I'm curious about how the Dutch operated during World War II in the Dutch East Indies. How did it work given that the Netherlands was occupied by Germany, an ally of Japan.
Now when it comes to this topic, I understand that during the years of German occupation there was a Dutch government in exile so my question is geared towards understanding how did that function? were orders given to the colonial authorities by this government in exile? or did the Dutch East Indies effetely functioned as a autonomous "extension" of the Netherlands? meaning, they took no direction from this exiled government but still represented the Netherlands?
Another possibility that I can't find a clear answer on is during this period was the Dutch East Indies effetely just considered to be the Netherlands?
I'm really curious to understand how it worked, any input would be a highly appreciated.
Since the colonization of what the Dutch called the East Indies, the authorities of the colony were Dutch citizens following orders from the government of the Netherlands in Amsterdam. When Germany occupied the Netherlands, the government moved to London but all of the hierarchy remained in place. The Governor-General ruling the colony remained in charge and continued following orders from the same government who now operated in London.
Dutch East Indies before the invasion of the Netherlands were already following orders from Dutch administrators in Amsterdam. That didn't change after the government in exile was established in London with the same individuals. In September 1940, the Dutch Queen Wilhelmina, removed the pre-war Prime Minister from office and appointed the Minister of Justice to the position, all of whom where in London at the time. Later the new PM would also serve as Minister of Colonial Affairs to which the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies answered.
was the Dutch East Indies effetely just considered to be the Netherlands?
What you are asking here is a little vague. What does it mean for a colony to be considered the same as its colonizer? Considered by whom?