NEW DANGER ZONE

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21655, 16 February 1942, Page 5

NEW DANGER ZONE

MUST DEFEND INDIES DUTCH LEADER’S ADYICF NEXT DEFENSIVE LINE i United Press Assn.—ciec. Tel. Conyn NEW YORK, Feb. 15 The Netherlands Foreign Minister, Dr. van Kleffens, writing in the New York Times, says the Netherlands East Indies have become the main centre of the danger zone. He explains that if the Japanese succeed and firmly entrench in the Netherland East Indies, the Germans and Japanese would certainly encircle and dominate, militarily and economically, the whole of Asia, also the South-western Pacific.

“ It is no time now to argue how Malaya and Singapore could have been held,” says Dr. van Kleffens. “ It is more important to hold the next defence line, particularly Java. “ It is also certain that reproaches that this or that Ally failed in its appointed task are harmful and dangerous, and will undermine unity. They are mostly based on far-reach-ing ignorance of immensely complex problems. “ Although the Allied situation today is clearly grave,” adds the writer, “ we should count not only our misfortunes but also our blessings, particularly the overwhelming numerical, material and spiritual superiority of Britain, America, Russia and China, which doubtless will guarantee final victory.”