The opportunity to hit this soft underbelly, outflank Adachi’s entrenched divisions, sever their communication and supply lines, thus consigning them to the deadly decay of the New Guinea wilds, and accelerate the Philippines timetable was irresistible for MacArthur. While studiously avoiding any reference to Ultra, he radioed his intentions to General Marshall on March 5. “Recent seizure of a foothold in the Admiralties which will shortly be followed by complete occupation presents an immediate opportunity for rapid exploitation along the north coast of New Guinea.
