Japanese naval foces in Asiatic waters asking for reinforcements according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 18 January 1942 No. 39

An item reported that Japanese forces operating in Asiatic waters |asked on 3 successive days for reinforcements. Probably there losses were severe forcing to stabilize and not increasing their operation area. The J.I.C. commented however that at Truk a large naval force was assembled including battleships, cruisers, aircraft carriers, transports and supply vessels. Probably was their target the Solomon Islands or reinforcing the forces acive in the Celebes area, Dutch East Indies.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 18 January 1942 No. 39