Japanese strategy in the 1930s is traced back to ideas developed in the 1890s. Its deterrent purpose is judged sound, but treaty restrictions undermine the attempt to combine it with a big-ship, big-gun policy. Attrition requires investment in submarines, destroyers and aircraft carriers able to carry out the preliminary attacks. Reserving submarines for that role also limits their employment against convoys and in other offensive operations. The destroyer programme is criticised for retaining insufficient range despite those doctrinal requirements.
Chapter · 39:25-40:37
Treaty limits and an inherited attrition plan
Interwar treaty limits prompt a question about how an older Japanese fleet strategy could still be carried out.