From: Vladivostok
To: Tokyo
3 July 1941
(Red)
#259

 

Report on recent naval activities in this area.

 

Since the beginning of the German-Soviet war the naval authorities here have tightened up on watch and are engaged in naval preparations by enforcing various exercises to meet any eventuality. However, naval exercises are limited to only one section of the force for there are many ships which are undergoing repairs. Evidently the preparations are intended for defense against Japan.

 

(1) Activities of the fleet.

 

A part of the ERI type and SICHA type submarines assigned to this area appear to be operating somewhere else, for there are comparatively few submarines in port at present. However, the remainder of submarines, the torpedo boat division mine layer division, mine sweeper division, high speed torpedo craft division, etc. are still here and are either undergoing repairs or are engaged in exercises. The first phase of exercises ended with the basic maneuvers in early June and the 2nd phase is already underway. Lately the departure of craft from the bay has become infrequent but since the war, those craft which do go out seldom return, even though it be Saturday or Sunday. Not only this, but planes of types SB, E15, E16 and OFUBOOHU are quite active and it appears that they are engaged in exercises with the fleet. However, the exercises appear to be greatly handicapped by so many ships being placed under repairs.

 
19616
JD-1: 3709                                   (A) Navy Trans. 7-16-41 (3)

 

(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 2 JAPANESE MESSAGES CONCERNING MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, SHIP MOVEMENTS, ETC.)