Natalie+Moline+Diary+Entry1

September 21st, 1940

Dear Diary,

The Japanese forces are continuing their aggression in Vietnam. Vietnam has been under the control of France for several years and now our imperial power is getting threatened by the Japanese forces. The Japanese people went through rapid industrialization and now they are armed with developed weapons and strong economies. They are coming to Vietnam to acquire resources such as rubber and oil, which are necessary resources in an industrial society. The Japanese territory lacks those natural resources and about two years ago, the United States and some other western powers have imposed the oil embargo. Therefore, the Japanese were conquering territories to acquire oil and rubber. I knew the Japanese were coming but it is causing more trouble than I thought. The Japanese imperial forces are using their newly developed weapons to occupy our Indochinese territory and we have been going through conflicts. Today, I met a soldier of the Japanese imperial army named Sora Tatsukichi while I was heading back to my house from my plantation. I was not able to communicate with this soldier since I don't speak Japanese and he doesn't speak English, French, nor Vietnamese. I feel threatened and scared about my future because of the Japanese forces. I don’t want them to continue their aggression.. I will loose all of my plantation which is the only source of income for our family. I have to send money to my family back in France.. My old mother and father and my young sister.. I miss them so much.. If I loose my plantation, my whole family will die. I must survive. I did not do anything violent but I glared at him and observed his actions. If the Japanese take further violent actions, the western powers should stop the Japanese aggression. However, Japan has developed and since the western powers want to maintain peace, they don't want to get involved. Part of my plantation is already damaged and if the Japanese take over the territories of Indochina, I would loose my plantation completely. I hope the Japanese aggression stops.. Along with the Japanese forces, the native Vietnamese people are also continuing their rebellion against us. A lot of different things are happening to me right now.. I want to go back the peaceful days when I enjoyed a cup of tea with my husband after lunch.