In January 1916, Colonel Jacob of the Netherlands gathered his fellow countrymen to have a serious talk.
He began by saying, "Dear friends, let me share a simple story with you to explain the current situation of our beloved Netherlands. Imagine our country as a big tree. The roots of this tree are deeply planted in our homeland, and the branches spread far and wide. Now, think of our overseas territories as those far-reaching branches.
These branches provide essential nourishment to the entire tree. They bring in new resources, new ideas, and new opportunities. Just like the branches absorb sunlight and rain, our overseas territories contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation.
If we neglect these branches, if we don't protect and cherish them, it's like cutting off the supply of nutrients to the tree. The tree will start to weaken, and over time, it might even wither.
Our overseas territories are not just pieces of land far away. They are an integral part of our country's strength and future. They are the keys to opening doors to new horizons and possibilities.
Let's not turn a blind eye to their importance. Let's come together and ensure that these branches remain strong and healthy, for the sake of our big tree - our Netherlands."
Colonel Jacob hoped that through this gentle and clear explanation, everyone would understand the significance of the overseas territories and work together to protect and develop them for the betterment of the Netherlands.