The occupation Control of Tulagi by the Japanese was intended to cover Hiding_objects the flank of and provide Supply reconnaissance support Supporting for Japanese forces that were advancing Self_motion on Port Moresby in New Guinea , provide Supply greater defensive depth for the major Japanese base at Rabaul , and serve Assistance as a base for Japanese forces to threaten and interdict the supply and communication routes between the United States and Australia and New Zealand .

The purpose of the operation was to interdict the flow Motion of People 's Army of Vietnam ( PAVN ) supplies Supply on the Ho Chi Minh Trail ( the Truong Son Strategic Supply Supply Route to the North Vietnamese ) from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam ( North Vietnam ) , through southeastern Laos , and into the northern provinces of the Republic of Vietnam ( South Vietnam ) .

although the operation was mounted Connect too late to prevent Preventing_or_letting the attacks Attack on saigon , the australians and new zealanders successfully disrupted Hindering the communist lines of communication , limiting Limiting their freedom of manoeuvre to attack Attack the long unk hoa complex , while they were also able to successfully interdict their withdrawal Escaping , causing Causation heavy casualties Catastrophe .