JAVA: NEW ZEALAND'S FRONT LINE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 24, 4 March 1942, Page 4

JAVA: NEW ZEALAND'S FRONT LINE

CONQUEST of the populous island of Java,, by the forces of Japan would write the word 'finis' to the Dutch East Indies campaign, and would leave the war-lords of Nippon open to consider new plans of investment and invasion. The island itself—the pearl of the Dutch possessions—is possibly the richest in the world as far as raw materials are concerned. Apart from the luxurient climatic conditions which permits the production of all the foodstuffs required for its forty-three millions, there are immense mineral deposits and oil packets. The island also produces rubber anr/ other tropical commodities of which Japan stands in urgent need. Java, a third the size again of the South Island of New Zealand, carries a population seventy times as great and for that reason alone can be expected to give a good account of itself in the face of the Japanese invasion armies. The island also boasts a good air force, and a modern naval base at Sourabaya. The people are intensely loyal to Queen Wilheirnina of Holland, and can be relied upon to make she-to work of 'fifth columnists' should they be employed by the Japanese. Th e landing and penetration by the invaders is not to be wondered at in view of the immense and broken coastline of the island. The outcome of the struggle will be watched with interest, for the main forces have not met. Reports of a further sea-armada, to reinforce the ( ne;.ny troops already on the island is an indication of the importance placed by the Japanese upon the venture, which possibly from a military point of view exceeds in value ail the other invasions hitherto embarked upon. Shoulder to shoulder on Java, stand the soldiers of Holland, Amei ica, Great Britain and Australia, backed by th;- forcc s of the Native levies who have been mobilised to defend their homeland. The Dutch have been good colonise s ai.G have to thank this wholesome feature of their administratio.i for the united front which is now beingshown to the enemy. Already desultry fighting has ta,ken place in a dozen quarters, while naval and air battles have ringed the island during the past week. To the scene are hastening still more American and Dutch reinforcements, the gallant little Netherlands navy playing a conspicuous part in the sea engagements which have thrilled the world. The battle of Java will no doubt spell the future course of the Pacific war, and possibly the fate of the lands of the South Seas r<vts entirely on its outcome. New Zealanders should realise thai Java to-day represents their front line, for its ability to beat off the invader means the difference between a few scattered raids,, and ail the seriousness of actuil invasion for this country.