2nd 3rd Sea of Doubt

Alright people, what do yo make of this?

Prime Minister Kaifu watched the news while he waited for the morning intel brief. NATO and allied forces were winning everywhere.

Daily he wondered if Japan nation shouldn’t take a greater role. Already Japan’s covert support for American war efforts was pushing the boundaries of the nation’s officially pacifist constitution. Just how far could he push? Japanese forces were searching for Soviet submarines and providing logistical support to the USN. To skeptics in the cabinet Kaifu likened Japan’s role to that of the United States prior to entering the Second World War.

But that wasn’t enough for the Americans. The Bush Administration, led by Wolfowitz, had been pushing Japan to take a ‘greater role’ in the war. The government’s defense attached in Washington said Wolfowitz was a war-hawk bent on the total destruction of the Soviet Union. The defence attaché insisted that by ‘Greater role’ Wolfowitz meant ‘all out assault.’

The Prime Minister’s press spokesman picked up the phone. He dialed a number and listened for a second. ‘No, no…’ he said. ‘Not at this time.’ He hung up and said to the prime minister, ‘The television networks are demanding a statement from you on the success of ANZAC forces in Vietnam, prime minister.’

The TV screen showed New Zealand naval forces in Cam Ranh Bay Kaifu said, ‘Say nothing.’

‘They should have a statement, Prime Minister.’

‘Yes,’ replied Kaifu. ‘I know you want to feed information to your friends in the press. I have nothing for them at this time.’ Then he asked, ‘Where is the Minister of Defense?’

‘I just got off the phone with him. He is en-route now and will be here within ten minutes.’

Konda, his chief of staff returned with the morning intelligence brief on Japanese Defense Force dispositions. ‘And?’ Kaifu asked.

Konda said, ‘Four destroyers patrolling the Kuril Straits, six submarines same. Two squadrons of F-15J fighters stationed on Hokkaido.’

‘Ground forces?’

‘The rapid action force of one marine, one airborne and one air mobile battalion is on alert. Its supporting naval force of three destroyers, two frigates and two transports is on station in Toyama Harbor.’

‘What about Hokkaido?’ Kaifu asked. In the 80’s the Soviet navy had very publicly rehearsed amphibious operations in the occupied Kurils. A surprise Soviet move against the northern island had been an ongoing worry for Kaifu since the war began.

‘It has been reinforced by two infantry divisions, Prime Minister.’

The Prime Minister watched the TV with grave concern until defence minister Ishikawa arrived. After apologizing for being held up at the defence ministry, he had in fact been with his mistress, the defence minister asked, ‘What orders, Prime Minister?’

‘Australia and New Zealand are victorious,’ said Kaifu.

‘Most impressively, yes’ said Ishikawa.

‘Our forces are at sea but did not aid our allies?’

‘We have no interest in Vietnam, Prime Minister.’

‘And what if the Soviets decide to make another move? Central America, Africa, Iraq, Vietnam…? What is to stop them from making a move against Hokkaido, or even Honshu?’

‘As you see our forces are at ready.’

‘Can we take some defensive action, just in case the Soviets were to move against us?’

 ‘Certainly, sir, but I doubt the Soviets will make such a move.’

‘Why?’ asked Kaifu.

‘Both our own forces and the USN are pressuring the Soviets in the Sea of Okhotsk. Soviet forces in the far east are arrayed mostly against American naval forces. What’s left, at least on the ground, must be kept in reserve. As you know the Soviets are weary of China.’

‘So you are saying we are safe?’

‘I cannot guarantee that, Prime Minister,’ replied Ishikawa. ‘Not in the world the Soviets have made.’

‘Then it is time to plan for making a world that is safe for Japan…’