Declare war, then wait

A formal declaration accompanied by no attack would deny Roosevelt the emotional shock of Pearl Harbor and cast Japan's action as a response to American pressure. The United States would then have to choose between waiting, attacking toward Japan, or sending heavily escorted reinforcements to the Philippines. Japan could conserve the fuel historically spent on its opening offensive while allowing American forces to extend their own supply lines. Each offensive option could bring American ships deep into waters prepared for submarine, destroyer, cruiser, and carrier ambushes while fueling domestic political debate before the 1942 elections.