Richardson's expertise and the interpretation of Doolittle

Was Doolittle aimed mainly at American morale because US leaders did not understand its likely effect on Japan?

Domestic morale was central, but knowledgeable naval advisers such as James Richardson could also anticipate important Japanese reactions.

Domestic morale and Japanese reactions offered different potential effects of the Doolittle Raid. James Richardson, a former Pacific Fleet commander with extensive knowledge of Japan, remained available to advise senior naval leaders after his removal from command. His continuing advisory work forms the basis of Dr. Clarke's argument that naval specialists could anticipate Japanese reactions that Roosevelt and other political leaders did not understand. In that interpretation, Richardson's removal and Kimmel's reduced access to intelligence reflected officials' resistance to embarrassing advice. The later blame assigned to Kimmel is likewise presented as a way of avoiding responsibility for disregarded warnings. These claims about motives are an interpretation of the events.