Designing a Dutch battlecruiser

  It would be difficult I think to organise the will and funds for such a project, plus would you need to procure the main guns and possibly the armour from other countries, which might be difficult in the late 30's with everybody realising they needs a lot more of everything.  However not impossible.

  The problem would be its not a question of matching one of the Kongo's or even all four of them.  Its a question of resisting invasion from the entire IJN in event of war.  True at the time when the ships are ordered or constructed the Dutch may hope for aid from Britain and France and few would predict the rapid collapse of France or the occupation of the Netherlands.  However such aid would be politically awkward once Britain and France seem on a collision course with Nazi Germany.  Or simply worried about the military build up in Germany and Italy.  Any hope of support from them in SE Asia may be politically difficult as it also means persuading Germany that "no they won't support the allies in Europe" and increases the chance of hostilities with Germany, which is what the country most wishes to avoid.

  Support from the US is even less likely given its isolationism and promises only came about in late 41 because the US wanted Dutch support in the embargo against Japan and needed to do so itself because Britain and France were no longer in a position to do so and coupled with German successes in Europe was forcing it into engagement with the rest of the world. 

  As such I don't think a capital ship programme would be worthwhile for the Netherlands, or seen as such.  True using hindsight a bit but some good subs and lighter cruisers to threaten Japanese supply line and land based air are the most effective deterrent against Japan, along with as much ground forces as can be managed in the key areas.  Even then and assuming an unoccupied homelands it more a case of putting up resistance and holding out until some unclear assistance comes from one or more other great powers.

  Steve

  Possibly if there was the political will for a modified design immediately post war and some agreement hand been made with Britain very likely - as the only nation with spare capacity.  If an agreement was signed and noticeable amount of work started before the WNT then there might be a case for them being continued as an exception on the ban of contracting parties producing capital ships for other powers.  Mind you with such a programme the Netherlands are probably also included in the conference as a major power and I would suspect with them say building 4-6 BCs Italy, France and especially Japan would want an increase in their own allowances and the former two might even build something.  Which could well kill the entire treaty - which as I've said elsewhere might not be a bad thing, at least for Britain.

  If 4-8 such ships are constructed, possibly upgraded a bit in the mid-late 30's and escape the fall of the Netherlands then they would make things markedly more difficult for a Japanese invasion even if that force was available and could be supported I think it would only win some time.  Could be interesting if say a couple of them had linked up with Force Z as butterflies could see all ships lost or none or anywhere in between.  Mind you having say a couple operating from Britain/Gibraltar say under Free Dutch forces could have some dramatic impacts on some other combats possible.