Plans. At the Casablanca Conference in January, 1943, it was decided that further Japanese expansion must be prevented. This meant that despite requirements in Europe, sufficient forces would be provided for a continuing offensive in the Pacific. MacArthur's immediate problem was to seize the northern coast of New Guinea, ending the threat to Australia. After his forces accomplished this, they would be within striking distance of the Philippines.
In the central Pacific the problem faced by Admiral Nimitz was more complicated. There was no intention of retaking conquered territory, island by island. The objective was to seize a succession of naval and air bases, drawing ever closer to the Philippines and Japan. Wherever possible, direct attacks on strong bases were to be avoided. These bases were to be cut off and neutralized by gaining control of their supply routes. This strategy was called "island hopping."
American troops defeated the Japanese at Attu Island, off Alaska, in 1943.By the middle of 1943 MacArthur had four American and six Australian divisions under his control, while nine Army and Marine divisions were in the central Pacific. At the end of the war the United States had 21 Army and 6 Marine divisions in the Pacific (compared with 69 divisions in Europe). Naval strength was also growing rapidly during 1943.
