This dispatch is top secret.
This order is effective at 1730 on 2 December:
***** Combined Fleet Serial) #10.
Climb
NIITAKAYAMA 1208, repeat 1208!
Comment: Interpreted freely, above means
"attack on 8 December". Explanation: This was undoubtedly the
prearranged signal for specifying the date for opening hostilities. However,
the significance of the phrase is interesting in that it is used so
appropriately in this connection. NIITAKAYAMA is the
highest mountain in the Japanese Empire. To climb NIITAKAYAMA is to
accomplish one of the greatest feats. In other words undertake the
task (of carrying out assigned operations). 1208 signifies the 12th
month, 8th day, Itex time.
