Evening star., 1940-08-04
Doctrine of Greater East Asia
Broadens Danger for America
Japan's Announced Totalitarian Policy Threatens
to Expand Domination to Lands That
i. S. Finds Essential to Trade
Bv OHver Mckee.

by Premier Fumimaro Konoye for the
creation of new order for greater
East Asia" Japan proposes to bring
the Netherlands Indies and French Indo-
China under her economic control
While the axis powers are seeking to
smash the last barrier to their domina-
ton of Europe-the resistance of an en-
battled Britain, and the long arm OF
British sea poWer-Japan, now totah-
tartan state, apparently has decided that
conditions are favorable for an advance
toward the South Seas To the United
States, this advance will have implica-
tons of far-reaching Importance. For
economic domination will mean eventual
political control
The disclosure of the plans of the
Japanese government came two days
after President Roosevelt, as a national
defense measure, had placed ban on
the export of aviation gasoline to coun-
tries outside the Western Hemisphere.
Earlier also as a defense measure, the
administration had issued an order pro-
hibiting the export of certain grades of
oil and scrap metal, except under
special license. For her supplies of
scrap, petroleum and aviation gasoline
Japan has been largely dependent on the
United States. Japanese officials have
interpreted these export bans as moves
by the Washington administration to
apply economic pressure against Japan,
and they have not concealed their re-
sentiment.
Indies Vastly Wealthy.
In the Netherlands Indies, Holland
has one of the worlds richest colonial
empires. Covering an area almost as
large as that of the United States, the
islands are enormously rich in tropical
raw materials, including many which
Japan lacks. More than 80 per cent of
the worlds output of rubber comes from
the Dutch East Indies. In addition to
rubber, other important products are
quinine-of which the Netherlands Indies
enjoys virtual world monopoly-oil,
tin, kapok, tea, sugar and pepper. The
Islands also have extensive iron deposits,
at present only partially developed
French 1ndo-China is likewise rich in
raw materials. Though the cultivation
Of rice is the chief source of wealth.
OAtAAAeb
Other resources include wood, tin. phos-
pilates and precious stones. There is a
possibility, also. of high quality rubber
production on an extensive scale
without raw materials, Japan can
hardly maintain her place as world
power. Though Japan has some coal.
her supply Of iron ore is inadequate. She
is nearly self-sufficient in copper, and
mas enough mica, sulphur, chromium
and tungsten to meet her normal re-
quirements. For petroleum, iron, steel
and machinery, she is heavily dependent
on imports from overseas. Back of ia
pans imperialistic march of the last
few years lies determination to acquire
essential raw materials.
japanese imperialists have long looked
with avid eyes toward the Dutch East
Indies and other rich colonial possessions
of European powers in East Asia. Other
than commercial considerations, how
ever, have played a part in the move
ment for expansion southwark. In his
book, Japan Must Fight Britain" puD,
lished in 1886, 1t. Comdr. Tota Ishimaru
had this to say about the Netherlands
Indies: 1T is no eXaggeration to say
that they constitute the strategical, key
to Australia, New Zealand AID India,
not to mention Singapore" Strategically,
the Dutch East Indies have great i'm
portance.
Mother Countries Fall,
Now that Holland has been conquered
by the Nazis the Dutch East Indies can
expect no help from the mother country,
If Japan decides to bring the islands
under her economic and political dom
ination. Nor, by the same token, can
French Indo-China expect any help from
PROSTATE France. Both are colonial
pluns ripe for the picking.
That Japan will confine her economic
advance to French Indo-China and
the Dutch East Indies seems hardly
likely. If the axis powers bring Britain
to her knees, British Malaga, Singapore,
the Straits Settlements and other British
possessions in East Asia, all rich in raw
materials, will offer an easy mark for
Japan. So, too, will Siam.
The United States is largely dependent
on the Dutch East Indies, British Malay
and other countries in East Asia for it's
supplies of rubber, tin and several other
strategic materials, essential both to in
dustry and national defense. The eco
nomic domination of these areas by
Japan not only will endanger our sup
plies of strategic materials but will sub
ject American trade to totalitarian con-
trolls. If postwar Europe is ruled by
the Axis powers, American exporters will
face a drastically- market If
Japan imposes a totalitarian economic
system on the Far East, the "open door"
will go completely out of the window and
America will be permitted to sell in the
Far East only goods which Japan needs
and upon Japan's terms.
Raises Philippines Question.
In Far East dominated by Japan
economically, there would be no place
for a free and independent Philippines.
AS long as the islands remain under the
American flag they will continue to en-
Joy substantial economic benefits,
through trade with the United States.
AS an independent country, the Philip
pines could hardly long remain outside
the self sufficient" system which Japan
Is creating in the Far East.
Since the invasion of Manchuria in
1891 relations hetween the Tinted Stater