NETHERLANDS INDIES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 143, 19 May 1941, Page 6

NETHERLANDS INDIES.

WILL FIGHT IF ATTACKED. (Press Assn.). AUCKLAND, May 18. “Jf the Netherlands East Indies are attacked they will certainly tight and they are well prepared to defend themselves,” said Mr E. E. van Kletiens (Minister for Foreign Affairs ot the Netherlands), who has arrived in New Zealand from Sydney on a briet visit on his way back to London, where the Netherlands Government has its headquarters. He is accompanied by Mrs van Kletfens, Mr C. J. J. M. Ilelter (Colonial Minister) and a staff ol three.

While both Ministers said they wore not expert in military matters, they spoke with enthusiasm of the defences oi the Netherlands East Indies, which, they said, were growing progressively stronger every week as fresh supplies of aircraft and other equipment arrived from the United States. A high compliment had recently hern to the Air Force of the Netherlands East Indies bv Air Chief-Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Pop ham (British Commandcr-in-Chicf in the Far East) .and this branch of the archipelago’s defences had the most modern equipment available. Fighters, medium bombers, and dive-bombers of standard American make were already in service in substantial numbers and many more had been ordered. All the pilots were Dutchmen, and although none had yet seen service. Mr Welter said, he was sure they would give a good account of themselves it called upon to fight. The Dutch were as air-minded as any other nation in the world and if more warplanes could lie obtained fully-trained crews for them would he readily available.

In reply to questions concerning the attitude of the large native population of the Netherlands East Indies to the war. Mr vail Klell'ens said that some of the natives, especially those living in the more remote parts, naturally knew little about it. Not all the native races made good soldiers, but some did and were well represented in the forces.

Both Ministers expressed pleasure at the opportunity of visiting New Zealand and of meeting members of the Dominion Cabinet. They left for Wellington to-night ami will have conversations with the Deputy Prime Minister (Hon, W. Nash) and other Ministers before leaving for the United States’ by air in about a week’s time.