Large number of Japanese warships and merchant ships sighted in or around Rabaul according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 13 August 1942

An item reported that on 10 August Allied aircraft sighted 3 heavy cruisers, 1 seaplane tender, 3 destroyers and 1 merchant ship of the Japannese in the general vicinity of Rabaul, New Guinea and in the harbour or harbour entrance of Rabaul another 23 merchant ships.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 246 dated 13 August 1942.