With The Netherlands at war, Japan might cut off the supply of rubber and tin from The Netherlands-Indies, from where the U. S. gets major portions of the two strategic materials.

Far out on the Pacific last week lay the U. S. battle fleet, its maneuvers completed, its next job not yet laid out. Beyond the battle fleet and across the Pacific many a U. S. businessman cast an uneasy mind’s eye. For south and east from the foot of Thailand…

Japan said it would protect the islands of the NL.-Indies, in case powers might threaten her. Netherlands Foreign Minister said that the NL.-Indies wanted no protection from anybody.

Prettiest seat on the fence from which Japan, Russia and Italy are watching World War II is enjoyed by Japan. Last week she showed every sign of squirming pleasurably upon it—even a few signs of eagerness to climb down.

First of all Tokyo newspapers broke into one of their…

Japan would like some of the Dutch abundance (they grow rich on oil and rubber, fat on Bols gin and rijsttafel), and would brook no interference to her ambition to dominate the South Seas.

Life in The Netherlands Indies is abundant. Dutch colonials grow rich on oil and rubber, fat on Bols gin and rijsttafel (“rice-table,” a huge meal which requires a dozen natives to serve). Their activities at clubs are so serious as to be nearer worship than relaxation. The social hierarchy is…