Japan interested in establishing seaplane base on the Gilbert Islands according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 30 January 1942

An item reported a temporary landing byJapanese patrol planes on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands investigating the possibilities for establishing a seaplane base. It was believed that the Japanese wanted to add the Gilbert Islands to the Marshall Island administration.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 51 dated 30 January 1942