After more than an hour of negotiation, the Japanese cabinet finally discussed five solutions:

First, the Navy Command will count the losses of the joint fleet as soon as possible, reorganize the remaining fleet, and restore the combat effectiveness of the navy as soon as possible. Of course, it can be restored now. Because Japan is an island country and is extremely dependent on maritime transportation, it must not be without a navy. Even if it is just a weak navy, it can also be used to restrain the naval forces that attract the East China government, and use the complex waters surrounding Japan to deal with the East China government's naval fleet to try its best to ensure its own maritime transportation line.

Second, the news of the failure of the navy cannot be blocked, but we can make a fuss about the number of the whole body. We only announced that when the Russian fleet was in war, the joint fleet was attacked by the East China government fleet, and two battleships were lost. However, it was also announced that due to the joint fleet's strong resistance, a total of six warships of the East China government were sunk, and 12 Russian ships were sunk during the previous battle with the Russian fleet. The rest of the sunk warships were said to be repaired in the shipyard, so that the failure of the navy could be diluted and would not have a major impact on the morale of the people. At the same time, we focused on announcing the sneak attacks of the East China government to arouse the people's shared hatred of the enemy. The news of the army was temporarily concealed and not reported.

Third, the Army Department and the Navy Department immediately re-planned the land and sea combat plan based on the current situation. Due to the participation of the East China government in the war, the current situation on the Liaodong Peninsula was completely disrupted. It turned out that Japan's combat plan was obviously no longer suitable and must be re-formulated.

However, Yamamoto Honbuki raised a question: What is the purpose of the new combat plan to be formulated? Should we completely defeat the Russian and East China governments' army? Or should we maintain the situation in Russia and only defeat the East China government? Or should we try our best to maintain the current situation of the three top three in Liaodong, waiting for the Japanese government to use diplomatic means to resolve the current war situation? Finally, we retreat from the Liaodong Peninsula.

When the members of the cabinet heard this, they all looked at each other and were speechless. To be honest, everyone knows that Japan's situation on the Liaodong Peninsula is the most dangerous. It is already very difficult to maintain the current situation. Don't think about defeating that side. It is best to withdraw safely from nearly one million troops and logistics personnel from the Liaodong Peninsula. But withdrawing troops means that the war will be completely defeated. No one can bear the consequences, so naturally they cannot consider it.

Finally, Katsutaro said that three combat plans could be formulated according to the first three goals, but they did not consider withdrawing troops, and then consider adopting that plan based on the development of the situation. After hearing this, the Navy and Army did not get too confused. This was the case that they could deal with it without any strength.

Fourth, we will negotiate with the UK as soon as possible, demand that the UK provide substantial support to Japan, and based on the [British-Japanese Alliance Treaty], we will demand that the UK send troops to reinforce Japan.

At this time, Hirofumi Ito made a suggestion, believing that at this time, it could contact Russia and negotiate the truce, and even convince Russia and Japan to join forces to deal with the East China government. Although Japan and Russia were in a stalemate, the East China government participated in the war and put forward the banner of regaining the three northeastern provinces, which actually listed Russia as an enemy, which was also not good for Russia. Therefore, Japan and Russia have a basis for joining forces. I believe that there are also wise people in the Russian government, and they can realize that under the current situation, the alliance between Japan and Russia is the best choice. In addition, the relationship between France and the ally of Britain and Russia is strengthening, and they can also deal with Russia through Britain and exert influence on Russia. If Japan and Russia join forces, then they can fight with the East China government in the Liaodong region.

After the cabinet considered it, although some people did not think that Hiromitsu Ito’s suggestion was highly feasible, at least it could be tried. Anyway, I am in a hurry to seek medical treatment, so I have to try any method, so I also listed Hiromitsu Ito’s suggestion in the fourth point.

Fifth, we must issue a statement from the Japanese government as soon as possible to accuse the East China government, focusing on the importance of launching this war in Japan. To put it bluntly, it is a fight for Britain and the United States, and of course it also includes the Qing court. This can highlight the improperity of the East China government's participation in the war, a serious damage to the interests of other countries, and try to highlight the East China government's undeclaration of war, which is a violation of the norms of international relations. Although this statement cannot prevent the East China government's military actions, it can at least show Japan's attitude, determination, and win international sympathy, and strive to obtain international support and help.

After the decision of these five corresponding strategies, the Japanese government immediately took action. The top leaders of the sea and army gathered together to discuss military plans. Katsurao went to the palace to report to the emperor, while Ito Hirofumi and Komura Sutaro went to visit the British ambassador to Japan MacDonald.

When McDonald learned that Ito Hirofumi and Sutaro Komura came to visit, he naturally understood their purpose. It was noon at this time, and McDonald had already learned about the public statement of the East China government. To be honest, MacDonald was also very shocked. He didn't expect that overseas Chinese would really dare to do it. Of course, he knew that the country must have stood firm against the participation of the East China government. Bi Jing Britain did not want to see the rise of the East China government in the Far East, and Japan was also an ally of the UK. To be honest, the participation of the East China government can already touch the terms of the [British-Japanese Alliance Treaty].

Of course, McDonald knew very well that although Britain and Japan signed an alliance treaty, they actually did not want to get involved in this war. Therefore, McDonald could not judge what actions the country would take. Although he had sent a power to the country to ask about his position he should take, Britain is still at night and the cabinet still needs to discuss it, so he may not have any results until tomorrow, and he cannot give Japan any promises.

However, MacDonald still welcomed the two very enthusiastically. On behalf of the Japanese government, Sutaro Komura conveyed the attitude of the Japanese government to MacDonald, and said that the participation of the East China government in the war will also cause great harm to the interests of Britain. He hopes that Britain will provide strong support to Japan. Otherwise, if Japan loses this war, whether it is Russia or the East China government occupying the three northeastern provinces of China, it will be very unfavorable to Britain's interests.

MacDonald said that Britain's support for Japan will not change. He has already passed on the changes in the Liaodong battlefield to the country. Now urgent consultations and discussions are underway in the country, and I believe there will be results soon.

Hirobu Ito and Sutaro Komura had no objection. After all, there must be serious discussions on such a major matter in the UK. However, Hirobu Ito also proposed to MacDonald that he hoped that McDonald could issue a statement of support for Japan in the name of the UK. However, MacDonald said that he had no right to make any statement in the name of the country, which required domestic authorization, and of course he would apply to the country.

In fact, as an ambassador to a foreign country, MacDonald certainly has the power to express his opinion on behalf of the country, but this is in a normal situation, and now it is obviously not an ordinary situation. Therefore, you must be cautious when making a statement at this time. If you make a wrong attitude, your political future will be over.

Hirofumi Ito and Sutaro Komura were both disappointed with McDonald's answer, but this was the internal affairs of other countries, and the two could not force it. However, Hirofumi Ito later proposed to McDonald that Japan hoped to negotiate the armistice with Russia, hoping that Britain could mediate from it and exert influence on Russia. When MacDonald heard it, he immediately understood the intention of the Japanese government. This is indeed the best choice for Japan at present and is also beneficial to Britain. Because until now the Russo-Japanese War, Britain has been considering establishing a military alliance with France and Russia to curb Germany, and Japan is an ally of Britain. Therefore, if Japan and Russia turn enemies into friends and jointly fight against the East China government, they can also establish a four-nation alliance, Britain, France, Russia, and Japan control Europe, Russia, and Asia.

So McDonald immediately expressed that he highly appreciated the proposal and expressed that he would make it to the country and actively promote it. After hearing this, Hirofumi Ito and Sutaro Komura felt a little relieved and then said goodbye and left.

When Hirofumi Ito and Sutaro Omura returned to the cabinet, the manuscript of the government statement had been released. After reading it, they put forward some revisions and made official publications.

Due to the time difference, other countries have not yet made any statements about the participation of the East China government in the war, so the East China government has not responded to the Japanese government's statement. It is to wait for the day after tomorrow, and the governments of various countries will make unified responses after they make statements. However, the East China government is also ready to fight a public opinion war.

Of course, while fighting a public opinion war, the East China government's military preparations have never stopped. At 2 pm, the two battleships of the Ocean and the Ocean have been briefly repaired and left Qingdao Port and sailed towards Lushun. At 5 pm, a fleet of transport ships that had already set off in advance arrived in Lushun and sent the 1st Division, the 6th Division and the 1st Reserve Regiment of the 1st Army to the shore position of Lushun.

Liu Tie, the commander of the 1st Army, was originally the deputy commander of the 1st Division. After Luo Yue went to the Marine Corps, he took over as the commander of the 1st Army. When he formed the 1st Army, he was naturally the commander of the 1st Army. In fact, Luo Yue and many senior officers of the 1st Army have worked together for many years and have passed through many battlefields. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are friendships between life and death. Now everyone can fight side by side, so they are very happy.
Chapter completed!