Below a possible booring thread of the political change which could make the naval strenght of the Royal Netherlands Navy a bit stronger and or more modern in the NEI.
I tried it to keep it as plausible as posible although in OTL the cabinet, in January 1940, ordered the construction of at least two battle cruisers / cruiser killers according to project 1047. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_1047_battlecruiser
In this TL some different decisions are made, hampering the big artileryship lobby early in the 1930ties and dismiss it at all in the second half. Although in TL the cabinet will make the order to build a class of heavy cruiser as well in early 1940s. But this will be ships more or less based on an enlarged Eendracht class light cruiser design with eight to ten 208 mm Brisitsh heavy cruiser guns.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ever since the cancelation of the light cruiser Celebes, part of the Java Class light cruisers the Royal Netherlands Navy desired a third light cruiser.
During the cabinet term of Ruys de Beerenbroeck III (1929-1933) , secretary Deckers of Defence managed to navigate a fleet plan for the next ten years (OTL). An achievement since there was a report of a committee, (committee Indenburg) who in 1927, advised for a further reduction of the already very small fleet, as an austerity measure, and the still very strong pacifist movement. The economic tide didn't help either.
As part of this new fleet plan, secretary Deckers tried to accept the construction of a third light cruiser, much desired by the Navy, however the budget for a ship like this was deemed too small. Cabinet members and parliament was very reluctant to increase the budget in order to build a proper light sized and armed cruiser. The political opposition for this third cruiser was deemed too large and in order to stop the discussion and prevent further political damage, Secretary Deckers withdraw the cruiser or flotilla leader plan and replaced it for the order of a class of submarines.
Strangely enough the order of the five submarines met much less resistance both in Cabinet and parliament, and in 1933 the first boats of the five O16 class submarines were laid down. The total price of these boats was still lower than the light cruiser, although marginal, but the exploitation cost per boat was dramatically lower than a light cruiser. The five submarines were cheaper already in cost of salaries for the personnel onboard, than one light cruiser, since one submarine had around 40 men onboard while one light cruiser had around 350 to 450 men onboard.
After the formation of a new cabinet, Colijn II in 1933 the construction of two ‘’flotilla leaders’’ was made. Thes ships would be classed outside the Netherlands as a modern version of the ‘’torpedo cruiser’’ from the turn of the century. This was political seen as a valid solution to provide the Navy with at least a third light cruiser which it desired.
Torpedo cruisers Tromp class
Already during the cabinet period of Colijn II, the plan for a real third light cruiser was made again in autumn 1935 for the budget of 1936. Secretary of Defence Mr Deckers noted in his earlier fleet plan the need to replace the aging Java class cruisers. There for the ship would be the first of a class of two and most likely three ships. The plan had support of PM Colijn who acted as secretary of Economic affairs ad interim in 1935.
Due to the cancelation of the third cruiser the discussion to replace the two Java class cruisers started earlier. As early as 1934*, discussions started at the Ministry of Defence and the Naval Staff about the design of two new cruisers to replace the cruisers Hr.Ms. Java and Sumatra, which both dated from 1925 and 1926. The Sumatra, which was qualitatively inferior to the two sister ships, was to be taken out of service in 1942*, while this was to be done with the Java in 1945*. The first design plans for the new cruisers bore the year 1936*. In connection with the year for which the cruisers entered the state budget, the design was further referred to as Cruiser 1937*. The 1937* state budget included the first instalment for one cruiser, while later funds for the second ship were allocated. Including security, the ships would each cost approximately 15 million guilders (The currency used in the Netherlands at the time). In June 1936*, the Secretary of Defence at interim Colijn (PM of cabinet Colijn III) , gave contracts to N.V. Dok- en Werf Maatschappij Wilton Fijenoord and N.V. Rotterdamse Droogdok Maatschappij for one cruiser each.
- The ship at Wilton Fijenoord was named De Zeven Provinciën with the date of readiness on September 1, 1939*.
- The ship at the Rotterdam Dry Dock Company was named Kijkduin, launched as Eendracht, with the completion date of December 30, 1939*.
On May 19, 1937*, the first keel plate for the Kijkduin was laid with some ceremony at the shipyard of the Rotterdam Dry Dock Company. On September 5, 1937* this happened at Wilton Fijenoord for the De Zeven Provinciën. Wilton Fijenoord was a little later because of the occupation of all the big slopes for the ships to stand on. Another large new slope was under construction.
The dates of the contracts and keel laying show that a great deal of work had already been done in advance on specifications of armour plates and profiles for the ship's material and that contracts had been concluded long before this, even before the formal decision to build was
made. All of this material had been ordered in the United States and was delivered at a rapid pace.
The armour material had also been pre-ordered from Bofors in Sweden, after comparative firing tests had been carried out. Orders had also been placed for various auxiliary tools and other materials.
The third cruiser of the class was also awarded by Secretary of Defence Dr. J.J.C. van Dijk,to Wilton Fijenoord and the third ship was laid down on January 5, 1939.
Wilton Fijenoord, with the machining of hull and other material in advance of the laydown of the keel, the yard progressed very fast on the third ship. With financial support from the Ministry of Social affairs, as part of a unemployment scheme, the work on the ship continued in multiple shifts six days of the week. Not at Sunday. The efforts of the Wilton Feijenoord yard made it possible to launch the ship already in January as HNLMS De Ruyter. When the Netherlands was invaded by National Socialist Germany the ship was nearly 70% complete. In the night of 12 to 13 May 1940 the ship could escape to England together with a good portion of parts and material on board and a group of volunteers of the yard. Due to political disagreement between the Dutch cabinet in exile under PM Colijn and the British government the ship was moved to the Tanjung Priok in NEI in September 1940. In October 1941 she was complete and commissioned. Together with her other two sisters, the two Java class light cruiser and the two Tromp class flotilla leaders she was the back bone of the Royal Netherlands Navy surface fleet. The Tromp flotilla leaders were laid down in 1936 and 1937*.
It is unclear when and why the Kijkduin changed her name in Eendracht, the name which she had when launched.
Large light cruisers Eendracht class
Cabinet Colijn II was followed after elections by Cabinet Colijn III in 1935. In this Cabinet Mr. Colijn was not only Prime Minister he was as well Secretary of Defence ad interim from 1935 up to 1937.
In 1936, Colijn as interim Secretary of Defence, together with Minister Oud, secretary of Finance, he brought about the Défense Fund Act and the Act to Strengthen the Material Equipment of the Défense Force. The establishment of a Défense Fund of NLG 53 million was deemed necessary to accelerate the catching up of the material backlog in defence. (OTL)
How ever Prime Mister Colijn argued that this fund was only for the National Army otherwise the fund would be too small. He achieved two separate funds, one for the Navy and one for the National Air defence, to build up the air force and ground air defence. The Naval defence Fund Act to Strengthen the Material Equipment of The Royal Navy comprised as well 50 million NLG. The fund was financed partially out of the budget of Colonial affairs and the NEI colonial government.
In 1935 the order of two submarines were given the K-XIX and K-XX this were two submarines with mine laying capacity and replacing the old M1 (German confiscated) and O 8 ( British conficated) submarines. Late 1935 construction of a sub class of the K-XXI, K-XXII and K-XXIII started. Essential the same as the K-IXX but without 20 vertical mine tubes, also called "mine buns". At the K-IXX class these mine buns, which were located outside the pressure-resistant double skin, could each accommodate two mines that could be discharged separately from each other hydraulically minelaying.
The K-XXI sub-class were the first vessels financed out of the Naval Defense Fund.
In 1937 construction of two submarine classes on the same time were started. Technically the classes were essential the same. The O-21 class of five boats and the K-XXIV (K-14) class of as well five boats. The O-21 and O-22 would be built at De Schelde yard while the other three at RDM, Rotterdam. The K-class were built at Wilton Feijenoord, Rotterdam.
As a part of the fleet plan of Deckers there would be an increase of four destroyers. This class would essentially be increased with two more vessels. The in 1937 laid down ‘’Kanoneer boten’’ (sloops) K-1, K-2 and K-3 where too slow as escort for the light cruisers.
Destroyers Gerard Callenburgh class
Submarines in service and not in reserve
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In May 1940 after an intense five day battle the Dutch army surrendered after it asked for an armistice in the afternoon of 15 May.
In the early hours a part of the Cabinet left the country after a emotional meeting with the General Staff. During this meeting a more or less decent reatreat was accepted. Members of the Cabinet would leave to Great Brittain on voluntairy basis. The Chief of Staff of the Army with some officers was ordered to join the Cabinet. Admiral Furstener already left the country on May 14.
Rear Admiral Hoyte Jolles, commander of the most important naval base Den Helder, on his own insistence was ordered to evacuate as much as possible men and material to great Brittain. The garrison was around 10000 men and had its own Naval air service.
The commander of the Army General Reynders and the memebers of the rump cabinet;
mr. C.P.M. (Carl) Romme , acting as prime minister ad interim, dr.J.R. (Jan Rudolph) Slotemaker de Bruine secretary of education , H. (Hendrik) van Boeijen sectretary of Interior, and mr.dr.J.A.M. van Buuren secretary of waterworks and infrasructure were invited at 12.00 in Dordrecht. The Dutch delegation could train the agrement until 18:00. The army on Dutch soil except Zeeland would surrender.
In the mean time a large porion of the airbranch of the amry, LVA and the navy MLD could escape, as well as Rear Admiral Hoyte Jolles with a very large part of his garrisson and material. All navy ship underconstruction and capable of floating where already evacuated with as much as possible material and some ship yard voluntairs. The Dutch also evacuated the captured Falshirm and Luftlanding units and her division commander of 22.LL.ID. Graf von Sponeck who was forced to capitulate on the 13th.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The cabinet in excile was TTL:
Prime Minister dr.H. (Hendrik) Colijn
Secretary of Foreign affairs mr.J.A.N. (Jacob) Patijn
Secretary of Finance mr.J.A. (Jacob Adriaan)de Wilde
Secretary of Economic affairs mr. M.P.L. (Max) Steenberghe
Secretary of Colonies Ch.J.I.M. (Charles) Welter (forced to resign in 1941 due to his pro Petain and defailist attitude)
Secretary of waterworks and infrasructure mr.dr.J.A.M. van Buuren
Secretary of Justice mr. C.M.J.F. (Carel) Goseling (resigned and returned to the Netherlands in September 1940, possible private matters. later arrested by de Germans and died in Buchenwald)
Direct after arrival the defalist attitude was high among several members not at least with the Prime Minister. Although his pessim came more out of deception of the capabilities of the Great Powers, France and Great Brittain.
This defalist stance gradualy disapperared althouh with the Secretary of Colonies this remianed and due to his symphaty for Petain the leader of Vichy france he was removed form office.
It was the deception of Colijn of the cababilties of the great Powers which was the driving force to get as much as possble Royal Netherlands Navy units to the NEI. He put his diplomatic wheigth in to convince the USA to deliver army materials to the NEI, KNI and RNN.
Early 1941 Colijn, changed his attitude, and came on relative good terms with Churchill reagarding the defence of the NEI and cooperation with the British forces in Malaya and Australia.
Cabinets from 1929 unitl 1940:
- Ruys de Berenbroeck III 1929-1933 mr.dr. L.N. Deckers Minister van Defensie
- Colijn II 1933-1935 mr.dr. L.N. Deckers Minister van Defensie
- Colijn III 1935-1937 PM Colijn ad interim 1935-1937 Minister van Defensie
- Colijn IV 1937-1940* (1939) dr.J.J.C. (Jannes)van Dijk Minister van Defensie ( In OTL cabinet De geer II)
I tried it to keep it as plausible as posible although in OTL the cabinet, in January 1940, ordered the construction of at least two battle cruisers / cruiser killers according to project 1047. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_1047_battlecruiser
In this TL some different decisions are made, hampering the big artileryship lobby early in the 1930ties and dismiss it at all in the second half. Although in TL the cabinet will make the order to build a class of heavy cruiser as well in early 1940s. But this will be ships more or less based on an enlarged Eendracht class light cruiser design with eight to ten 208 mm Brisitsh heavy cruiser guns.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ever since the cancelation of the light cruiser Celebes, part of the Java Class light cruisers the Royal Netherlands Navy desired a third light cruiser.
During the cabinet term of Ruys de Beerenbroeck III (1929-1933) , secretary Deckers of Defence managed to navigate a fleet plan for the next ten years (OTL). An achievement since there was a report of a committee, (committee Indenburg) who in 1927, advised for a further reduction of the already very small fleet, as an austerity measure, and the still very strong pacifist movement. The economic tide didn't help either.
As part of this new fleet plan, secretary Deckers tried to accept the construction of a third light cruiser, much desired by the Navy, however the budget for a ship like this was deemed too small. Cabinet members and parliament was very reluctant to increase the budget in order to build a proper light sized and armed cruiser. The political opposition for this third cruiser was deemed too large and in order to stop the discussion and prevent further political damage, Secretary Deckers withdraw the cruiser or flotilla leader plan and replaced it for the order of a class of submarines.
Strangely enough the order of the five submarines met much less resistance both in Cabinet and parliament, and in 1933 the first boats of the five O16 class submarines were laid down. The total price of these boats was still lower than the light cruiser, although marginal, but the exploitation cost per boat was dramatically lower than a light cruiser. The five submarines were cheaper already in cost of salaries for the personnel onboard, than one light cruiser, since one submarine had around 40 men onboard while one light cruiser had around 350 to 450 men onboard.
After the formation of a new cabinet, Colijn II in 1933 the construction of two ‘’flotilla leaders’’ was made. Thes ships would be classed outside the Netherlands as a modern version of the ‘’torpedo cruiser’’ from the turn of the century. This was political seen as a valid solution to provide the Navy with at least a third light cruiser which it desired.
Torpedo cruisers Tromp class
| Name | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned |
| Tromp | NSM (Nederlandse Scheepsbouw Maatscahppij) Amsterdam | 17 January 1935*(1936) | 24 May 1936*(1937) | 18 August 1937*(1938) |
| Jacob van Heemskerck | NSM Amsterdam | 31 October 1936*(1937) | 16 September 1938*( 1939) | 10 May 1939*(1940) |
Already during the cabinet period of Colijn II, the plan for a real third light cruiser was made again in autumn 1935 for the budget of 1936. Secretary of Defence Mr Deckers noted in his earlier fleet plan the need to replace the aging Java class cruisers. There for the ship would be the first of a class of two and most likely three ships. The plan had support of PM Colijn who acted as secretary of Economic affairs ad interim in 1935.
Due to the cancelation of the third cruiser the discussion to replace the two Java class cruisers started earlier. As early as 1934*, discussions started at the Ministry of Defence and the Naval Staff about the design of two new cruisers to replace the cruisers Hr.Ms. Java and Sumatra, which both dated from 1925 and 1926. The Sumatra, which was qualitatively inferior to the two sister ships, was to be taken out of service in 1942*, while this was to be done with the Java in 1945*. The first design plans for the new cruisers bore the year 1936*. In connection with the year for which the cruisers entered the state budget, the design was further referred to as Cruiser 1937*. The 1937* state budget included the first instalment for one cruiser, while later funds for the second ship were allocated. Including security, the ships would each cost approximately 15 million guilders (The currency used in the Netherlands at the time). In June 1936*, the Secretary of Defence at interim Colijn (PM of cabinet Colijn III) , gave contracts to N.V. Dok- en Werf Maatschappij Wilton Fijenoord and N.V. Rotterdamse Droogdok Maatschappij for one cruiser each.
- The ship at Wilton Fijenoord was named De Zeven Provinciën with the date of readiness on September 1, 1939*.
- The ship at the Rotterdam Dry Dock Company was named Kijkduin, launched as Eendracht, with the completion date of December 30, 1939*.
On May 19, 1937*, the first keel plate for the Kijkduin was laid with some ceremony at the shipyard of the Rotterdam Dry Dock Company. On September 5, 1937* this happened at Wilton Fijenoord for the De Zeven Provinciën. Wilton Fijenoord was a little later because of the occupation of all the big slopes for the ships to stand on. Another large new slope was under construction.
The dates of the contracts and keel laying show that a great deal of work had already been done in advance on specifications of armour plates and profiles for the ship's material and that contracts had been concluded long before this, even before the formal decision to build was
made. All of this material had been ordered in the United States and was delivered at a rapid pace.
The armour material had also been pre-ordered from Bofors in Sweden, after comparative firing tests had been carried out. Orders had also been placed for various auxiliary tools and other materials.
The third cruiser of the class was also awarded by Secretary of Defence Dr. J.J.C. van Dijk,to Wilton Fijenoord and the third ship was laid down on January 5, 1939.
Wilton Fijenoord, with the machining of hull and other material in advance of the laydown of the keel, the yard progressed very fast on the third ship. With financial support from the Ministry of Social affairs, as part of a unemployment scheme, the work on the ship continued in multiple shifts six days of the week. Not at Sunday. The efforts of the Wilton Feijenoord yard made it possible to launch the ship already in January as HNLMS De Ruyter. When the Netherlands was invaded by National Socialist Germany the ship was nearly 70% complete. In the night of 12 to 13 May 1940 the ship could escape to England together with a good portion of parts and material on board and a group of volunteers of the yard. Due to political disagreement between the Dutch cabinet in exile under PM Colijn and the British government the ship was moved to the Tanjung Priok in NEI in September 1940. In October 1941 she was complete and commissioned. Together with her other two sisters, the two Java class light cruiser and the two Tromp class flotilla leaders she was the back bone of the Royal Netherlands Navy surface fleet. The Tromp flotilla leaders were laid down in 1936 and 1937*.
It is unclear when and why the Kijkduin changed her name in Eendracht, the name which she had when launched.
Large light cruisers Eendracht class
Name | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned |
| Eendracht* (ex-Kijkduin) | Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij, Rotterdam | May 19, 1937*(19 May 1939) | August 22, 1938*(1950) | December 30, 1939*18 November 1953 |
| De Zeven Provinciën*(De Ruyter | Wilton-Fijenoord, Schiedam | September 5, 1937* (5 September 1939) | November 18,1938*(24 December 1944) | September 1, 1939*(18 November 1953) |
| De Ruyter* | Wilton-Fijenoord, Schiedam | Januari 5, 1939* | Januari 10, 1940 | May 10, 1940*(18 October 1941) |
Cabinet Colijn II was followed after elections by Cabinet Colijn III in 1935. In this Cabinet Mr. Colijn was not only Prime Minister he was as well Secretary of Defence ad interim from 1935 up to 1937.
In 1936, Colijn as interim Secretary of Defence, together with Minister Oud, secretary of Finance, he brought about the Défense Fund Act and the Act to Strengthen the Material Equipment of the Défense Force. The establishment of a Défense Fund of NLG 53 million was deemed necessary to accelerate the catching up of the material backlog in defence. (OTL)
How ever Prime Mister Colijn argued that this fund was only for the National Army otherwise the fund would be too small. He achieved two separate funds, one for the Navy and one for the National Air defence, to build up the air force and ground air defence. The Naval defence Fund Act to Strengthen the Material Equipment of The Royal Navy comprised as well 50 million NLG. The fund was financed partially out of the budget of Colonial affairs and the NEI colonial government.
In 1935 the order of two submarines were given the K-XIX and K-XX this were two submarines with mine laying capacity and replacing the old M1 (German confiscated) and O 8 ( British conficated) submarines. Late 1935 construction of a sub class of the K-XXI, K-XXII and K-XXIII started. Essential the same as the K-IXX but without 20 vertical mine tubes, also called "mine buns". At the K-IXX class these mine buns, which were located outside the pressure-resistant double skin, could each accommodate two mines that could be discharged separately from each other hydraulically minelaying.
The K-XXI sub-class were the first vessels financed out of the Naval Defense Fund.
In 1937 construction of two submarine classes on the same time were started. Technically the classes were essential the same. The O-21 class of five boats and the K-XXIV (K-14) class of as well five boats. The O-21 and O-22 would be built at De Schelde yard while the other three at RDM, Rotterdam. The K-class were built at Wilton Feijenoord, Rotterdam.
As a part of the fleet plan of Deckers there would be an increase of four destroyers. This class would essentially be increased with two more vessels. The in 1937 laid down ‘’Kanoneer boten’’ (sloops) K-1, K-2 and K-3 where too slow as escort for the light cruisers.
Destroyers Gerard Callenburgh class
Name | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned |
| Gerard Callenburgh | NDM Amsterdam* (RDM Rotterdam) | 12 October 1935*(1938) | 12 October 1936*(1939) | 11 October 1937*(1942) |
| Tjerk Hiddes de Vries | NDM Amsterdam* (RDM Rotterdam) | 1 October 1935*(1938) | 12 October 1936*(1939) | 11 October 1937*(1942) |
| Philips van Almonde | KM de Schelde | 2 March 1936*(1939) | 17 May 1937 | 10 April 1938*(1948) |
| Isaac Sweers | KM de Schelde | 26 November 1937* | 16 March 1938*(1940) | 29 April 1939*(May 1941) |
| Abraham van der Hulst* | NDM Amsterdam* | 10 January 1938* | 12 February 1939* | 11 March 1941 Towed to England and completed * |
| Auke Stellingwerf* | NDM Amsterdam* | 10 January1938* | 10 January 1939* | 11 March 1941 Towed to England and completed * |
Submarines in service and not in reserve
Name | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned |
| Gerard Callenburgh | NDM Amsterdam* (RDM Rotterdam) | 12 October 1935*(1938) | 12 October 1936*(1939) | 11 October 1937*(1942) |
| O 12 class O 13 O 14 O 15 | Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde Vlissingen & Wilton-Fijenoord Rotterdam | 20 oktober 1928 | 1930-1931 | 1931-1932 |
| O 16 class O 17 O 18 O 19 O 20 | Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde Vlissingen & Wilton-Fijenoord Rotterdam | 1st boat, 16 September 1933 | 1935-1936 | 1936-1937 |
| K XIV class K XV K XVI K XVII K XVIII | Wilton-Fijenoord Rotterdam & RDM Rotterdam | 31 mei 1930 10 juni 1931 | 1932-1933 | 1933-1934 |
| K IXX class K XX | Wilton-Fijenoord Rotterdam | 15 Juni 1936 | 1937 | 1938 |
| K XXI class*(O19) K XXII K XXIII | RDM Rotterdam | 15 July 1936 | 1937-1938 | 1938-1939 |
| K XXIV class K XXV K XXVI | Wilton-Fijenoord Rotterdam | 20 July 1937 | 1939 | 1940 |
| O 21 class O 22 O 23 | Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde Vlissingen & RDM Rotterdam | 20 June 1937 | 1939 | 1940 Towed to England and completed |
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In May 1940 after an intense five day battle the Dutch army surrendered after it asked for an armistice in the afternoon of 15 May.
In the early hours a part of the Cabinet left the country after a emotional meeting with the General Staff. During this meeting a more or less decent reatreat was accepted. Members of the Cabinet would leave to Great Brittain on voluntairy basis. The Chief of Staff of the Army with some officers was ordered to join the Cabinet. Admiral Furstener already left the country on May 14.
Rear Admiral Hoyte Jolles, commander of the most important naval base Den Helder, on his own insistence was ordered to evacuate as much as possible men and material to great Brittain. The garrison was around 10000 men and had its own Naval air service.
The commander of the Army General Reynders and the memebers of the rump cabinet;
mr. C.P.M. (Carl) Romme , acting as prime minister ad interim, dr.J.R. (Jan Rudolph) Slotemaker de Bruine secretary of education , H. (Hendrik) van Boeijen sectretary of Interior, and mr.dr.J.A.M. van Buuren secretary of waterworks and infrasructure were invited at 12.00 in Dordrecht. The Dutch delegation could train the agrement until 18:00. The army on Dutch soil except Zeeland would surrender.
In the mean time a large porion of the airbranch of the amry, LVA and the navy MLD could escape, as well as Rear Admiral Hoyte Jolles with a very large part of his garrisson and material. All navy ship underconstruction and capable of floating where already evacuated with as much as possible material and some ship yard voluntairs. The Dutch also evacuated the captured Falshirm and Luftlanding units and her division commander of 22.LL.ID. Graf von Sponeck who was forced to capitulate on the 13th.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The cabinet in excile was TTL:
Prime Minister dr.H. (Hendrik) Colijn
Secretary of Foreign affairs mr.J.A.N. (Jacob) Patijn
Secretary of Finance mr.J.A. (Jacob Adriaan)de Wilde
Secretary of Economic affairs mr. M.P.L. (Max) Steenberghe
Secretary of Colonies Ch.J.I.M. (Charles) Welter (forced to resign in 1941 due to his pro Petain and defailist attitude)
Secretary of waterworks and infrasructure mr.dr.J.A.M. van Buuren
Secretary of Justice mr. C.M.J.F. (Carel) Goseling (resigned and returned to the Netherlands in September 1940, possible private matters. later arrested by de Germans and died in Buchenwald)
Direct after arrival the defalist attitude was high among several members not at least with the Prime Minister. Although his pessim came more out of deception of the capabilities of the Great Powers, France and Great Brittain.
This defalist stance gradualy disapperared althouh with the Secretary of Colonies this remianed and due to his symphaty for Petain the leader of Vichy france he was removed form office.
It was the deception of Colijn of the cababilties of the great Powers which was the driving force to get as much as possble Royal Netherlands Navy units to the NEI. He put his diplomatic wheigth in to convince the USA to deliver army materials to the NEI, KNI and RNN.
Early 1941 Colijn, changed his attitude, and came on relative good terms with Churchill reagarding the defence of the NEI and cooperation with the British forces in Malaya and Australia.
Cabinets from 1929 unitl 1940:
- Ruys de Berenbroeck III 1929-1933 mr.dr. L.N. Deckers Minister van Defensie
- Colijn II 1933-1935 mr.dr. L.N. Deckers Minister van Defensie
- Colijn III 1935-1937 PM Colijn ad interim 1935-1937 Minister van Defensie
- Colijn IV 1937-1940* (1939) dr.J.J.C. (Jannes)van Dijk Minister van Defensie ( In OTL cabinet De geer II)
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