From: Honolulu
To: Tokyo
December 6, 1941
PA-K2
#253
Re the last part of your
#123. [a]
1. On the American
Continent in October the Army began training barrage balloon troops at Camp
Davis, North Carolina. Not only have they ordered four or five hundred
balloons, but it is understood that they are considering the use of these
balloons in the defense of Hawaii and Panama. In so far as Hawaii is concerned,
though investigations have been made in the neighborhood of Pearl Harbor, they
have not set up mooring equipment, nor have they selected the troops to man
them. Furthermore, there is no indication that any training for the maintenance
of balloons is being undertaken. At the present time there are no signs of
barrage balloon equipment. In addition, it is difficult to imagine that they
have actually any. However, even though they have actually made preparations,
because they must control the air over the water and land runways of the
airports in the vicinity of Pearl Harbor, Hickam, Ford and Ewa, [b] there are
limits to the balloon defense of Pearl Harbor. I imagine that in all
probability there is considerable opportunity left to take advantage for a
surprise attack against these places.
2. In my opinion the
battleships do not have torpedo nets. The details are not known. I will report
the results of my investigation.
ARMY 25877 Trans. 12/8/41 (2-TT)
[a] Not available.
[b] Kana spelling.
(EXHIBITS
OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 2 JAPANESE MESSAGES CONCERNING MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS, SHIP MOVEMENTS, ETC.)