If their fleet, particularly their aircraft carriers, can be lured into battle and defeated, they will then have no significant naval force left in the Pacific. They will be compelled to sue for peace.
12 seconds sound clip from the Midway (1976) movie soundboard.
You can hear this line at 00:15:53.586 in the Blu-ray version of the movie.
Quote context
[...]
- After all, in a matter of hours, our Coral Sea operation will be starting.
- We have sufficient forces for both.
- I tend to agree with Admirals Kondo and Hosogaya, sir.
- May I suggest we meet again after the Coral Sea campaign?
- Meanwhile, gentlemen, please consider this: the Americans are still unprepared and outnumbered.
- I have traveled widely in America, my friends. Their industrial might is awesome.
- I'm convinced our only hope for victory is one massive strike at Midway.
[...]