Appendix E
Joint Directive for Offensive Operations in the Southwest Pacific Area Agreed upon by the United States Chiefs of Staff, 2 July 1942
1. OBJECTIVE: Offensive operations will be conducted with the ultimate objective of seizure and occupation of the NEW BRITAIN—NEW IRELAND—NEW GUINEA Area.
2. PURPOSE: To deny the area to JAPAN.
3. TASKS:
a. TASK ONE. Seizure and occupation of SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS, TULAGI, and adjacent positions.
b. TASK TWO. Seizure and occupation of the remainder of the SOLOMON ISLANDS, of LAE, SALAMAUA, and Northeast Coast of NEW GUINEA.
c. TASK THREE. Seizure and occupation of RABAUL and adjacent positions in the NEW GUINEA—NEW IRELAND Area.
4. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
a. The composition of the forces to be used, the timing of the tasks, and the passage of command will be determined by the U.S. Chiefs of Staff.
b. For planning purposes a target date for TASK ONE is tentatively set as August 1, 1942.
(c) Direct command of the tactical operations of the amphibious forces will remain with the Naval task force commander throughout the conduct of all three tasks.
(d) The withdrawal of the naval attached units of the U.S. Fleet may be ordered by the U.S. Chiefs of Staff upon the completion of any particular phase of the operation in the event that:
(1) conditions develop which unduly jeopardize the aircraft carriers:
(2) an emergency arises in other Pacific areas which dictates such withdrawal.
(e) The eastern and western boundaries of the SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA and of the SOUTH PACIFIC AREA respectively will, as of August 1, 1942, be longitude one hundred fifty-nine degrees east from the equator southward.
5. FORCES
(a) Ground, air, and naval forces now under the command of the Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area.
(b) At least two aircraft carriers with accompanying cruisers and destroyers, and the South Pacific Amphibious Force, with necessary transport divisions.
(c) Marine air squadrons and available land-based air support in South Pacific Area.
(d) Army occupational forces now in the South Pacific Area to be utilized to garrison TULAGI and adjacent island positions; troops from AUSTRALIA to provide other garrisons required.
6. COMMAND.
(a) TASK ONE. Seizure and occupation of SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS, TULAGI, and adjacent positions.
(1) Task Force Commander will be designated by the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
(2) Necessary Naval reinforcements and land-based air support will be attached by the Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area, who will also provide for interdiction of enemy air and naval activities westward of the operating area.
b. TASK TWO. Seizure and occupation of the remainder of the SOLOMON ISLANDS and of LAE, SALAMAUA, and Northeast Coast of NEW GUINEA. The task forces engaged in this operation will be under the direction of the Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area.
c. TASK THREE. Seizure and occupation of RABAUL and adjacent positions in the NEW GUINEA—NEW IRELAND Area. The task forces engaged in this operation will be under the direction of the Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area.