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treespider -> RE: China (4/22/2014 1:24:18 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: oldman45
My question is, did the Japanese ever really entertain the idea of taking over all of China? I was under the impression that they just wanted the coastal and industrial centers.
No... but they did draft a plan for an offensive into Szechuan in 1942-43 that would have effectively knocked Chiang out of the war. Problem is they had to devote resources to other theaters and shelved the plans....and there was no guarantee the plan would have succeeded.
From Japanese Monograph No.71, p 121:
quote:
Plan to Capture Szechwan Province
As the operations in the south had progressed satisfactorily and by spring of 1942 the objective areas had, for the most part, been occupied, Imperial General Headquarters decided to investigate the possibility of taking advantage of the favorable situation.
The large bases for supplies and reorganization of fighting strength as well as approximately one-half of the enemy's war production enterprises were located in Szechwan Province. This area was also known to be used as a pool for American air force strength. It was estimated, therefore, that if the Japanese forces could deal a heavy blow to the Chinese Central Army which guarded this area and, at the same time, destroy the Chungking Government's bases of resistance, the possibility of defeating the enemy would be great. If this operation were successful, even though the enemy might not surrender, their position would be only that of a local government and the chances of promoting a settlement of the China Incident would be greatly improved. Furthermore, by occupying this area, any attempt by the British or American air forces to raid the Homeland from bases in China could be frustrated.
Imperial General Headquarters regarded this as an important objective both because it could bring about the submission of the Chu ngking Government and also because it could help to expand the success of the initial phase of the Pacific Star. An immediate decision, however, could not be made due to the changing conditions both in Japan and abroad as well as to the indefinite national strength. Preparations were ordered which would not affect other areas to any great extent as it was considered necessary to use every opportunity to conduct operations against China when the overall situation permitted.
The plan required the annihilation of the main force of the Chinese Central Army, the capture of key sectors in Szechwan Province, the destruction of enemy bases of resistance and the acceleration of the submission and capitulation of the Chungking Government. To attain these objectives, the main force of the China Expeditionary Army from the Changan area and, an element from the Ichang area were to advance toward the Szechwan Plains. During this period, the already occupied territories were to be maintained and secured with the minimum strength necessary. Close unity was to be emphasized between the operational directives and the political and propaganda measures to be taken against Chungking.
It was planned that an Area Army from south Shansi Province with approximately ten divisions and an Army from Ichang area, with approximately six divisions, would commence their attacks in the spring of 1943. The Area Army, after securing the Changan area, was to advance to the vicinity of Kuan Yuan and the Army was to advance into the area along a line running north and south of Wanhsien. With the completion of preparations in these areas, the offensive was to be taken. Chungking and Chengtu were to be occupied as well as the key sectors in Szechwan Province. If necessary, campaigns were then to be conducted to annihilate the enemy bases of resistance in essential areas.
The period for this operation was estimated to be approximately five months. During this time the occupied areas were to be maintained and secured and the enemy checked in order to facilitate the offensive operation.
The strength to be employed in t-is operation was the China Expeditionary Army to which were to be attached elements from the Homeland, Manchuria and the southern area.
On 3 September 1942, Imperial General Headquarters ordered the China Expeditionary Army to make the necessary preparations. During the latter part of September, however, due to the gradual shift in power in the Solomons Campaign, Imperial General Headquarters decided to postpone temporarily the dispatch of materiel required in the Szechwan Operation and gave orders to the China Expeditionary Army to this effect.
Toward the end of 1942, because of the adverse situation in the southeastern area and also because of lack of shipping, Imperial General Headquarters ordered the suspension of the Szechwan Operation. Further,, it was decided that it would be impossible to conduct this operation in 1943. In fact, it was regarded as impossible to conduct active operations in the China area before the war situation in the southeastern Pacific improved considerably. Future operations in the China area were, therefore to be conducted according to the following plan:
“The over-all situation of the Japanese Army is such that not only will the supply of men and materiel to China be stopped but divisions and other units will be sent from China to the south Pacific area and other points. Operations in China will be conducted according to the present mission of the China Expeditionary Army within the bounds mentioned above. Special emphasis will be placed upon the necessity to maintain order in the occupied regions. Every effort w ill be made to conserve the fighting strength of the China Expeditionary Army until such time as the war situation in the south Pacific area is settled satisfactorily. Aerial operations will be carried out in accordance with the changes in situation, especially to cope with the increase' in the enemy air force. For the time being, however, operations will be limited to the present :scale. Aerial warfare ' against China will be emphasized subsequent to the spring of next year and preparations will be undertaken for these increased aerial operations in order to crush the enemy's aerial initiative after the spring of 1943.”
At the end of February 1943, the Commander in Chief of the China Expeditionary Army was given the following mission:
“Occupied areas will be maintained. The enemy will be crushed and his will to continue the war destroyed. Control of the air will be wrested from the enemy air force which is based in China. In spring the air force will be reinforced and aerial operations. will be conducted in cooperation with a ground offensive. Security will be maintained in cities as well as in areas with important natural resources and along lines of communication. Troops will be concentrated gradually in order to meet any change: in the situation and the fighting strength will be increased.”
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