Japanese forces apparently active at Howland Island according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 4 January 1942

An item reported that the reported Japanese activities at Canton Island were not correct but probably was Howland Island about 425 miles north west of Canton Island and 760 miles east of the Japanese base at Makin, Gilberts meant.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 25 dated 4 January 1942