S E C R E T
 
    responsibility. These operations should be undertaken after
    the recapture of BURMA and should commence in 1944.
 
                                        PART II
 
                         OPERATIONS IN PACIFIC
 
11. Operations in the SOLOMONS and in the BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO.
      a. Operations now directed.
          (1) Operations for the seizure of the SOLOMONS-BISMARCK 
      ARCHIPELAGO have been under way since July, 1942 (about
      nine months). The tasks prescribed by the latest directive
      of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (March 28, 1943) are quoted
      below:
 
          TASKS
          4. (a) Establish airfields on KIRIWINA and
         W00DLARK ISLANDS.
              (b) Seize LAE - SALAMAUA - FINSCHAFEN - MADANG
         area and occupy western NEW BRITAIN.
              (c) Seize and occupy SOLOMON ISLANDS to include
         the southern portion of BOUGAINVILLE.
                5. Purposes. To inflict losses on Japanese forces, 
         to deny these areas to JAPAN, to contain Japanese 
         forces in the PACIFIC Theater by maintaining the
         initiative, and to prepare for the ultimate seizure
         of BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO."
    b. Present status of operations.
        (1) General.
     The Supreme Commander, SWPA, gives June 15, 1943, as
    the target date for the occupation of KIRIwINA and WOOD-
    LARK ISLANDS. No date is indicated for subsequent phases
    of the entire operation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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