In the event, Phase Two proved to be complex. Practical choice for axes of advance lav between an island-hopping thrust, westward across the Mandates, or a deliberate progress along the northern shore of New Guinea before heading north, probably via the Philippines. President Roosevelt favoured the naval-led former route, but was equally swayed by the eloquence of Gen Douglas MacArthur that the southern route, using Australia as a staging post, was superior. Controversially, both were adopted. It has been observed that the two campaigns were analogous to those in Europe. The direct route to Japan herself, the central Pacific thrust commanded by Adm Chester Nimitz, was primary and comparable to the Allies' eastward advance from Normandy. That under Mac Arthur's leadership in the south was always secondary and could be compared with the Mediterranean campaign. Both pairs of campaigns were mutually supportive, confusing the enemy as to the next objective and obliging him to dissipate his strength. Only the enormous industrial capacity of the United States could sustain such a two-headed campaign. Even this was not infinite, however, and hard chokes had to be made regarding which axis would see the next forward leap.
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