Domestic political skill did not automatically equip Roosevelt or Tojo for international relations, where neither could compel other states without force. Japanese policy in this account was fatalistic as well as expansionist. Tojo believed delay meant eventual American destruction, so even a small chance in war seemed preferable to certain dishonor. Yamamoto might independently recall the force, while Kimmel could begin deployments before Washington responded. Hirohito could use the discovery to challenge Tojo's assurances that negotiations were sincere.
Chapter · 35:10-53:24
Japanese fatalism shapes the decision
The response depends on Roosevelt, Tojo, Yamamoto, Kimmel, and Hirohito rather than on a simple operational order.