THE DUTCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 205, 31 July 1939, Page 8

THE DUTCH

Because the head of the Dutch State is the only woman monarch in the world, and tire economic wealth of the country depends, like Britain’s, very largely on Holland’s colonial possessions, there is a warm interest in the British Empire in the wellbeing of the Netherlands. That country in recent weeks has witnessed political dissension over defence matters, and though the former Premier, Dr Coign, succeeded, after several abortive attempts, in forming a Cabinet, he has again resigned. Queen 'Wilhelmina a short time ago came into serious disagreement with her Ministers on the subject of defence, which led to the Government's resignation. At the same time it was announced that important plains were being laid for the strengthening of the defences of the Dutch East Indies, a territory the control of which means almost as much to the prosperity of the Dutch as the general wellbeing of their homeland itself. Immensely rich in natural resources, the Dutch colony lies in a part of the world in which fears are held of aggression in Japan’s drive for power; it would be just as sweet a plum for any other covetous nation. The example of Britain m strengthening the Singapore Base appears to have had significance in Holland, and additional fortifications for the Dutch East, Indies and the building of battleships for service there are among the defence projects which have been the subject of contention. It has been suggested by overseas observers that strengthening by the Dutch of their colonial defences and similar action by the French in respect of French Indo-China, combined with the greatly enhanced power of Britain in the Malay States, would present a formidable front which might have the effect of staying any ambitions for territorial expansion their neighbours might have in the East. It is accepted, of course, that Holland would agree to an understanding for mutual support in such a contingency, though the Dutch have already expressed a desire to remain strictly neutral in any European conflict. The fact remains that the peace-loving Dutch, however. —their Queen is by example and precept a believer in moral rearmament —appreciate the need for preparedness. With instability in Government that is not possible of full achievement.