Japanese naval force in Marshall Islands suitable for invading small islands according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 14 January 1942

An item referred to Australian sources reporting that the Japanese naval force in the Marshall Islands numbered 20 warships and 20 supply vessels. The force was just strong enough for invading small islands like Canton and Palmyra. British and New Zealand authorities believed that Samoa or Fiji was the target.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 14 January 1942 No. 35.