United States. United States Naval Technical Mission to Japan. Ships and Related Targets: Japanese Submarine Operations. Index No. S-17. 04 February 1946. 35mm Microfilm. Paid the Library of Congress to microfilm S-17 back in the late 1980s or early 1990s. US$30.
Summary
Hampered by shortages of all kinds, assigned to a minor role with its forces dispersed in a losing war against a well-equipped enemy, the Japanese submarine force should be given credit for effort. However, in addition to its handicaps, there were several shortcomings of its own which prevented a creditable performance. Among these shortcomings of its own which prevented a creditable performance. Among these shortcomings were vacillating policies in building, false economy in withholding submarines for future use, failure to correct known mistakes, confusion of tactical command, poor communications, and a lack of individual caliber in many of the commanding officers. Briefly, in no particular could it be said that the Japanese submarine force excelled, while examples are many of its deficiency in strategical, tactical, research and personnel performance.