Rabaul still important base for Japanese naval forces according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 30 March 1942

An item reported that the Japanese still kept a large naval force at Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. On 28 March there were 4 cruisers, 5 destroyers, 17 transports and supply vessels and 5 miscellaneous vessels gathered there. Together with small scale air operations in the Melanesian area seemed an offensive to be prepared.

Note

1. The Battle of the Coral Sea between American, Australian and Japanese forces was between 4-8 May 1942.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 110 dated 30 March 1942.