In this interpretation, the Fleet Faction accepted war because its officers feared Japan could otherwise be defeated without an effective fight. They opposed naval treaty limits as a source of strategic weakness. The dispute included different assessments of Japan's chances against the United States: some officers thought war necessary for survival, while others doubted Japan could survive such a conflict. Nagumo's General Staff service probably brought him into serious contact with these arguments.
Notable Point · 18:44-20:19
The Fleet Faction's treaty security dilemma
Nagumo's General Staff service probably brought his first serious exposure to a Fleet Faction that feared treaty limits would leave Japan unable to defend itself.