In this particular respect, the Dutch East Indies were stiffened by Mr. Matsuoka's speech in the Dieta few months ago. in which he included the Dutch Bast Indies in Japan's scheme of "new order in Easy Asia." a speech which drew an instant sharp repudiation from ihe Netherlands Government in London, The Dutch have two grounds for the firmness they are showing. Fi there are colossal American interests in the Dutch East Indies which are estimated at no less than $1,500,000,000. Thirty-eight per cent. of Dutch East Indies rubber goes to America, which also controls 40 per cent. of the oil output. American motor-car end tyre companies also have extensive factories in the Dutch Est Indies. where quantities of goods are manufactured and sent to America for finishing. But the Dutch are by no means depending only on America's interest in their Colony, Since last October. they have raised a considerable army composed of local levies, and they have immensely strengthened their air force with numerous new aeroplanes from America. their navy. though small. is efficient. The factories have been well camouflaged. black-out is regularly practised. there is a vigorous hunt after fifth columnists, and lastly there is the traditional toughness of the Dutch charactcr.—Reutdr.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.