Evening star., 1942-03-09
Conquest Of java

Inc conquest or Java is a dlSaSter
equal to the fall of Singapore. Besides
being the heart of Dutch colonial
empire. it was the keystone in the
arch Of United Nations defense
stretching from India to Australia.
Henceforth. the struggle against
Japan must be waged from those
widely separated abutments of the
fallen arch, and communications be-
tween the two can be made only by
roundabout routes across the Indian
Ocean. Indeed, even those commu-
nications may become increasingly
insecure from japanese raiders and
submarines.
Java fell with unexpected sudden
ness. Unofficial reports had esti-
mated the defending Dutch Army
at fully 100000, reinforced by Aus
tralian, British and even American
contingents of ground troops, while
the efficient Dutch Navy and air
force were similarly supported by
Anglo American warships and
planes. Java's excellent systems Of
roads and railways were expected
to make possible quick concentration
against invaders and consequent
holding operations. While the Dutch
themselves warned that Java could
not hold out indefinitely unless Wig
orously supported, the impression
was that the invasion would be pro-
longed affair costing the japanese
tremendous losses. In short, Java
was seen as a greater Bataan PENN
sula which would blunt the edge of
the japanese sword.
These hopes have been grievously
disappointed. A glance at a topo-
graphical map Of Java reveals one
reason. Java Is no Bataan wilder
ness. 1t is highly cultivated,
densely populated island, over 800
miles In length, though with an
average width of less than 100 miles.
Java's backbone is a range of VOL
canic mountains rising steeply from
the depths of the Indian Ocean,
which washes its southern coast.
But the northern coast consists
mostly Of wide plains and broad
valleys dipping gently into the rela-
lively shallow Java Sea. The Japa-
nese attack came from that side, so
they had many bays and beaches on
which to land. Only powerful de-
fense forces could have successfully
coped with such multiple assaults.
We now know that the United Ma
tions reported strength was exag-
gerated. The ground forces prob
ably did not exceed $4,000. The feet
sacrificed itself gallantly at the very
start, battling the oncoming Japa-
nese armada in the Java Sea. while
the air force was similarly decimated
in those same engagements. Backed
by naval and air superiority, the
japanese could establish their beach
heads and fan out through the open
country behind. Even when they
reached the mountainous hinter-
land, 1t was so riss-crossed by good
roads that the defenders could not
hold strategic points against the
concentrated japanese attacks. That
was why the well-fortif1ed Bandung
plateau fell in such a surprisingly
short time. Courage and discipline
might slightly prolong but could not
avert the inevitable. Thus, the grim
tragedy Of Malaga, of Burma and of
Singapore was tragically repeated.
Co-ordinated Dutch resistance in
Java obviously is at an end. Sporadic
fighting may go on for some time in
a few isolated tracts Of mountain
country, where forest and jungle
give adequate cover from airplanes.
But the japanese already have cut
the island into segments and can
mop up at their leisure with rela-
lively small forces. Furthermore,
there is slight likelihood of guerrilla
resistance by the inhabitants. I'm
like the Filipinos, the Javanese are a
traditionally mild, unwarlike people,
accustomed for centuries to the eff
cient yet tolerant Dutch rule.
The unpleasant fact might as well
be faced that, in precisely one week,
the Japanese have conquered Java
and that the bulk of their forces
engaged in that major task is now
free for other offensives. Time will
soon tell whether the next blows will
be dealt at Australia or India.