Japanese Naval Moves Report by J.I.C.

Possible future action by the Japanese fleet Pacific 5. It seems clear that the defence of the Carolines, Marianas, Palau and New Guinea will in future be left to the land garrisons, supported by shore-based aircraft and by submarine operations. Palau seems to be intended for use as an advanced base for cruisers and destroyers covering shipping movements. It is also the main convoy assembly point for shipping supplying the Carolines, New Guinea, New Britain and New Ireland. As the Pacific advance develops, Japanese carrier task forces operating from Singapore, Manila and possibly Palau, and supported by battleships and cruisers, may be used in waters covered by land based aircraft against Allied sea lines of communication, in the area south of the Carolines and between the Marianas and Philippines.