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.)