THE NETHERLANDS: Fair Fight

Every Dutchman fears that Japan may some day seize the large island oil reserves of Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Ceram in the Netherlands Indies. Last week Dutch planters and oil men rejoiced to learn that Queen Wilhelmina is resolved to defend them to the last. Dutch Defense Minister Laurentius Nicolas Deckers, orating before the Dutch Parliament, declared that Japan will never dare to send more than one-tenth of her fleet to attack Borneo which is 3,000 miles from Japan.

“Our present fleet in the Netherlands Indies equals one-tenth of the Japanese Navy,” said Minister Deckers. “Therefore we are safe. A fair fight may be expected if ever the Japanese attack us.”