A Plausible Plan (2)

"What? With Baltic Fleet joined, reversely dangerous if enemy forces fleet decisive battle."

"Even those Russians can't easily enter the strait between Korea and Japan."

"Korea, Korea is the problem. They've long been making Manchuria and Maritime Province stepping stones for expansion."

"We too must make Korea a stepping stone to have a chance in land battle."

"Need solid rear to have strength to advance. Must occupy Korea's ports and railways first. Hanyang? Of course must surprise attack and not let even a mouse escape."

Third conclusion: Must quickly eat Korea upon war start. For this, must start war with preemptive strike giving enemy no chance to advance south.

"Port Arthur? Physically impossible to station all fleets there. If any, Pacific Fleet at most."

"So remaining ships will station at Vladivostok port. Then war must start in winter when Vladivostok freezes!"