Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 507: Strategy confirmed, sunset on the island! (Subscribe)

That afternoon, the Soviet People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs sent a note to the Japanese Embassy in the Soviet Union in the most formal and cautious terms.

The core content is exactly the same as Stalin's instructions: the Soviet government expressed "serious concern" and "strong protest" to the Japanese side's claim that "the Soviet Union provided PPS43 submachine gun manufacturing technology to China's Second War Zone", and said it was "quite puzzled".

And categorically denied the existence of any official agreement of this kind.

Emphasized in the note.

As an important member of the anti-fascist alliance, the Soviet Union strictly abided by international law and the common interests of the alliance in all its foreign military and technological exchanges and cooperation, and would never do anything that would affect the stability of the situation in the Far East.

PS: Among the Axis powers at that time, Japan was called militarist. Although it was an ally, it could not sit at the same table with Germany and Italy.

As for the so-called "evidence" presented by the Japanese side.

The Soviet side considered it to be "a baseless assumption and a slanderous means to sow discord between China, the Soviet Union and Japan," and thus expressed "strong opposition."

This diplomatic meeting was conducted in a tone that was almost rejection-like.

We "advise" the Japanese government to focus on its groundless suspicion of its neighbors and instead reflect deeply on its war of aggression in China and other parts of Asia.

Returning to the track of negotiated peace as soon as possible is the "only right way".

Every word in this note is of great significance. It not only firmly denies Japan's accusations, but also fights back morally, showing its tough stance.

The staff of the Japanese Embassy in the Soviet Union were also shocked when they received it. They could only quickly translate it into a telegram and send it back to Tokyo in a hurry.

Although the delegation in Shanxi has not received further clear instructions from Moscow, the head of the delegation, Lieutenant General Yevgeny, has sensed some clear changes in the subtle changes in the Chinese side's willingness in recent days (especially after Zhu Peiji left and Fang Ligong and others resumed the negotiations) with his sophisticated political intuition.

In particular, Moscow was more inclined to promote friendly and cooperative relations between the two sides, which made Lieutenant General Yevgeny sense something unusual.

Only Colonel Yakov Dzhugashvili had other plans in mind.

He witnessed with his own eyes the officers of the Second War Zone's desire for new weapons, and also understood their great strategic value in containing the Japanese army in North China.

The brutal battle of Stalingrad made him understand better than anyone the frontline soldiers' desire for effective firepower.

At the same time, Yakov came to Shanxi this time with a special mission.

Accompanied by an inconspicuous translator, he quietly left the double dormitory one afternoon.

After passing through several slightly muddy alleys, he came to an inconspicuous teahouse in Longcheng.

On the second floor of the teahouse, in a quiet private room on campus.

A middle-aged man dressed in ordinary clothes, with a calm face but eyes revealing wisdom and determination, has been waiting for a long time.

This person was secretly stationed in Shanxi by the 18th Group Army.

An underground party member responsible for liaison and intelligence work with various forces, code-named "Qingsong".

"Comrade Yakov, I have long admired you."

Qingsong stood up and, speaking fluent Russian with a slight accent, extended his hand.

Yakov shook his hand gently and looked at him with deep eyes: "Comrade, nice to meet you. I hope you will forgive me for the presumptuous invitation."

After sitting down, drink the tea.

Qingsong was the first to break the silence, "Comrade Yakov, I wonder what you can do for me in our meeting today?"

Yakov put down his teacup and lowered his voice: "My coming here today is actually a private act and does not represent the official position of our government.

I just feel that the current situation in the Far East is complicated, and China and the Soviet Union are facing a strong enemy. I have some thoughts and would like to communicate with you frankly. "

He paused, organizing his words: "As far as I know, the armed forces under the leadership of your party have dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese invaders in the battlefield behind enemy lines. Their tenacious fighting will and flexible guerrilla tactics are admirable.

However, the lack of weapons and equipment has always been affecting your army's ability to reach its peak."

Qingsong's eyes flickered slightly, and he said calmly: "Comrade Colonel, you are too kind.

Our Party and our army are no different from the oath made by the people of the whole country to fight the Japanese invaders to the end and recover our homeland.

This is also the responsibility of our Chinese armed forces.

As for equipment and weapons, we do have difficulties, but self-reliance and hard work are also the essence of our party and army. "

Yakov smiled slightly: "I came here with the delegation and witnessed with my own eyes that Yan Xishan and his generals had repeated debates with our representatives for the technical verification drawings of the new submachine gun. This shows how eager your country and the war zone are for new weapons.

I think your party should have the same demand for this.”

He leaned forward slightly, and said tentatively, "I wonder if your party's armed forces have any long-term plans to improve their own weapons and acquire more advanced weapons technology?

In other words, what attitude does the outside world have in order to be able to arm itself?"

Yakov's words were already a very bold hint.

His trip was certainly motivated by his personal curiosity about the Chinese Communist Party's anti-Japanese war and a certain degree of resonance, but more importantly, he wanted to seek another contact point, another intelligence line, or even another potential "chess piece" in the future outside of the large triangle relationship of "the United States, the Soviet Union and China."

The surface of the pine tree remains calm, but waves are already stirring.

He knew that the test from the colonel in front of him was of great significance.

Qingsong hesitated for a moment, and said in a neither humble nor arrogant tone: "Comrade Yakov, our party's policy has always been to unite all forces that can be united to fight against Japan together.

We are willing to treat any friendly country that sincerely helps China in the war of resistance and respects China's sovereignty with sincerity and conduct friendly cooperation. "

He skillfully noted the specific issues regarding "weapons technology" and instead emphasized the principles and basis of cooperation.

"As for the development of our party's armed forces."

Qingsong continued: “It mainly relied on the support of the people and the spoils captured from the enemy on the battlefields in Japan.

Of course, if international friends can provide selfless assistance without attaching any political conditions, we will naturally welcome them unconditionally.

After all, the sooner we drive the invaders out of China, the sooner we can reduce the pressure on the world's anti-fascist battlefield."

These words are flawless, expressing an attitude of openness and cooperation while upholding the bottom line of independence and self-reliance.

When Yakov heard this, his eyes were full of approval.

He knew that dealing with these Communists who were firm in their beliefs and well-organized was both simpler and more complicated than dealing with the Kuomintang officials who were divided into numerous factions and had their own logic.

Its simplicity lies in its clear goals, and its complexity lies in its strong principles.

"Comrade Qingsong is right." Yakov nodded: "Fascism is our common enemy."

“I believe that in the years to come, we will have more common language and space for cooperation.”

He did not ask further about the specific needs. Today's contact was just the right amount and that was enough.

After more than ten minutes, Yakov stood up and said goodbye.

“I have benefited a lot from today’s meeting.”

Yakov shook hands with Qingsong again and said, "I hope I will have the opportunity to have a more in-depth exchange with Comrade Qingsong in the future."

"At your service, Colonel."

Qingsong also nodded slightly.

Yakov left quietly. Under the oil lamp in the elegant room of the teahouse, Qingsongmian's eyes were deep.

He knew that the international political signals behind this accidental secret contact were not that simple.

As the United States and the Shancheng government are becoming increasingly close, the Soviets can no longer hold back and are beginning to frequently want to contact the Communists. This is not a good sign.

"Qingsong" also immediately realized that Yakov's contact must be reported to Yan'an through secret channels.

the other side.

The waves caused by the introduction of submachine gun technology.

It also stirred up even greater turmoil within the Kuomintang ruling group.

Ninth War Zone, Changsha.

In Commander-in-Chief Xue Yue's office, the atmosphere was heavy as if a rainstorm was approaching.

"How ridiculous! This is absolutely ridiculous!" Xue Yue slapped the huge battle map, causing the red and blue pencils on it to jump up: "In the eyes of Americans, soldiers are only surnamed 'Chu' or 'Shi' (Stilwell)?!"

Standing in front of him were several trusted generals. Chief of Staff Wu Yizi had a solemn expression and did not dare to respond.

The staff officers lowered their heads and dared not say a word, pretending that they did not hear anything.

They all knew that Commander Xue's anger had been building for a long time.

Since the United States began providing military aid to China under the Assistance Agreement.

Its distribution has always been seriously skewed.

Most of the sophisticated American equipment was allocated first to troops directly under the central command or with close ties to Stilwell, especially the Chinese Expeditionary Force transferred to the India-Burma battlefield.

For example, the Ninth War Zone, although it had made great military achievements, was a local powerful group with strong factional colors and a delicate relationship with the Central Government and Stilwell. The reinforcements it could obtain were often just some leftovers or even just empty promises.

"That American Stilwell only recognizes Chu Yunfei!"

Xue Yue was still furious, pacing back and forth in his office: "Last time I sent people to Chongqing to try to get the newly arrived M1 and Thompson submachine guns for the Ninth War Zone.

The results of it?
Chief He from the Military and Political Department played Tai Chi with us, saying that the needs of the expeditionary force should be given priority!
Expeditionary Force, Expeditionary Force!
We are guarding the border, isn't that serving the country?!"

Wu Yizi coughed lightly and carefully considered his words to persuade: "Sir, calm down. The battlefield in Southeast Asia is related to the international channel, and its strategic significance is indeed significant. The chairman and General Stilwell are concerned about this, and they also have their considerations."

"Considerations? What considerations?" Xue Yue turned around abruptly, his eyes flashing like lightning: "I think it's factional considerations, it's selfishness at work!

When Chu Yunfei was in Shanxi, he had already taken control of the power and had well-trained soldiers and sufficient food supplies under his command.

Now that it has come to this, and with the support of the Americans, it is even more powerful!
If this continues, won’t he be too powerful to be eliminated? ”

Li Yutang also echoed, "Commander Xue is absolutely right. The unfair distribution of American weapons has chilled the hearts of soldiers in various battle zones.

We were fighting a desperate battle with the Japanese invaders on the front line, but we were short of guns and artillery and suffered heavy losses.

Some troops, because of their close relationship with the top leaders, can be given priority in equipment replacement and reap the benefits.

If this continues, the morale of the army will be disrupted, which will be detrimental to the overall situation of the war of resistance."

Xue Yue took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and a look of determination flashed in his eyes: "We can't let them do whatever they want!
Chief of Staff, you should immediately contact Commander Gu of the Third War Zone and Commander Zhu of the Eighth War Zone in the name of the headquarters of the Ninth War Zone, and ask the Chairman to uphold justice and balance all parties regarding the serious unfairness in the distribution of U.S. equipment.

Wu Yizi was startled: "Yes!"

He knew that Xue Yue was planning to unite the various factions of the Central Army and put formal pressure on the Chairman.

He Jingzhi's troops also received priority in the expeditionary army's equipment change, and no one wanted to see him and Chu Yunfei together. Even Chang Ruiyuan was the same.

Even Xue Yue himself was enough to stir up a major political storm in the mountain city.

What's more, he wants to unite the Third War Zone and the Eighth War Zone?

a few days later.

Myitkyina Military Headquarters, Northern Myanmar.

A C-47 transport plane loaded with American determination, escorted by two P-40 fighters, broke through the rainy season clouds and landed on a simple runway.

The hatch opened, and what came down were not more soldiers or supplies, but General Stilwell, who had a solemn expression but a hint of excitement in his steps.

The news he brought with him was a piece of bombshell news that could change the entire China-Burma-India war zone and even affect the future pattern of the Far East.

In Chu Yunfei's temporary office, Stilwell pushed a thick document in front of Chu Yunfei without any greeting.

"Chu, this is Washington's final decision." Stilwell's voice was a little hoarse, but extremely powerful: "President Roosevelt and the US Congress have been convinced by our determination and the potential of the Chinese army.

They decided to elevate the China-Burma-India theater to the highest strategic priority and launch an unprecedented emergency aid plan to China! "

Zhao Pengcheng and Sun Ming, who were present, were both shocked when they heard this, and their breathing stopped.

Chu Yunfei slowly picked up the document and began to read it calmly.

However, as the pages turned, even his eyes, which had been as calm as a well, could not help but show waves of emotion.

The scale of this aid list is quite sincere.

Military equipment:

Infantry weapons: M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle, !

Thompson submachine guns, 30,000!

Browning M1919 and M2 heavy machine guns, totaling !

M1 Carbines, !
支援火力： M2型60毫米迫击炮两千门，M1型81毫米迫击炮一千门，M1A3型75毫米特制山地榴弹炮五百门。

There are a total of 37 45mm and mm anti-tank guns!
Number of supporting ammunition: omitted (enough to support twelve divisions in a battle)
Vehicles and transportation:
Vehicles: 5,000 "Willys" jeeps.

10,000 GMC "Ten-Wheel Truck" military trucks!

Surface ships: Provide armed patrol boats and landing craft components that can be used in inland rivers, a total of 150 ships!

And send corresponding technical experts and workers to help train corresponding manufacturing plants.

Industry and people's livelihood:
Industrial equipment: A full set of arsenal expansion equipment including bullet production lines, artillery repair equipment, and precision machine tools!
One hundred sets of high-power diesel generator sets!

Emergency food: 500,000 tons of flour! 500,000 boxes of military canned food! And a large amount of compressed biscuits and milk powder!

Behind the list are massive amounts of medical supplies, strategic raw materials, and detailed plans for sending additional military advisers and technical experts.

"I have so many days"

Even though Sun Ming had been following Chu Yunfei for a long time and was used to big scenes, he couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice at this moment.

He looked at the astronomical amounts of supplies on the list and felt his vision go dark.

These equipment and supplies are enough to arm the 300,000 Republic of China troops from head to toe into a modern iron army!
Zhao Pengcheng was so excited that he clenched his hands tightly, and his knuckles turned white.

He seemed to have seen the scene where his brothers, equipped with Garand rifles and Thompson submachine guns, defeated the Japanese invaders on the battlefield!
In particular, this large amount of automobile aid will greatly improve the entire logistics supply system of the Republic of China.

Chu Yunfei slowly closed the document, raised his head, looked at Stilwell deeply, and asked calmly: "What's the price, Mr. Stilwell?"

"For such generous assistance, the United States must require us to pay a corresponding 'price'."

"Yes, Chu." Stilwell's expression also became serious. "Washington does have several conditions, or expectations."

He stood up, walked to the map, and his voice became low and powerful: "First, the unity and efficiency of command.

Washington believes that in order to maximize the effectiveness of this aid, a unified and efficient command system must be established.

The highest wartime operational command of all Chinese troops that have been equipped with a full set of American equipment, especially the planned troops to be formed in the future, must be under the jurisdiction of the China-Burma-India Theater Joint Command. In other words, the leadership of these troops belongs to Shancheng, but the command belongs to the joint command.

"Second, a clear strategic goal." Stilwell's finger crossed the map from central Burma to inland China. "The main goal of this batch of aid is to support us in ensuring the smooth flow of the Burma Road, and on this basis, to build corresponding air force bases for subsequent B-29 bombers to take off and bomb, launch a strategic counterattack against your country and other parts of Southeast Asia, and fundamentally threaten the Japanese mainland."

"Third, the full integration of the American training and advisory system." Stilwell turned around and stared at Chu Yunfei with burning eyes: "We will send a larger-scale military advisory group, from the army, division, to the battalion level, to fully assist and guide the training and operations of the American-equipped troops.

We must ensure that these troops are proficient in the use of American equipment and master the American tactical thinking that goes with it.”

The so-called American tactical thinking is actually a copy of Chu Yunfei's tactical thinking.

In fact, the only thing the Americans have developed is their own staff system.

The atmosphere in the office became solemn again after Stilwell stated these three conditions.

The joy on Sun Ming and Zhao Pengcheng's faces had long since faded, replaced by deep worry.

These three conditions are tantamount to requiring the expeditionary force to fully move closer to the United States in terms of military command, strategic autonomy and even tactical thinking, and it can even be said that it is to hand over a considerable part of its sovereignty.

However, what they didn't expect was.

Chu Yunfei's face was still as calm as water.

He listened to Stilwell's statement quietly, was silent for a moment, then slowly stood up and walked to the opposite side of Stilwell.

"Mr. Stilwell." Chu Yunfei's voice was not loud, but every word was clear. "In principle, I agree with your three conditions."

"what?"

Even Stilwell himself was a little surprised.

"But." Chu Yunfei changed the subject, his deep eyes flashing with a light brighter than all the weapons on the list combined: "I also have a few 'suggestions', or rather, my understanding of this 'new partnership' between us."

Mr. Stilwell, your country's assistance is admirable and generous. But let me be frank, simply giving us weapons is like giving a man a fish. It can satisfy hunger for a while, but it cannot make us truly strong. The war will end one day, and a strong China that can defend itself is the cornerstone of long-term peace in the Far East and even the world. "

His voice was full of power and foresight: "Therefore, my first suggestion is that the core of aid should shift from 'blood transfusion' to 'blood production'."

Chu Yunfei drew several circles on the map with a pencil: "I implore your country to use the industrial production equipment in the aid list, especially military production equipment, precision machine tools and metallurgical technology, not only for repair and maintenance in the rear, but also to concentrate them in the strategic rear of China, such as Sichuan, Shanxi, and Shanxi to establish several modern, truly military industrial complexes!

We can cooperate to build a factory, and you can provide the technology, equipment and experts.

We provide the land, manpower and resources.

What we need is not just the Garand rifle, but a production line that can produce the Garand rifle! Not just the 75mm mountain gun, but a modern military industrial system with a modern self-circulation. "

“What I’m looking forward to is three to five years.

A basically complete and self-circulating modern military industrial system has been established in mainland China."

Stilwell was completely shocked by Chu Yunfei's words!
He originally thought that Chu Yunfei would bargain over issues such as command rights and weapons distribution, but he never expected that.

The other side's gaze has long gone beyond the current war and is looking towards the more distant future of national industrialization!
"Chu, do you know what this means? The manpower, material resources and financial resources required will be astronomical!" Stilwell exclaimed.

"I know." Chu Yunfei's tone remained calm, "But this is a once-and-for-all solution. An industrialized China will become the most solid and reliable ally of the United States in Asia. Its strategic value is far more than the victory of a few battles."

He did not give Stilwell much time to think, and continued to throw out his second suggestion: "Second, regarding the command of the troops and the allocation of equipment, I suggest adopting the principle of 'tiered configuration, different inside and outside'."

"I fully agree that the 'X' and 'Y' troops jointly commanded by you and me, as the strategic iron fist for the counterattack in Burma, must be equipped with the best American weapons and equipment and receive the most rigorous American training. There is no doubt about this."

"But," Chu Yunfei changed the subject, "Mr. Stilwell also saw that the battlefield in China is vast and the front line is long.

General Xue Yue, General Gu Zhutong and other soldiers from various war zones also fought bloody battles, tying down millions of Japanese main forces.

Their contributions and sacrifices cannot be ignored.

Concentrating all aid on the expeditionary force will inevitably cause strong dissatisfaction in other war zones at home and will be detrimental to our internal unity. Mr. Stilwell must have heard of this."

Stilwell remained silent. He was naturally aware that Xue Yue and others had jointly put pressure on Chongqing.

“Therefore, I suggest that the aid of American weapons and equipment can be divided into two parts.

Part of it will be used to equip the elite expeditionary force that we jointly command.

The other part will be used to gradually replace the backward equipment of the domestic central army’s regular troops to enhance their overall combat effectiveness.

Of course, the command of these troops still belongs to the Chinese Theater Command."

Chu Yunfei smiled and said, "To show my sincerity and alleviate the urgent needs of various war zones in China, I am willing to hand over all the Japanese weapons and equipment seized in Biaoguan and the outskirts of Yangon to the headquarters, which will allocate them uniformly and give priority to the Ninth War Zone and other meritorious troops.

In this way, we can appease all parties and make the best use of resources.”

This move, of retreating to advance, not only demonstrated a sense of the overall situation, but also resolved internal conflicts and maintained the priority of equipment replacement for the core troops of the Expeditionary Force, which made Stilwell nod secretly.

"So, what about the third point?" Stilwell asked.

There was a gleam of "ambition" in Chu Yunfei's eyes that made even Stilwell feel palpitating.

“Third, our cooperation should not be limited to Myanmar, but should also look to the entire Pacific Ocean!”

"Mr. Stilwell, your country's ultimate goal is to completely defeat the Japanese Empire. To achieve this goal, landing on the Japanese mainland will be the inevitable final battle. That battle will be extremely tragic, and the young people of America will also pay a huge sacrifice."

"And China has 400 million unyielding people and millions of soldiers who have experienced the test of war! Once we establish a modern military industry and logistics system with your country's help, then this new army will not only be a force to defend our country!"

Chu Yunfei paused, his eyes full of murderous intent: "They will be able to fight side by side with your army, land on the Japanese mainland together, and completely destroy the fascist nest."

"Mr. Stilwell, how do you think the value of such a powerful ally with millions of people should be measured?"

Stilwell was completely shocked by the grand blueprint drawn by Chu Yunfei.

He stood there, his mind racing.

Before he came, he was thinking about how to make the Chinese obedient, how to exchange aid for command rights, and how to make the Chinese military better serve the US strategy.

However, Chu Yunfei, on the other hand, painted a more grand, more attractive and more in line with the long-term interests of both sides "win-win" prospect for him and the United States.

Transformed the Republic of China from a passive recipient of aid.

It has been elevated to the level of a proactive strategic partner capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the final battle!
"These 'suggestions' you put forward are far beyond my scope of decision. Especially regarding the plan to establish a military industrial system in China, I must report to Washington immediately for evaluation by the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff."

“But.” Stilwell’s eyes lit up again, “Personally, I am completely impressed by your foresight.

On my own behalf, I will fully recommend your "new partnership" plan to Washington!
I believe they will see the great strategic value in it!"

Stilwell's tone became pragmatic again: "For now, I agree with your principle of 'echelon configuration'.

Prioritize arming the assault troops under our joint command. At the same time, I will put pressure on Chongqing to implement your proposal of "appeasing the war zones with seized Japanese weapons" as soon as possible to quell your internal power struggles."

(End of this chapter)