Mieske, I need underwear. And a set of pajamas. I only have two sets now, and both are completely worn out. Besides, they are too coarse.

(From the letter of revolutionary leader Sutan Sjahrir, written during his exile in Boven Digoel for his wife, Maria Duchateau, in the Netherlands, November 9, 1935)

WHAT would a prisoner, who only spent his days reading books in an exile camp, need with a set of Dutch-made pajamas, underwear and suit? In his