Japanese warships passing Straits of Malacca for unknown reasons according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 1 August 1942

An item reported the passsing on 29 July of the Straits of Malacca by 2 Japanese cruisers and 2 destroyers possible for escorting a convoy to Rangoon, Burma, or to reconnoiter Ceylon [Sri Lanka] to act as raiders off the Indian east coast probably as a political demonstration of the navy related to the Congressional season.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 234 dated 1 August 1942.