Cap Mandrake
Posts: 23184
Joined: 11/15/2002 From: Southern California Status: offline
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******Office of the Intelligence Chief, Pacific Fleet, Oahu, 10:40, Feb. 5, 1942***** Aide: Sir, we have a flash message from Noumea, in the clear. Intelligence Chief: What do you just say Commander? Aide: We have a flash message from....ummm...New Edinburgh? Intelligence Chief: That is better. We need to set the example, you see. I want the code words used all the time. That is the point. So, let me have the message, Commander. Aide: It reads, "Air raid, many enemy carrier planes New Edinburgh, over." Intelligence Chief: Well, of course they are going to be OVER New Edinburgh, they are airplanes, what does the chap expect them to do, taxi up on the highway and open up with machine guns? Aide: Sir, I think it was intended to convey the end of the message. Intelligence Chief: Well then, perhaps he should more clear about it then, eh? After all, we are in the intelligence business, aren't we Commander? Aide: Yes, sir, that is what I have heard. Intelligence Chief: Well, as for New Edinburgh, this can hardly be unexpected. They might just be softening up the airfield and still plan to land at...oh...damnit....what is that other one called...you know..at the North end of New Scotland? Aide: New Ullapool, sir? Intelligence Chief: Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's it! Well, put that in the summary and send it up to CINCPAC. I am glad to hear they are using the approved code words. Aide: Yes, sir, about that, a number of us were wondering. Intelligence Chief: Yes, yes <looks up from papers slightly annoyed> Out with it son. Aide: Well, sir, the Japs will know, of course, when their attack on New Edinburgh was going in. Intelligence Chief: Yes? Aide: And the broadcast was in the clear and contemporaneous with the attack? Intelligence Chief: Yes? Of course. Aide: And the Japs will surely have English translators. Intelligence Chief: Yes, can't fault them for that. Aide: And the code word was used in the open broadcast? Intelligence Chief: Yes, as per my instructions. Can't very well have them saying you know what in an open broadcast. That is the whole point of code words. We want to confuse the little yellow bastards, most of them are like trained organ grinder monkeys, anyway. What is your point? Aide: Well sir, won't the Japs be able to deduce that New Edinburgh is really..well..you know what. After all, they will have a map somewhere that says you know what. Intelligence Chief: Hmmm....<looks lost, eyes searching the ceiling to his left> Deduce, you say?
< Message edited by Cap Mandrake -- 4/13/2010 4:23:23 PM >
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