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Verbal Directive of the Chief of the Naval General Staff

2 December 1941
Verbal Directive to: Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief, Combined Fleet (in Tokyo at the time)

Should it appear certain that Japanese-American negotiations will reach an amicable settlement prior to the commencement of hostilities, it is understood that all elements of the Combined Fleet are to be assembled and returned to their bases in accordance with separate orders.

Chief of the Naval General Staff
Nagano, Osami

(JAPANESE MONOGRAPH NO. 97)