Japanese mine supply

[Micke II]

My game has reached June 1943 playing the japanese side. I try to improve the defence of atolls in the Pacific with mines. But availabilitie is scarce.
Yesterday I resupplied a mine layers TF in Kwajalein where AE are anchored. The mine layers received immediately from the AE their complete mines allocation despite the fact that the mine pool is empty. It's the first time I see such type of resupply through AE. In which conditions is it possible ?
The only exception is the type 3 mine with plenty available in the pool. Only level bombers Betty or Nells can use them but at which date air mine laying missions can be launched ?

[Saros]

That's strange you shouldn't be able to rearm minelayers from AE's unless mines are available in the pool. Type 3's can be used by betty/nell after their activation date via the city attack -> mine port option.

[Micke II]

ORIGINAL: Saros

Type 3's can be used by betty/nell after their activation date via the city attack -> mine port option.

Yes, but what is the starting date for this type of operations ?

[crsutton]

if the mine is in production you should be able to use it. The was the case with my Allied air placed mines.