Japanese forces just invading islands northeast of Australia according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 21 March 1942

An item reported that during a Japanese air attack on 19 March the naval headquarters at Darwin, Australia were heavily damaged, fortunately with just a few casualties. It was believed that the Japanese force wanted to conqueror strategic points on islands northeast of Australia. Lacking a sufficient force it was not to be expected that wanted to invade the Fijis, New Caledonia or even Northeastern Australia.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 101 dated 21 March 1942