I think it was before the invasion of Bougainville, the Marines were being briefed on the rainfall, swamps, deadly malaria, poisonous snakes, and all the other fun things they could expect to find there. Supposedly, when asked if there were any questions, one Marine piped in with the question:
“Are you sure we don’t want to let the Japanese keep the place?”
Japanese soldiers probably had a similar opinion.
I’m sure there were overwhelming strategic considerations at the time!