ABSTRACT
In view of the contrasts and divergent interests one may well ask whether there is any sense in dealing with South East Asia as a regional unit. The first half of the 1940's may prove to be the most momentous period in the history of South East Asia. In the past the export of commodities gained from field, forest, and mine has provided the revenues with which to pay for improvements. Only Burma had its major market and supply area close by, namely in India, which took more than half its trade. Thus the commercial structure of the countries of South East Asia shows great similarity to that of the raw-materials-producing countries of Latin America: they face the world, turning their backs to one another. Cooperation on concrete questions of colonial emancipation, security, and welfare may gradually establish a sense of unity that will transcend local divergences.
