5. The Day of Infamy
Friedman: Mr President, our navy in the English channel has spotted enemy forces on every French beach. Chances of a successful invasion are low.
Roosevelt: Invasion plans must be cancelled. Norway is not yet completely secured, and we are close to making a breakthrough in nuclear technology.
Friedman: That's right, sir. Actually, today we started to construct a new nuclear reactor, just as planned sir.
In the start of February, the army in Norway encounters german resistance. It is quickly defeated, and the Germans retreat to Vardö.
On 24th February, Operation Snowflake is officially finished, as the U.S troops capture Vardö and return it to Norwegian control.
However, the Germans made their revenge by attacking the Balkans. Yugoslavia joins the allied forces, but their chances of survival are minimal.
However, Yugoslavia holds out for longer than anyone had expected. For over a month, the German forces were blocked by the brave defenders of Belgrade. When the city finally fell on the 26th day, Germany had lost more troops than it had lost in the entire invasion of Poland.
April 6th 1941 is the day that turned everything. The Japanese government declared war on America, and almost immediately made a landing in Philippines.
Surprise attacks carried out by the Japanese took the navy in Pearl Harbour by surprise. The United States was shocked.
Yesterday, Apr. 6, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu...
Half of the troops in Norway were loaded into transports and sent towards the Panama Canal. There, all American armies would gather for a new military operation against Japan.
12 divisions, however, were left in Norway. And just in time, since the Germans took the opportunity and made an invasion to unguarded Oslo and the nearby regions:
When the army returned from Vardö, it quickly destroyed the German divisions. Once again, Germany had been driven out.
July 7th, 1941. White House.
Roosevelt: Dear ministers. Today, the German government declared war on the Soviet Union. An invasion of Europe could be possible in a few months, when the German armies get deeper into Russian territory, and probably get stuck in the winter.
Friedman: Mr. President, Japan has already captured Guam, Wake Island and Midway Island. Shouldn't we focus on the bigger threat?
Roosevelt: You're right. A new operation will be required. This time, we'll use our superior navy to defeat the Japanese and capture their home islands.
Also, send some supplies to the UK. It helps them to quell the Italian invasion in the Middle East. We can also hope that they then come to aid us against the Japanese.
A grand total of 65 divisions are stationed in Colon. The first wave of armies, 33 divisions, are sent to rebase in Pearl Harbour.
Back to the White House, a week later.
Roosevelt: Gentlemen, we're about to launch the attack. Here's the plan:
Operation Seahawks. First we will take back our islands, then aid the Philippines and attack southern Japan. Another navy conquers Japanese islands and attacks eastern Japan.
Gentlemen, it's about to start.
