Another feature of this region became especially important after
Germany had conquered several European powers with Far Eastern
possessions. For eastern Asia is one of the greatest colonial areas
of the world, not even excepting Africa. From Korea to India runs a
continuous chain of Japanese, French, American, Dutch and British
holdings. Only Japan in the north, and Australia and New Zealand in the
south, may be counted as fully independent countries. So this region
is the scene not only of imperial rivalries, but of struggles for
independence on the part of native peoples.
Thus many factors enter into the international developments affecting
this region. Countless threads of policy connect it with Europe. They
run to Berlin, and are woven into Hitler’s plans; to London, where
they tie in with the problem of what naval and air forces the British
can spare for the Far East; to Vichy, and the attitude of the French
Government there; and to the refugee Netherlands authorities in
Britain taking counsel on the fate of their colonies. Moscow is caught
up in this diplomatic network, and so is Washington--their moves can
exert decisive influence on the course of events.