Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 414: Contact with the US Army Reformers, $ million in military aid! (Subscribe)
"We are fine, General Stilwell. Why did you come here alone? Where is your translation team?"

"We separated in Xi'an. They are now observing in the Eighth War Zone. I left secretly on my own, so they didn't know about it."

Stilwell smiled and explained: "I just want to see if there are any changes in Shanxi and whether there is any difference from the inefficient bureaucratic government I remember."

Chu Yunfei smiled.

Say so.

He was a Brigadier General in the United States Army.

What is the purpose of coming to the Second World War Zone?

I'm afraid only he knows.

If the Eighth War Zone didn't know Stilwell's whereabouts, they would probably be looking for him frantically by now.

As for what’s going on in the Eighth War Zone.

Since no one asked.

Chu Yunfei would not take the initiative to tell them that Stilwell was with him.

Seeing that the two of them were calm, he didn't ask anything.

Stilwell smiled and said directly: "Our spies lurking in Japan have learned of their plan to move south. They are likely to attack our colonies in Southeast Asia one day in the future."

"Of course, even with such intelligence, many of our military and political leaders in the country do not believe that the Japanese dare to attack our sphere of influence."

"In the eyes of these people with brain problems, the national strength of the United States is as easy as crushing a bug to crush the Japanese."

Fang Ligong and Chu Yunfei looked at each other.

Signaled Stilwell to continue.

"General Marshall believed that winning over a powerful Far Eastern ally would be very helpful in the future fight against the Japanese."

"We have a comprehensive plan and program to strengthen the combat effectiveness of the National Government Army. If we can successfully complete this plan, it will be enough to help us contain a large number of Japanese bastards, and you can also strengthen your own national defense capabilities."

Stilwell's Chinese was somewhat vulgar.

Even straight forward.

He doesn't mince words.

As his lieutenant recalled.

just.

Chu Yunfei is not someone who is good at beating around the bush.

Stilwell's intention was simple.

That is, knowing that Japan will definitely fight with them in the future.

Through the Armed National Army.

In order to achieve the maximum degree of containment of the Japanese army.

It would be best to force Japan to abandon its attempt to attack Southeast Asia and other regions to the south.

"General Stilwell, you and I, including the Japanese, actually know that invading Southeast Asia is what they will definitely do."

"I have received news that the Soviets and the Germans have reached a consensus, and the Soviet Union has also participated in the battle to divide Poland."

Chu Yunfei emphasized: "The chairman believes that now is the time to deepen friendship with the United States and is willing to draw a clear line with the Soviets."

The United States’ anti-G stance is not a one- or two-day thing.

About a year after World War II ended.

Following Churchill's Iron Curtain speech.

The pattern of bipolar confrontation has basically been formed.

At present, the pattern of the three axis countries of Germany, Japan and Italy has basically been formed.

Before Europe is dealt with.

Stilwell obviously did not want to express any opinion on the Soviet Union: "Unfortunately, even though the Soviet Union's actions are disgusting to many people and have strong great power chauvinism, we have to rely on them to fight the Germans."

"Confrontation?" Fang Ligong shook his head. "General Stilwell, we have received information that the Soviet Union and the Germans have secretly reached an alliance. They have come together. At least in the short term, there is absolutely no possibility of a war breaking out."

Stilwell had his own opinion on this matter, but he was obviously unwilling to say more on this issue: "It doesn't matter, Fang, at least the Soviet Union has no intention of invading the Republic of China."

Fang Ligong was about to say something when Chu Yunfei stopped him: "We can each retain our own opinions on this point of view."

"General Stilwell, let's talk about your Department of Defense's armament plan."

Stilwell's special relationship with Marshall (now promoted to Chief of Staff of the US Army) gave him considerable authority in the Far East.

Especially after he led the troops for a short period of time.

There must be other considerations for being assigned here.

otherwise.

At this point in time, Stilwell should have continued to lead the troops.

Chu Yunfei suspected that they were making arrangements for after the end of World War II, otherwise Stilwell should have talked to the Chairman instead of going directly to Shanxi to talk.

"We are willing to provide another $80 million in military material assistance, including $20 million in weapons and equipment, and $60 million in industrial raw materials and industrial equipment."

"Of course, with all due respect, our aid is intended for the Nationalist government, but more than half of the weapons and equipment will be earmarked for your ministry."

"And I have the authority to sign a $10 million aid contract. I plan to provide the counterpart aid to your Second War Zone."

Chu Yunfei smiled and did not refuse: "Time will prove that your approach will be extremely correct."

"Commander Chu, you are well versed in the ways of war and understand the key to a war. I believe you also know that Japan will definitely attack Southeast Asia, even if it is only to cut off the aid for the Burma Road."

"Yes, this is a common interest between our two countries."

Chu Yunfei doesn't speak like Chang Ruiyuan and those senior bureaucrats.

He liked to use sentences that sounded like classical Chinese to fool Stilwell.

Stilwell was not told the specific details he wanted to know.

Chu Yunfei's statement was very straightforward.

All that's left is to tell Stilwell.

If you Americans are willing to pay, we can help.

Even if it is a mercenary mode.

Stilwell seemed to want to make his language more direct: "We also have a bill to increase military aid to the Republic of China. Unfortunately, it has not been passed yet."

"There is a large part of our country, and even a very strong force, that does not want the United States to be involved in this war, even though they all know that this war will definitely develop into a world war."

Stilwell was a little emotional: "These damn politicians, they only know how to speak to deceive voters, but they don't want to take on the slightest obligation of a great power for the world."

"Many of our officers are like this. They only care about those blonde girls, but don't spend time studying armored tactics and artillery tactics."

"I am really ashamed of them, and the navy is even more arrogant. They turned a deaf ear to our warnings, thinking that the weak Japanese navy would not try to challenge the dignity of the maritime hegemon."

"If possible, I really hope that the Japanese artillery shells can hit them hard on the head, so that they can see how the world has been messed up by these beasts."

Stilwell had a lot of foul language in his mouth, and when he cursed his American colleagues, he was even harsher than when he cursed the Blue Party bureaucrats.

The most important thing is that he used Chinese.

In Chu Yunfei's impression.

In order to avoid being fooled by Chiang Kai-shek, Stilwell studied Chinese for a period of time.

I could barely understand some proverbs.

Now, his Chinese level has improved a lot compared to when Chu Yunfei first met him.

"General Stilwell, we can understand. After all, before the 25th year of the Republic of China, didn't the Chairman also say that in order to resist foreign aggression, we must stabilize the internal affairs?"

"These politicians are not as pure as us soldiers. All we have in our hearts is protecting our country and our people."

Stilwell nodded in approval: "For the sake of the friendship between our two countries, we come here with full sincerity this time."

"Ten million dollars of weapons and equipment are provided to you in the Second War Zone as free aid because you have performed very well in the battle against the Japanese invaders."

"Every battle you command is like a work of art."

"However, Commander Chu, please forgive me for being frank. The Ministry of National Defense is very interested in your previous defensive tactics in the northern Shanxi region. They are eager to know how to fight against the enemy's armored forces on the plains."

Chu Yunfei smiled and said, "This is a long story. Have both parties reached an agreement on the $80 million in material aid?"

Stilwell nodded and said, "The team has reached a preliminary agreement with Finance Minister Song. The 60 million in material aid will be offset by 30 million tons of mineral raw materials, and the rest will be converted with other corresponding strategic resources."

"We originally planned to provide a total of 120 million US dollars in mortgage loans, the price of which was some mineral resources. Unfortunately, your country is unable to provide sufficient mineral collateral."

“So we reduced the amount to 80 million, and after discussion, we decided to provide an additional 10 million US dollars in grant aid, hoping to reach a further military cooperation agreement with the National Government.”

Facing Chu Yunfei's puzzled gaze, Stilwell slowly said:

"As part of this military cooperation agreement, we undertake to send a team of military instructors to help the national army build a reasonable and complete military staff system, and provide a loan of approximately 50 million US dollars to accomplish this."

In other words.

This loan is essentially a credit loan.

It looks like it's the Americans who provide the money and the manpower.

In fact, all have to be paid back.

These officers live, spend and even get paid in the country.

All of this was spent on a loan of 50 million US dollars.

The money is not given directly to the National Government.

But it is equivalent to giving it to themselves.

Even though we know that there may be problems such as low cost-effectiveness, or even premium, or sky-high expenses.

But Chang Ruiyuan couldn't possibly refuse.

He has done many things to quench thirst with poison. And 50 million US dollars is bound to be a large team of officers.

If they are really here to teach.

This will undoubtedly be of great help in improving the overall combat effectiveness of the national army.

only.

When have Americans ever been so kind?

Stilwell was no pushover either.

Stilwell described it with great excitement: "Chu, this is the cooperation of just forces. Our two countries are firmly united in the fight against Japanese militarism."

"I and the officers behind me have done our best. Many people in our country sympathize with the Nationalist government's plight."

Chu Yunfei looked at Stilwell with a sincere face.

I suspect that these Americans want to help the national army build and improve its military staff system under the guise of helping it.

This will help them accumulate experience in fighting the Japanese on the battlefield in advance.

It is more like the previous military attaché team.

A large observation group of officers.

It is nothing more than this officers' observation group using the National Government's money to do their own things.

No matter what.

Chang Ruiyuan has made his choice.

Chu Yunfei smiled and then asked, "Are you also going to come to the Second War Zone for the so-called staff training?"

"It's natural, it's part of our agreement."

"But General Stilwell, I regret to inform you that we in the Second War Zone do not need training from American officers. Due to the busy war and the army's reorganization work, we are unable to transfer combat staff to receive your training."

Stilwell seemed to have been prepared: "It doesn't matter. Our people can go to the grassroots level of the combat troops in the Second World War. Even if it is a regimental unit, we will provide translators and provide the most systematic education."

have to.

Let me guess it right.

These Americans were well prepared and even made sufficient plans.

Since Stilwell can chat so much with Chu Yunfei here.

I'm afraid that people at a higher level have already agreed to this and are just looking for an opportunity to gain benefits for him in order to shut him up.

This is 10 million US dollars in grant aid.

I'm afraid this is the price offered by the Americans.

These Americans were smart enough to even anticipate that the Second War Zone might disobey the orders of the Supreme Command.

And specially prepared a generous gift.

A gift so expensive that Chu Yunfei is unlikely to refuse it.

Ten million plus ten million, twenty million dollars in supplies.

Enough to help Chu Yunfei arm four new integrated combat units.

Such temptation is undoubtedly huge.

The most important thing is.

In essence, Chu Yunfei used anti-armor defense tactics.

There's not much surprising about it.

It was only because Chu Yunfei had a cheat that he inferred from the Japanese army's deployment and anomalies during the defensive battle that the Japanese army might have reserved a counterattack force on the second line.

And ordered the digging of anti-tank trenches in advance.

This is a time gap and information gap.

It was kept secret from everyone, whether they were the Japanese, their own people, or the Americans who were paying attention to the battlefield in the Far East.

There is no special tactic here, it's just preparation in advance.

Chu Yunfei and Fang Ligong looked at each other and said, "General Stilwell, I need to consult Commander Yan in person about this matter."

"I understand, Commander Chu."

"Brother Ligong, please help me arrange for General Stilwell. I will go and report the situation to Commander Yan."

Chu Yunfei hurriedly left the reception room.

I just happened to bump into Xie Ming who was walking towards me.

"Commander Chu."

"Brother Yufa, is Commander Yan in the office?"

Xie Ming nodded and gestured in the direction of the meeting room with his eyes, with a hint of inquiry in his voice.

Chu Yunfei understood and whispered, "They are from the US Army."

The two walked directly towards the office.

Yan Laoxi stood in front of the battle map in a daze, not knowing what he was thinking about.

"Commander Yan."

"Yunfei, Yufa, do it."

Chu Yunfei sat on the sofa beside him.

"Yun Fei, are the people in the conference room American?"

"Brigadier General Stilwell is a man of Marshall, the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. His views are basically the same as mine. He advocates army reform and opposes political interference."

"However, the main focus of the reform is military discipline and logistics. In terms of strategy and tactics, the Americans do not actually have much accumulation or in-depth research."

"So they are eager to learn our advanced strategies and tactics."

"In the name of helping us with staff officer training."

"They are willing to provide a $10 million grant loan for this purpose."

Yan Laoxi stood up and paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, introducing the situation to Chu Yunfei in his unique tone: "The chairman did ask for my opinion some time ago. At that time, you were recuperating in Fanshi, so I did not inform you of this matter."

It seemed that he was worried that Chu Yunfei would think too much.

Yan Laoxi explained to himself: "According to the progress of the previous negotiations, I thought it would take at least three to five months, but I didn't expect that it would be tentatively settled in just half a month."

"As for the Americans' purpose, I think we all know it. Yunfei, I still have the same attitude. We should teach them what we should teach them, and we should not let the Americans learn the tricks that we shouldn't teach them."

"The Americans and the Soviets are essentially no different. They are both ambitious people."

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly: "Please rest assured, Commander Yan, Yunfei naturally knows what is going on."

"How do you plan to use the 10 million?" Yan Laoxi started talking about serious matters.

"Commander Yan, the Americans have promised that 20 million in aid materials will enter the Second War Zone, not 10 million. If all of it is used to replace the army's equipment, it can at least complete the reorganization of two army groups, and it can also purchase a large number of ammunition, artillery shells, and support weapons and light weapons."

"If we use it to purchase heavy artillery, anti-aircraft guns and other heavy weapons, as well as a large amount of basic industrial and mining equipment, this money may not be enough."

Yan Laoxi frowned and thought for a moment: "Talk about the specific ideas."

"The construction of heavy artillery units is imperative. Our unit lacks the ability to attack strong cities. If we want to capture a strong city like Datong at a relatively low cost, we need at least a 150mm caliber heavy howitzer."

"On this basis, we must use them in a concentrated manner, and I intend to fill the 30th Artillery Regiment."

Old Yan looked at Xie Ming with a pleading look.

Xie Ming frowned and shook his head slightly, indicating that he actually didn't know much about these things.

Chu Yunfei took the initiative to explain: "Twelve 155mm caliber mechanized heavy artillery, and sixteen 105mm caliber horse-drawn howitzers.

Just look at the guns.

The price is actually not that high.

In fact, each course only costs about 30,000 US dollars.

The total cost of these guns is only $1.2 million.

Including shipping costs.

According to previous practice.

The price of aid from the Americans is basically 1.5 times higher.

But I want to form such a team.

A lot of supporting equipment is required.

First of all, there are tractors, ammunition transporters, spare parts, and consumables needed for field operations (camouflage nets, tents, etc.)
Observation equipment is the biggest part of it.

There is also a radio command vehicle.

After these basic issues are resolved.

It is also necessary to import a large number of training bombs for training.

To ensure combat effectiveness.

If you add up all the factors, it is the cost of a large amount of training to build up combat effectiveness in a short period of time.

It would cost about five million dollars.

In addition, at least three million US dollars will be needed to purchase various types of artillery shells.

The planned purchase direction is mainly high-explosive bombs and white phosphorus incendiary bombs. "

"In addition, we need to purchase some anti-aircraft guns to defend key areas such as Longcheng and Changzhi. Previously, due to the war in northern Shanxi, our anti-aircraft artillery units were severely damaged. Currently, there is no weapon to replenish them, and we also need to import a large amount."

"We may be able to use the Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft guns copied from the United States to make up for the lack of air defense in our theater. These purchases will cost us about $ million."

(End of this chapter)