The Dutch mine service in the Dutch East Indies according to the Dutch newspaper Bataviaasch nieuwsblad dated 15 June 1920

An item reported that the mine service in the Dutch East Indies was still in an initial stage despite that the First World War pointed out the danger of sea mines. The budget for 1921 made however clear that the government understood the need for a good mine service. The number of mines available was far beyond an acceptable stock. All efforts to increase the stock had been fruitless. The budgets for 1918 and 1919 respectively ƒ 454.350 and ƒ 360.000 for purchasing 200 moored contact mines, cables, reserve anchors and machineguns respectively another 200 moored contact mines could be spent while purchase was not possible. Decided was to manufacture in the Dutch East Indies for which purpose in the budget 1919 ƒ 100.000 were approved. Mainly because of lacking labourers in the Indies was the progress so slowly that several years would be necessary for manufacturing enough mines. The intention was to buy in the budget year 1920 in the Netherlands 100 Sautter-Harlë mines. For 1921 were 500 mines needed and for which purpose was ƒ 1.875.000 available. The latter budget could however not be fully spent if in 1920 already was started with manufacturing of purchasing the abovementioned 100 mines.