S E C R E T
 
     (2) Forces required.
         It is estimated that on July 1, 1943, UNITED NATIONS
      forces in the SOUTH and SOUTWEST PACIFIC areas will 
      total 14 offensive divisions and 2,106 combat aircraft.
      These forces, together with naval forces in the area, are
      considered adequate for the operations directed.
     (3) Time of completion.
     The exact timing of the successive operations is
      impracticable at this time to predict, since the enemy
      reaction to the plans is indeterminate, and limited 
      topographical intelligence may result in unexpected
      hindrances. The operations may run well into 1944.
 
      c. Subsequent operations.
 
     (1) Capture BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO..
          (a) General.
             UNITED NATIONS strategic plans envisage the
     capture of the BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO (including ADMIRALTY
     ISLANDS) following the completion off tasks indicated
     in paragraph a above.
                   The existing concept of operations provides
     initially for the capture of KAVIENG, in order to
     isolate sea communications to RABAUL. After the es-
     tablishment of airdromes in NEW BRITAIN and NEW IRE-
     LAND, the deftarises off RABAUL will be heavily attacked 
     by land-based aviation. When the enemy defenses are
     softened up, capture of the area will be made by two
     amphibious forces. One force will be mounted from
     the SOUTHEAST PACIFIC and one from the SOUTH PACIFIC.
           After the seizure of the NEW BRITAIN-NEW IRELAND
     area, the ADMIRALTY ISLANDS can be neutralized by land-
     based aviation operating from NEW GUINEA and NEW
     BRITAIN. Seizure will be made by amphibious Forces.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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