General Bennett himself told another Australian commander, shortly before leaving his command, "I don't think the men want to fight."

The incident ended with the capitulation of the Australian commanders due to the spreading of dysentery among their men.

He wrote a letter to the Australian commander in Morobe in which he offered his capitulation.

He said the United States promised to increase its contingent of 200 troops if the Australian commanders of the mission consider it necessary.

An Australian commander was chosen as most of the land forces were Australian.

This backfired, producing acrimony between the Australian and American commanders.

The Australian commanders were now demoralised.

The Australian commanders remained determined to recapture the ground lost on 1 May.

They allowed him to speak to Kapitz, who wrote another note advising the Australian commander to surrender.

As further intelligence reports came in, it became clear to the Australian commanders that the Japanese were about to deliver the main attack.