Chapter 288 Joint

"…………The dark clouds were pressing heavily on the seas of East Asia. At this time, the world seemed to be the end of the gods. It would go to the final elegy in the flames that swept the world. The war in Europe had reached the point where the humans on this continent felt numb. But for the noble Europeans, the only thing that felt lucky was that the world freedom was in a violent war. The rest of the world was still maintaining peace under the system they constructed. But starting from May 30, 1916, this dream was also broken. The world unstoppable towards the comprehensive sea of ​​blood.

The collapse of the Asian peace system was only two years ago, or even later. For the European powers, the reaction would not be so difficult, and it would not be so difficult to deal with. Even if this war had also had an impact on the situation in Europe. Later, European researchers discovered that without realizing it, China's legendary leader had tied the fate of the ancient power of the Far East and the European world together. And in a form that made the arrogant whites in Europe less disgusted. Everything was natural.

At this time, in Europe, there were more than 600,000 Chinese workers working in military logistics units, important military enterprises, and farms in France. Moreover, in the European plan, more hardworking and smart Chinese workers came to work in Europe. More white youths could be transferred to the battlefield. Among the resources needed by Europe, the non-ferrous metals, grain, soybeans, fat lard, bristles, and textiles provided by China were all provided to Europe in large quantities at prices lower than the New World. According to the estimates of the European war economic sector, these resources saved at least tens of millions of pounds of war costs in Europe. Of course, the more important factor was the performance of Chinese soldiers on the European battlefield. Their army was full of attack spirit, and they were firm and calm, their infantry were well-equipped and obeyed orders. They proved their reputation on each battlefield. Four Chinese infantry divisions saved Paris in Verdun. On the Somme River, the four Chinese infantry divisions saved Paris.

During the battle, the Chinese army became an important factor in the decision-making department of the Allied War. At sea, thousands of Chinese officers and soldiers participated in the Jutland Naval Battle. In the North Atlantic, the Chinese naval officers and soldiers were carrying out escorting anti-submarine work in a rotation period that exceeded the British naval officers and soldiers. At the British dock, when the threat of German submarines caused a shortage of seafarers, China provided more than 10,000 seafarers, although they lacked experience, the brave and calm seafarers enriched the Allied's maritime transportation power. In the air, China's limited flight power emerged a large number of ace pilots. Especially headed by their Lieutenant Colonel Ding Yushang, he had a shooting down number that far exceeded others in the ten months of participating in the war in France. His pink squadron was the domineering in the European sky...... When the white people mentioned these yellow-skinned soldiers, they were full of respect without realizing it.

Europe is already hoping that in the future war to defeat the Germans, this Far East country can provide greater power. The hope for Japan before the war was because the Japanese were stingy with their strength and the turmoil of domestic political situation had become a bubble. But China gave a surprise to the Western civilized world. In order to ensure that China could devote itself to this war, there was also the New World's concern that Japanese radical forces threatened peace in the Pacific. The Western world gave mediation and solemn peace guarantees for the tension between the two countries in Asia with an exceptional enthusiasm. It seemed to be the same as Belgium at that time. Many observers and old colonialists believed that Western countries were

In this regard, I fell too deeply, and later expressed regret that the Western countries had to intervene in the war and caused the later imbalance of Asian forces. But at that time, for Western countries, under President Yuchen's powerful diplomatic means, under the public opinion of Western society at that time, and under the urgent need for Asian peace, the forces of the old and new continents combined together to put forward this guarantee that ultimately forced their position to fall into a passive guarantee. If there is another choice, if there is a understanding of the development of the situation in Japan at that time, the politicians at that time might not have the chivalrous and drunkenness that was signed at the time......

In 1916, not only was European civilization taking a turning point, but the development of Asia was also heading towards the biggest turning point. The responsibility that the Western world assumed in the August artillery era had to happen to Asia again. And at that time, this was also an inevitable thing. Only after decades later, people looked back and pondered deeply about what happened a year or two before this turning point, and then they vaguely discovered. In this great turning point and a great era of the rise of a powerful country, the shadow of all this director behind it…………”

—————Adams.a. Crawford's "The Six Years of the Chinese Life" is part of the long preface. (Although some facts of this book are full of the author's overly subjective intentions, the author provides a large amount of first-hand information, which makes this book a historical work that many modern history researchers at home and abroad attach great importance to)

Ambassador Crawford sat in the reception room of the Presidential Palace, enjoying the fragrant coffee provided by the Presidential Palace without his heart. With him, the French ambassador and senior officers of the Allied Military Delegation in China. As military diplomatic liaison personnel of the Allied countries, they came here today to report their relevant aid preparations and military preparations to Yuchen.

When the Sino-Japanese War broke out, China declared war on Japan again, which shocked the Western Allied countries and were more at a loss. Although they had made guarantees for the Sino-Japanese contract, no one expected that the situation suddenly developed to such a level like a fire!

The fact is very obvious. The Japanese army suddenly launched a raid on the northeastern region of China according to their usual ambitions. The entire Japanese government, in fact, was a military group covered with a layer of government cloak. It followed up with the actions of their army. It brazenly announced their ambitions for the northeast and tried to expand the scale and speed of military operations. It quickly occupied the entire northeast, creating a fait accompli. All Western countries were greatly shocked by the madness of these Japanese soldiers. While they were still discussing the response methods and trying to find a compromise path, China passed a bill in the parliament as quickly as possible and declared war on Japan. This forced the political choices of Western countries to a dead end.

According to morality and the international law behind the treaty, Western countries have no choice. They must fight for Belgium and fight for China. But this is not Europe after all! Behind the fight for Belgium, the last choice of Western countries' strategic game in Europe for decades. Europe has been brewing for this war for a long time! But for the interests of Asian China, it is not worth it to flow into more pints of white blood! But the problem is that they need China! Moreover, domestic public opinion, whether in the New World or the Old World, believes that China must be supported, whether it is practical or moral. After the initial shock and helplessness, the problem must be solved.

In this war, which country is the interests of the Western world related to? White politicians began a new round of discussions. The conclusion was that for the sake of the war in Europe and for the overall situation of the Allies, the sooner the war in Asia, the better. And comprehensively, if Japan wins, their land power will be greatly enhanced, combined with their superior naval power. With their rebellious and somewhat crazy military regimes, it will be a realistic and huge threat to the Asian ruling system in the Western world. Even if China wins, they will nothing more than restore their sovereignty over the Northeast, at most.

The ability to control North Korea cannot expand overseas, and the threat is even more limited. Not to mention that they still need China's strength now! In particular, the support of China by the New World is one-sided. As a country that has not declared war on Japan and has no de facto alliance with China, the United States should remain neutral in the outside world according to international law. However, the United States still announced that it is willing to purchase war bonds issued by the Chinese government to overseas. It also accepts a large number of orders of arms products, and it also says it can be transported by US commercial fleets. This is undoubtedly a challenge to Japan. The tendency of the US government is even more clear without asking.

As an allied country with a de facto alliance with China, their choice was even more unnecessary. In particular, they could stand on the same boat with the New World, hoping that the huge power of the New World could help Europe, which had been exhausted. After a brief and fierce discussion and consideration, the Western Allied countries finally ordered them to temporarily serve as plenipotent representatives of the military and diplomatic aspects - that is, the military delegation of the Allied countries to China and the ambassador to China. They would discuss with the Chinese government about providing military aid and

The head of the Allied Power has long agreed with Yuchen and obtained his understanding. At this stage, the Allied Power has been considering the removal of Japan's national status as an Allied Power and is willing to provide ammunition assistance. It also provides a certain degree of guarantee for maritime security in South China to ensure the smooth flow of maritime access. However, it is still not possible to provide realistic military forces to support China's war for the time being. Moreover, China's military responsibilities in Europe are also hoped to remain unaffected by this war.

Although there are still some rats at both ends, this is already all Yuchen needs. The Western world is equivalent to standing on his side without reservation, and Japan is unprecedentedly isolated in the international arena. Their government and army can only walk the crazy military adventure to the end, hoping to survive in the death. As long as Japan is defeated in the military, the backbone of their nation will collapse completely! In the future, it will not hinder China's development and take-off!

But as an Ambassador Crawford, who is deeply vigilant and concerned about Yuchen, this is the worst choice. For him, China just lets them fight to the death with Japan. For the Western world, the best news is that they weaken each other! As for the help that the Western world needs to defeat the Germans, the decisive force is still on the New World! These politicians no longer have the wisdom of Pitt or Bamaitzun, and no longer have their long-term vision that can see through a century of years, but are focused on the Germans, and how to please the New World!

The 35-year-old ambassador has already looked much haggard after the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War. He has already felt that his dream was shattered and his career ended. After this war, perhaps the time when the death knell of the Western world in Asia was ringing... The future is no longer his future.

So when Yuchen walked into the conference room with his head held high, all the soldiers stood up to salute, and the French ambassador bowed and greeted. Crawford's salute seemed the most reluctant.

Of course, Yuchen didn't mind the thought behind Crawford. After a few moments of trouble, he finally settled diplomatic matters, both in spirit and introverted. After a smile, he greeted the foreigners in the room, he sat down and smiled and said, "Everyone, what good news does it bring to me? What is the most urgent thing in China now is the help of friends. And the Chinese also have an old saying that you will be rewarded with a drop of water. Your friendship will surely be thanked by all the people of this country. I believe that this is the most precious wealth you have!"

The foreign soldiers present burst into laughter after listening to the secretary's translation. As representatives of the military delegation to China, most of them are pro-China factions. They admire and be close to their Chinese soldiers. The policy of the Allied Power was not determined a few days ago. They were so ashamed that they dared to move around in front of their Chinese colleagues. They were here to urge the Chinese soldiers from one division after another to board the ship and go to Europe to fight for their country. Their guarantees for China's peace were not fulfilled! When the domestic order was sent, although it was not the best result expected by these soldiers, they already felt that they could raise their heads in front of the Chinese. The friendship between soldiers in wartime, whether it was the same country or not, was more sincere than the friendship between politicians.

The chief representative of the army of the military delegation to China, Lieutenant General Du Peng, the commander of the French Foreign Legion, stood up in French with an Algerian accent, and reported loudly to Yuchen respectfully: "Mr. President, the first batch of emergency transported military materials allocated by the Allies, mainly heavy artillery ammunition and some military equipment. It has been shipped four days ago. In order to avoid trouble, part of them was disembarked in the Vietnamese Sea. It was transferred to China as soon as possible through the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, and part of them was transported to Hong Kong. It was then transferred to Guangzhou and through the Guangdong-Hankou Railway.

Transport. Transport to the Northern War Zone via the Beijing-Han Line. The second batch of military material assistance has been auditing the list proposed by your military department. Please believe that we will ship it as soon as possible... and our military observers have also sent out to your northern war zone. As comrades to Chinese soldiers, we are also very concerned about your country's war against aggression. We hope to witness your country's victory with our own eyes. If you have any other requests, please make it as soon as possible. Don't be polite. Help your country, that is, help us."

Yuchen stood up and saluted Lieutenant General Du Peng with a serious expression. All the gratitude seemed to be condensed in the etiquette of the soldier. Lieutenant General Du Peng was so excited that his face turned red. After sitting down, he muttered quietly: "If the foreign legion is here, I..."

The chief naval representative of the military delegation to China is Major General Picock, the current commander of the British Far East Fleet. The pressure on him is the most realistic. The domestic instructions he received are the most vague. His mission is generally to ensure maritime transportation in South China and to ensure maritime security in the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. However, the domestic do not authorize him to engage in full military confrontation with the Japanese Navy. If the Japanese Navy attacks decisively, he does not know whether to fight well or not. Moreover, the power he possesses is far inferior to the strength of the Japanese Navy. Although Britain has added main warships to the Indian Ocean, it is still beyond the reach of this place.

So when reporting their preparations to Yuchen, the major general's tone and expression showed a three-point embarrassment. He just vaguely assured Yuchen that he would do his best to ensure the safety of the South China Sea. However, he still expressed his hope. I wonder if the US fleet would support him and form an effective deterrence in South China?

Although Major General Picock's report was not very consistent with Yuchen's wishes, he had long been confident about this matter. He still praised the Major General's preparation in a high-profile manner. Then he turned his attention to the ambassadors of Britain and France.

Crawford finally stood up reluctantly and pulled out a smile that could not tell the meaning.

"His Excellency President, as the plenipotent diplomatic representative of the British government in China, my power is limited and the impact is limited. For this terrible war, we all hope to end soon. That's why we got together. But as the diplomatic representative of Britain, I have to remind you here. The support of the Allied countries for you now does not mean that the Allied countries have entered a state of war with Japan. We are just maintaining a kind of neutrality with good intentions... Of course, providing you with military material assistance and a certain guarantee for the maritime security of South China has violated the definition of neutrality by international law. If you think that the Allied countries will join this sudden war between China and Japan, then your understanding may be somewhat biased. This is what I have to regret to remind Mr. President. Our British Empire still hopes that this war can be resolved in a peaceful way..."

The atmosphere at the venue suddenly became cold, and the soldiers all looked down. The French ambassador also looked at his young colleague in surprise. But Crawford was unmoved and still talked to Yuchen calmly: "......... Of course, to attend this meeting, we still need to inform you - yes, that is, to inform you of some of our support for your country. First, the British government should receive this year's tariff compensation for Boxer's money will be transferred to the Chinese government. The British government will unilaterally subscribe to the nine million pounds of war bonds with South Africa's gold. However, it must specify the return of the guarantee. There may be some means of economic aid in the future. But these are the decisions now. Moreover, the British government also hopes that your country can ensure the safety of British expatriates in the north. Our diplomats will also inspect the north as representatives to ensure that the opinions of the British government are reflected...... Finally, I sincerely hope that this terrible war will end soon..."

Crawford's words changed the originally harmonious and warm atmosphere of the venue. The French ambassador's announcement, which was supposed to be quite enthusiastic, became a bit dull. Compared to Britain, France provided more financial aid. They subscribed for guaranteed war bonds of about 15 million pounds. The huge amount of funds of the French banking group had no way out because of the war, and Russia's finances were about to fall into bankruptcy. The subscription of China's war bonds was only the first step. In diplomacy, France also expressed considerable support for the Chinese government, unlike Britain who was always a little reserved. And proposed a financial aid plan for the reconstruction of the Northeast after the war, which could be flexibly repaid in the form of Chinese labor. Compared to Britain, France valued this Far East ally more. All of this may be the reward for the fierce battle and sacrifice of the Chinese expeditionary force in France.

The whole world, no matter what they think, has taken different ways to aid China. The diplomatic chess piece that Yuchen had worked hard to set up in the past finally played its greatest role at this moment. China, for the first time in modern times, entered a war that determines its destiny in a diplomatic environment supported by the world. In the current world, this is often one of the important factors in the success or failure of the war. Yuchen's painstaking efforts have finally received part of the reward.

Japan, Sasebo Military Port. June 5, 1916.

Warships stretched their whistles and opened out of the port with sobs. The Hiei battleship cruiser appeared at the front of the team as the flagship of the Chinese dispatched fleet. The signal flag was already hung on it to "promote the honor of the Imperial Navy". The battleship cruiser that followed the answer was "fully ready". The signal flag of the battleship that followed the answer was "resolutely carry forward the honor of the Imperial Navy". The old battleship that followed the answers to the "Tsukeba" and the fearless battleship that was in front of the "Femaki" were "Waiting for my return to triumphantly" and "Always be cautious and never forget."

General Masato Tanuchi stood on the bridge of the battleship "Hanoi", holding a telescope and looking at these banners. On July 23, 1895, when the Japanese Combined Fleet left the port, they also held the same banner. All of this seemed to arouse the fighting spirit of the Japanese army and navy soldiers. They once embarked on the road to a strong country in that battle. Then this time, they could also save the fate of the empire again!
Chapter completed!