Empire, Emperor Hirohito extends full citizenship to all Hawaiian citizens.

On their sixth day in Hawaii, the Emperor and Empress visit the first Shinto temple built in Hawaii. While they are at the Shinto temple, Governor-general Inouye informs them that State Shinto is now the only religion permitted in Hawaii, and that anyone wishing to emigrate to Hawaii will be required to convert to state Shinto. The Emperor and Empress attend ceremonies at the Shinto temple before heading back to Governor-general Inouye's office where they receive a warm welcome from the citizens gathered there. He greets enthusiastic crowds that had gathered outside Governor-general Inouye's office. Emperor Hirohito was then was given the keys to the city. The Imperial visit was capped off by a four-hour speech to city leaders, where the Emperor outlined his vision for a prosperous future for Hawaii as part of the Empire of Japan. He vowed to root out the parasitic anti-Japanese elements that have plagued Hawaii and says that the Empire of Japan will put Hawaiians back to work. Hawaii, marching side by side with the rest of the Empire, toward a bold future. After a final farewell to the well-wishers and supporters that had gathered at the dock, the Emperor and Empress depart Hawaii and head back to Japan.

An Expansion Bought
1948, July 29th: With the growing wealth and power of the Empire of Japan, the wealth and power of the British Empire is in decline; and as such the government in London begins to look for ways to divest itself of some of its smaller colonies and territories.

1948, July 30-31st: In England, the newly elected Prime Minister Charles Howard offers to sell the Empire of Japan the British Indian Ocean territory, Falkland Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Pitcairn Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. After meeting with his cabinet and consulting with Emperor Hirohito, Prime Minister Prince Konoe agrees to the price tag and authorises a payment of £1 million as a down payment with £1 million being paid each month and when the price tag has been paid, sovereignty over the territories will be transferred to Japan.

1948, August 1st: The £1 million down payment is transfered to the British government. But not everyone in Europe is happy with the Japanese purchase of the British overseas territories. The French government protests the sale of the territories to Japan, saying that as the most powerful European nation, they should have been offered the chance to purchase one or more of the territories sold to Japan. Prime Minister Charles Howard dismisses the French complaints, saying that Britain can sell any part of its territory to whom so ever it wants to and that it does not need the permission of France to do so.

1948, August 2nd: The French government lodges a formal protest with London over the sale of the territories to Japan. The protest is ignored by Prime Minister Howard.

A Very French Annoyance
1948, August 3rd: In his weekly meeting with Emperor Hirohito, Prime Minister Prince Konoe along with Admiral Nagano presents plans for a new class of battleship called the Yamato II. Admiral Nagano says that even with the Yamato and Musashi, Japan needs more battleships. He says that even with the three new Yamato-Class ships under final stages of construction and the three that have just been laid down, Japan can not risk missing this opportunity to stay ahead in terms of naval power. Emperor Hirohito asks when the ships can begin construction, to which Admiral Nagano replies that the ships are only in the preliminary design stages with construction not scheduled to begin for some years yet. He says he presented the plans to the Emperor for approval to begin designing them at the official stage. Emperor Hirohito gives the plan for the new battleships his official blessing.

1948, August 4th: While on patrol near Vietnam the IJN Musashi encounters a French submarine. The French sub stays in international waters but strays close to Vietnam before heading out into international waters.

1948, August 5th: In agreement with the British, construction begins on a naval base on the Falklands, which is renamed Tojo Prefecture. The naval base will allow the Japanese navy to project its power into South America and to protect Japanese interests in the area. It will also allow Japan to monitor French activity in the area.

An Earlier Transfer
1948, August 6th: After discussions with Downing Street, it is decided to transfer the Falkland Islands to Japan earlier than planned.

1948, August 7th: With no fanfare and little press coverage, the Falkland Islands are transfered to Japan, who officially renames them Tojo Prefecture. The British flag is lowered and the Japanese flag is raised over Stanley, which is renamed New Nara.

1948, August 8-9th: With the Falklands now under Japanese sovereignty, the Empire of Japan has a foothold in South America. This makes certain South American nations nervous and uneasy at having such a powerful nation on their doorstep. Brazil welcomes the Japanese sovereignty over the islands. This is seen by many as Brazil cosying up to Japan in the hopes of currying favor from the world's strongest nation.

A Second Friendly Cup Of Tea
1948, August 10th: The hulls for the three new Yamato-class ships under construction in the Kure shipyards begin to take shape. The three as-yet unnamed ships dominate the Kure shipyards and draw a number of visitors. There are so many people wanting to see the ships that the Kure Shipyards opens a visitors center and restaurant. This doubles the number of visitors to the shipyards, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Japan. Prime Minister Prince Konoe is the first to sign the visitors book at the visitors center.

1948, August 11th: The British flagship HMS Hood makes a goodwill visit to Tojo Prefecture, the first British ship to do so since sovereignty of the islands was transferred to Japan a few days previously. As a sign of friendship, the crew of the HMS Hood presents the Japanese governor-general of Tojo Prefecture with an antique British flag. Governor-General Kuniaki Koiso takes the flag and puts it on display in his office. he then presents Captain Dennis Smith with an antique Japanese sword, which Captain Smith puts on display on the ship's bridge. The visit is seen as a success and Downing Street extends an invite to the Imperial Japanese Navy to visit London.

Oh The Tensions, They Be Rising
1948, August 12th: In Washington, President Tracker comes under enourmous pressure from Congress, the Senate and his own party to take a harder line against Japan and the UCS. Hardliners like Senator Jake Featherstone urge President Tracker to take a harder line against Japan and the UCS and "To restore the glory and prestige United States and show all traitors and yellowmen that America will not be psuhed around".

1948, August 13th: It is announced that Emperor Hirohito will visit the North American Prefectures on the 10th of March. This news is greeted well in the North American Prefectures but not so well in the US. There are protests on the NAP border with the US, with protestors demanding that the visit be cancelled. Other protestors call the NAP “states full of traitors” and “Lousy Jap lovers”. Governor Miyazaki ignores them and begins preparations for the Emperor's visit.

1948, August 14th: The North American Prefectures' borders with the US are all but closed with only a few selected crossings remaining open. Governor Miyazaki releases a statement that says “This is part of the security precautions we are taking to prepare for the visit of His Most Imperial Majesty the Emperor”. In addition to the restricted borders, the number of Americans allowed into NAP is also restricted. This is to prevent Anti-Japanese elements from entering the NAP during the Imperial state visit.

1948, August 15th: Israel is given a major boost when it signs a defence treaty with the Empire of Japan. This causes some aggravation with the surrounding Muslim nations, but given the joint security treaty Israel now has with Japan, there is little they can do except loudly and publicly complain about it. Being the only Jewish state in the world, many non-Jews, mainly Muslims and Palestinians leave Israel for the surrounding Muslim nations. This comes to be known as the “Muslim Migration” and “Palestinian Exodus”. A few hard-line Palestinians remain within Israel, where they hope to drive out the Jewish settlers by acts of violence.

1948, August 16th: The IJN Tojo, named for the war-time Prime Minister, is shadowed by a French Navy cruiser off the coast of Japanese Alaska. The FNS Sangat follows the IJN Tojo for three hours on a parallel course then heads away. Captain Nakamura reports the incident to Tokyo.

1948, August 17th: What comes to be known as the “Family Tang” incident takes place on the California/US border. Shuk-ki Tang and his family are making their way to California when they are stopped by UCS Border agents in Arizona. They stop Mr Tang and his family from crossing into California and say that as Mr Tang is a conscript in the UCS Defence Force, he can't leave without special emmigration papers and a permit from the UCS Defence Force to enter California. Mr Tang shows the border agents his discharge papers, proving that he has been discharged from the Defence Force and is free to leave the UCS and enter California. As he tries to leave, the US Border Agents arrest him and his entire family on charges of desertion and treason. His family try to flee but the overzealous UCS Border Agents open fire, killing his wife and son and severely injuring his daughter. They then procede to beat and kick Mr Tang. Because of the close proximity to the border, and despite her injuries, Li Tang manages to stumble into California and asks for help. A squad of Imperial Border Guards enter the UCS and stop the UCS Border agents from beating and kicking Mr Tang. The UCS Border agents open fire on them and are subsequently all killed when the Imperial Border Guards return fire. They take the severely injured Mr Tang and his daughter back into California where they are treated for their injuries.

1948, August 18th: When news reaches Salt Lake City about the incident with Mr Tang and his family, there is outrage in some political circles. They accuse Japan of violating Commonwealth sovereignty and interfering with something that did not concern them. In a tense meeting, Premier Howard informs the Japanese ambassador that “What happened in Arizona happened on Commonwealth soil, the Japanese border guards had no right to interfere”. The Japanese ambassador disagrees, saying that “Mr Tang crawled into California and asked for our help, she asked us to save her father and we did so. If your border agents had not fired on an innocent family and tried to beat an innocent man to death, this would not have happened”. He refuses to apologise for the incident and says that no action will be taken against the Japanese border guards. Premier Howard then tells the Japanese ambassador to leave not only his office, but the country as he is expelling him for “An act of aggression by a nation who we once thought of as a friend”. Upon hearing about the expulsion of their ambassador, Prime Minister Prince Konoe orders the immediate expulsion of all UCS diplomatic staff from the Empire.

1948, August 19th: With Anti-Japanese sentiment running high in the Commonwealth, Governor Miyazaki reports that on the UCS side, the UCS troops were more boldly trying to provoke their southern counterparts: spitting across the demarcation line, making throat-slashing hand gestures, flashing their middle fingers and trying to talk to the Japanese troops. This marks the “Calm Before The Storm” in UCS/Japanese relations.

War Comes Knocking
1948, August 20-November 4th: The second Japan/UCS war breaks out when the UCS military opens fire on Japanese troops in California, killing four and wounding three. The UCS military then  crosses into California before being stopped by the Japanese military. The invasion of California by the United Commonwealth of States gives Tokyo all the justification it needs to declare war on the United Commonwealth of States. Knowing that once the NAP begins retaliating the war will go in their favour, Premier Howard offers a ceasefire to Governor Miyazaki, saying that "The time has come for both sides to sit down and talk so to ensure a peaceful settlement to this conflict before any more blood is spilled". Governor Miyazaki refuses the ceasefire, saying that "The Empire of Japan does not negotiate with those who attack us and steal our territory; we hunt them down and show no mercy". This is proven when NAP troops cross into the UCS and retake the territory that was taken by the UCS; they slaughter the UCS troops leaving no survivors. The NAP forces take the northern parts of Idaho as well as parts of southern Arizona. The NAP allows civilians to leave should they wish but they find a surprising number of them want to stay in their homes. They are allowed to do so on the condition they pose no threat to the NAP forces. After these losses, Premier Howard knows that the war not only was a mistake and that it is now a lost cause for the United Commonwealth of States.

Prime Minister Prince Konoe speaks to President Tracker in Washington and makes him an interesting offer; if the US joins the war against the UCS, the Empire of Japan will back the US in any territorial claims the US makes against the UCS. President Tracker agrees and the United States declares war on the United Commonwealth of States; striking at seventeen UCS positions along their border. With the US joining the war, Premier Howard knows that the United Comonwealth of States is doomed. The NAP forces make small advances. While in the east, the United States breaks through the UCS defensive line and is able to take significant portions of the UCS. As this happens, the French government lodges a formal protest with the US and Japanese governments over their actions against the UCS. They say that they recognise the UCS as a sovereign and independent nation state. Both Tokyo and Washington ignore the French protest.

In the East, the US makes several major gains against the UCS. While in the West, the NAP makes similar major gains. Despite the losses that are continuing to mount against the UCS, Premier Howard refuses to surrender or negotiate, vowing to “fight on until every last invader is dead; no matter the cost”. Some of the UCS military begins to question Premier Howard's refusal to surrender or negotiate and they begin planning to remove him from power and end the war quickly. The NAP issue a fresh call for the UCS to surrender but once again Premier Howard refuses to do so; so in response, Governor-General Miyazaki issues a statement saying that “The North American Prefectures will now accept nothing less than the total defeat of the UCS”.



The war against the UCS earns the NAP and US the ire of Canada, with Prime Minister William Murdoch stating that the "Canadian Confederation condems the actions of the Japanese and the United States against the UCS". Governor Miyazaki tells Prime Minister Murdoch to "Mind his own business lest we turn our attention northwards". After the thinly-veiled threat against Canada, the NAP returns its attention to defeating the UCS. Premier Howard, knowing the tide is now firmly against him, decides to try and turn the US and NAP against each-other. He sends out peace-feelers to the United States while continuing to fight against the NAP; this fails when the US informs the NAP of Premier Howard's plan.

With the plan exposed, the UCS all but collpases. The UCS military is in open disarray as some surrender to the US while others surrender to the NAP. Several UCS officers raid his office and take Premier Howard prisoner. General Shmitz takes charge of the UCS and offers a full and unconditional surrender to the NAP and US. Governor Miyazaki and President Tracker accept the surrender. This marks the end of the UCS as its territory is split between the NAP and the United States. With the dissoloution of the UCS, North America returns to the status quo, though relations between the NAP and the US are improved slightly due to their cooperation in the war.

After the war's end, the French government lodges a formal protest with the US and Japanese governments over their actions against the UCS. And like last time when the French protested, it is ignored by Tokyo and Washington.

A Tense Peace III
1948, November 10th: With the war over, peace returns to North America and there is a semblance of peace throughout the rest of the world.

1948, November 11th: The First Palestinian Congress votes to accept a proposed plan by the British to resettle Palestinians in Israel on the island of Madagasgar. Several armed expeditionary forces are organized, with British approval, to scout out the site for a major settlement on the East Coast of Madagascar. These expeditions are expected to take anywhere from six months to a year but this does not stop the influx of Palestinians from Israel and the Middle East heading there.

1948, November 12-15th: Prime Minister Charles Howard, Prime Minister Prince Konoe  and President Tracker meet in New Jersey to discuss the Palestinian settlers on Madagascar. They all agree that Madagascar is to be the homeland for the Palestinians, with each of them agreeing to fund part of the settlement plan. Prime Minister Howard agrees to place Madagascar under the joint control of all three nations until it can stand on its own as a sovereign nation and they also agree to help the Palestinians leave Israel and Middle-East and resettle on Madagascar.

1948, November 16-19th: Governor-General Miyazaki hold a top-secret with Prime Minister Prince Konoe, concerning the future of the NAP and the Empire of Japan's territory in North America.

1948, November   20   th:    To jubilant crowds,    Governor-General Miyazaki   announces that the North American Prefectures will be   annexed directly into the Empire of Japan and   ruled directly from Tokyo, with himself being   responsible for the day to day running of the prefectures.

1948, November 2  1st   :      Canadian Prime Minister William Murdoch   speaks to Governor Miyazaki about alleged Japanese violations of Canadian airspace, which Governor Miyazaki denies took place.

1948, November 22-23rd: The Royal Canadian Air Force is deployed seventeen times to deal with alleged Japanese violations of Canadian airspace. Governor Miyazaki denies the violations took place. He accuses the Canadian government of “Blackening the good name of the Imperial Air Force”.

Growth Of The Empire
1948 November 24th: In a move that takes Washington by surprise, Governor Jim Manton of Rhode Island announces that his state will hold a plebiscite to decide where the future of his state lies: Washington or Tokyo. Governor Manton explains that since the most recent war, the economy of the United States has been on a slow but inevitable decline and that he is not prepared to let his state get dragged down by the actions of Washington.

The Return Of Slavery
1949:

The Death Of Russia
1949: