Japanese naval force gathered above the Anambas Islands according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 23 February 1942

An item reported that according to aerial reconnaissance dated 21 February above the Anambas Islands were 2 Japanese aircraft carrier. 2 light cruisers, 1 heavy cruiser and 10 destroyers. The J.I.C. commented that these area was used by as a rendezvous-point for convoys and destroyers. The vessels which were now described apparently were waiting for the arrival of transports with on board reinforcements for the Java campaign.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. MR0423. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 75 dated 23 February 1942