Japanese warships gathered at Kessa, Buka Island according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 18 March 1942

An item reported that 8 Japanese naval vessels were stationed at Kessa, Buka Island and that the harbour there could be mined. The vessels were probably part of a covering force supporting operations in the New Britain-New Guinea area.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 98 dated 18 March 1942.