"CLIMB NIITAKAYAMA 1208"

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.