Ralph Teatsorth - Communique 168

This week, communicate 168. Well, what do you think of our battle wagon, Mr. Ralph Teatsoth of the United Press, sir? Yes, of course. I suppose you want to know our general setup here in the Philippine Sea.

It'd be helpful, Admiral. Well, here it is in a nutshell. We have two fleets in this area. This fleet, the seventh, is now cruising off the west coast of the southern Philippines. It's mainly a battle fleet, isn't it, sir?

Haven't seen any carriers? The carriers are concentrated with the third fleet, just north of us off the central coast of the Philippines. I presume it's covering General MacArthur's landing on the island of Leyte. Correct. Wow, we are the seventh leader on the lookout for the Japanese and southern waters.

Think they'll come out and fight Admiral? Anything can happen, Mr. Deets Earth. Anything can happen. We cruise through southern Philippine waters until the night of October 21st. I was in the wireless room with one of the captains when suddenly the receiver.

Coming in faster. Get the cold letters. Yes, sir. C-T-L-R. That's our sub fleet in the China Sea. Major Japanese fleet units cited moving eastward from Singapore toward southern Philippines. We are attacking. We are attacking.

Well, gentlemen, they're coming in force. Our submarines have sunk two heavy cruisers and severely damaged the third. Fine. Yes, but that doesn't mean a thing. There's plenty more of them. Captain. Yes, sir? Then now our scout planes at once were photographed so the enemy's strength.

Yes, sir. I want the rest of you officers to check your men in your stations. We've been asking for action. We're going to get it. When the Scott planes return, the Admiral again summoned his officers into his cabin for a study of the city.