1932: Playing with the Japanese Communist Party with a doll

Then, a question that naturally needs to be discussed next arises:

Who is the next person or force that can replace the Chiang Kai-shek government, rule all of China, and continue to bring long-term benefits to the United States?

Although high-ranking officials like Stimson knew that Ms. Field and the new administration had a target, the other party was a Communist Party after all, and it would be too sensitive to disclose it rashly;

Therefore, Springfield, Roosevelt, and his large group planned to wait until they had more contact with the Chinese Communist Party, the situation was settled, and ordinary people in China gradually felt the benefits before clarifying the aid;

However, for these diplomats who have received sufficient education and have sufficient vision, there is no need to conceal the fact that "aiding the Communist Party" is a shocking thing in society.

Because, no matter whether people appear to be "pro-Japanese" or "pro-China", "good-intentioned" or "socialist", their positions are actually not much different.

For example, the philosophy of Johnson, the American minister to Peking, was to “protect the legitimate interests of the United States and help China achieve internal development that is consistent with the interests of the United States”;

For example, the philosophy of the Director of the Far Eastern Department, Henry Peck, is "to respect the rights of other countries and peoples and expect them to respect the rights of the United States, and to fulfill the obligations of the United States to other countries and expect them to fulfill their obligations to the United States."

Regardless of whether it is actually done or not, it must be shouted like this.

Ultimately, the first thing we consider is the interests of the United States. Then, on the basis of ensuring the interests of the United States, other things can be discussed.

Sure enough, even when they heard the idea that "the US government intends to aid the Communist Party," everyone just frowned slightly, and no one jumped out to rant about ideological issues;

Of course, it is hard to say how much of this is due to the factor of "Ms. Field supports aid to the Communist Party, so I support it too."

However, as Stimson was discussing the State Department's future New Far East policy and carefully crafting his case for aiding the Communists, one man raised his hand:

"Secretary Stimson, gentlemen, since we want to cultivate a new Chinese government, why don't we choose the Kuomintang instead of the Communist Party?"

Everyone looked over and found that it was Shanghai Consul Cunningham.

"Mr. Cunningham, tell me what you think. You are the first American diplomat to engage with the Chinese Communist Party. You know we need a government that is clean enough and capable of quickly restoring China's economy and bringing sufficient benefits to the United States."

The implication is that Stimson does not think the Kuomintang has this ability.

"Yes, sir, I admit that this trip to Nanchang allowed me to witness the capabilities of the Chinese Communist Party. They are indeed a group of outstanding people."

Cunningham nodded, then changed the subject:

"But the Communist Party is still the Communist Party after all. Even if we want to help them, we should always be vigilant."

Many diplomats nodded in agreement at this statement.

Although it was not yet the "McCarthy era" and people had no feelings about ideology, and although everyone knew that capitalism would really be doomed if it did not change, capitalism was innately wary of and hostile to communism.

"so?"

"So why don't we select someone from within the Kuomintang who is more honest, more charismatic, and more capable to achieve our goal?"

Alas?

That seems like an idea.

Everyone suddenly realized that because Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's behavior was so human, they subconsciously classified the entire Kuomintang as outside the human category.

But maybe it’s not actually like that?

There are so many people in the Kuomintang, there must be a few good ones, right?

Perhaps it would be better to select a suitable target within the Kuomintang rather than directly aid the Communist Party?

Ferguson, an advisor to the Executive Yuan of the Chinese Nationalist Government, said in surprise:

"Are you referring to Wang Jingwei? With all due respect, based on my understanding, that guy is not much better than Chiang, and his political skills are far inferior to Chiang's..."

Hu Hanmin, Xu Chongzhi and others were no match for him either. They had no army, and even if they were forcibly promoted, they would eventually be driven out by Chiang, it was just a matter of speed.

"No, no, no, Mr. Ferguson. I'm talking about the man who founded the Kuomintang. He still has a lot of political resources left in China."

"Sun? Sun has already...ah! Sun Ke? Sorry, that one too...you might as well consider Huang, Li, or Bai from Guangxi...Yan from Shanxi would also be fine...or Zhang from the Northeast?"

"Why do you have to limit it to men?" "If it's not a man, then... huh???"

Everyone looked at Cunningham in astonishment, and suddenly understood: Soong Ching Ling!!

It's amazing that he could remember this mascot that is only famous but has little practical use and is never mentioned in real political decision-making!

However, many diplomats changed their minds and felt that Cunningham's idea was indeed a good one.

First, Soong Ching Ling was famous and well-known, and she naturally inherited Sun Yat-sen's political legacy. If she were promoted to power, they would instantly gain a lot of support and goodwill, and rule China legitimately.

Secondly, Soong Ching Ling had no power directly under her control, especially no armed forces. This meant that once she accepted US aid, she would become very easy to control, which would be beneficial to the US.

Finally, Soong Ching Ling was a woman, and President Field was also a woman. I believe that she would never hate Soong Ching Ling to become the master of China.

Alas?

The possibility of success is very high!

Everyone looked at the Secretary of State, who was also lost in thought.

This was not because Stimson had first heard of this idea, because when he was still in the United States talking with Springfield, he had raised the question of why we should support the Communist Party instead of supporting a "New Kuomintang";

At that time, Chuntian did not directly object, but just told him that, with regard to the current Kuomintang, apart from Chiang Kai-shek and his ilk, the remaining people would probably find it difficult to bear the expectations of the United States, and the cost would be too high.

Because the respected Ms. Field was inclined towards the Chinese Communist Party, Stimson did not insist any further, but now that Cunningham brought up the subject again, he suddenly felt that it might not be a bad idea to give it a try.

In multi-line investments, no matter which side wins, the United States wins.

"Your idea is very good. Why don't you contact Soong Ching Ling?"

"No, no, no, Mr. Stimson."

Of course, Cunningham knew that this was just a polite remark and quickly refused:

"I've already taken on the task of in-depth contact and communication with the Communist Party of China. My energy is really limited. Why not hand it over to other outstanding gentlemen? For example, Mr. Ferguson, who is more familiar with the Kuomintang?"

Although Cunningham was known for his domineering personality and was called the "Emperor of the Shanghai Concession," that depended on who he was dealing with. Everyone present was a diplomat of equal status to him, and taking advantage of everything would only earn him hatred.

Originally, because Mark's company was in Shanghai, he had already taken the credit for the initial contact with the Chinese Communist Party, and unsurprisingly he would continue to be responsible for in-depth communication. If he became too greedy, Stimson and his colleagues would be unhappy.

Ferguson, who got the opportunity to take credit, immediately gave Cunningham a friendly look of gratitude. The latter smiled and nodded in response, and the two became political allies in an instant.

Who said that "foreigners have no social skills"?

Stimson thought for a moment and nodded in agreement:

While maintaining contact with the CCP, they are also looking for a new spokesperson for the KMT. The discussion of China's issues is basically over, and it's time to move on to the issues of another Asian country.

"...Now, having discussed Chiang and the Chinese government's performance during last year's incident, let's discuss our strategy toward Japan..."

After these words were spoken, everyone became more serious.

Compared to China, a country that is weak and whose leaders' behavior is incomprehensible, the diplomats present are obviously more interested in and have done more research on Japan.

Among those present, there were at least three people who were considered "quite pro-Japanese":

Secretary of State Stimson: "Japan is indeed a friendly, powerful, and responsive neighbor to the American government, while China is a great but slow-moving nation that has completely fallen behind the times."

Deputy Secretary of State Castle: "We should indeed have sympathy for the underdog when it comes to China, but we prefer the underdog to win in a brilliant way, like Japan";

US Ambassador to Japan Forbes: "If a weak nation is weak because it is small, we should protect it from aggression, but if it is weak because it is corrupt, then we should abandon it";

"Rotten things must fall, and living things must use each other's decaying matter as fertilizer and materials to promote their own growth. This is the law of nature;" (Sheda, but not completely Sheda)

With so many important figures close to Japan, one can imagine how small China's weight is in the United States' Far East strategic decision-making compared to Japan at this time.

Moreover, even with the embarrassing Chairman Chiang, China's entire military and diplomatic performance after the "September 918th Incident" was indeed disappointing.

Even the Far East Department Director Hempel, who has no prejudice against China and Japan, once couldn't help but complain:

"It was not until October 1 (nearly two weeks after the September 18th Incident) that (Chinese diplomats) met with Stimson for the first time. Compared to the Japanese envoys who frequently visited the Secretary of State and the Deputy Secretary of State, their meetings were dwarfed by those they met..."

(After the Ningyue split, Chinese Minister to the United States Wu Chaoshu resigned on June 15, 1931, and Counselor Rong Kui took over the embassy's affairs. As a result, the diplomatic machinery was in a state of complete collapse, and the initial opportunity to persuade the American diplomatic system was missed.)

Although the "918 Incident Report" has fully proved that the Japanese have been playing tricks on the United States from beginning to end, this group of diplomats will not act rashly because of personal likes and dislikes. They still attach great importance to this country and have very heated discussions.

There is not much to say about the incident itself. The key is the tremendous changes that have taken place in Japan and "Manchukuo" after the incident, especially this year.

In other words, a hot man.

"...He briefly visited Northeast China in February of this year and attended the founding ceremony of Manchukuo. After the bombing, he stepped forward to stabilize public sentiment and presided over Northeast affairs for the first time, then quickly left."

"...In April or May of this year, due to the ineffectiveness of suppressing Ma Zhanshan, the main force of the Kwantung Army, the Second Division, was transferred from Japan. The Fourth Division was replaced, and he came to the Northeast again..."

"... promoted... defeated... pacified... promulgated... formulated..."

Listening to these things one by one involving military, politics, culture, people's livelihood and other aspects, the American diplomats were amazed.

They had seen or heard of many outstanding talents in Japan, but this was the first time someone so young came from the royal family.

"...It's no exaggeration to say that this member of the Japanese royal family has become the de facto king of Northeast China. And unlike the Zhangs, his prestige among both the military and the people is steadily rising."

The Consul General in Shenyang, Myers, who was making the report, said categorically:

"I have absolutely no doubt that if this man is allowed to continue ruling Northeast China for another ten years... no, five years! Even three or four years, there will be no possibility for China to regain Northeast China!"

“Isn’t this statement a bit exaggerated?”

Hempeck, Director of the Far East Department, who conducted in-depth research in China before becoming a diplomat and has a deep understanding of both Chinese and Japanese culture, refuted this:

"If Manchukuo is truly like this, then it will inevitably break away from mainland Japan and become a new country. Can the Japanese government, especially His Majesty the Emperor, tolerate this? Won't there be conflicts between the two sides?"

"Let me explain this matter," said Ambassador Forbes.

"In fact, we've heard some very credible news from high-ranking Japanese officials. Emperor Hirohito, who remains childless, intends to pass the throne to Fujiwara no Kanezane. In other words, the King of Northeastern Japan is very likely to become the next ruler of Japan."

"What!?"

Everyone was shocked.

If this is the case, then there really is no such thing as "mainland and enclaves" or "checks and balances and fears"!

Seeing that someone supported his opinion, Myers quickly added:

"Yes, my embassy staff heard similar news while drinking with several Japanese generals. It is said that Fujiwara no Kanezane has a very close and stable relationship with the current emperor. There is no so-called conflict at all."

Johnson, the American Minister to Peking, was puzzled:

"However, the intelligence I have received is that the Japanese troops that have been making recent moves on the North China border are still under the command of Kwantung Army Commander Muto Nobuyoshi, and Fujiwara Kanezane is not involved."

"That's because, like Mr. Stimson, His Highness seems to believe in 'control without control'—hiding behind the scenes, yet holding the real power."

Myers looked at the Secretary of State, smiled bitterly twice as if apologizing, and then said:

"Don't forget, this man has enacted many policies that benefited both the military and the people. In fact, he didn't even need to be at the forefront; his subordinates were able to accomplish everything."

Consul Lynch also added:

"Yes. Before coming to Nanjing, I visited that prince alone. I have to say, he and his subordinates are all rare talents. If it weren't for the issue of our stance, I would even think we should support them."

After digesting the intelligence, Ferguson, a "China expert," was surprised:

"This person... doesn't feel like a stingy and cautious Japanese. Instead, he feels more like one of those founding emperors who unified China in Chinese history."

“Is it rated so highly?”

"The Chinese have a deep attachment to the 'holy king' complex, meaning they don't care too much whether they are ruled by the Japanese or the Chinese. As long as they can bring them a stable and happy life, they will support them..."

"Ah...Three Represents?"

"Yes... Sorry, if I were Chinese, I would also be tempted..." Ferguson shrugged.

"Look, he didn't even bother to cut off our American international radio station in Shenyang. This is a sign of sufficient confidence, and this kind of gesture, in China, is called 'imperial demeanor'..."

(Shenyang International Radio Station, built by Zhang Xueliang in collaboration with the American Radio Corporation, could communicate directly with San Francisco International Radio Station and was an important tool for the United States to obtain intelligence from Northeast China)

On September 19, 1931, the Japanese army fired on the radio station's external facilities and destroyed the power grid, cutting off the U.S. State Department's direct access to information on the site of the incident, greatly reducing the accuracy and timeliness of their intelligence.

After a round of intelligence sharing and heated discussion, everyone gasped, as they almost reached a unanimous conclusion:

This Fujiwara no Kanezane is very likely to become the Japanese emperor in the future, control all of Japan and Northeast China, and lead the Japanese army to annex all of China!

In other words, he will become the biggest threat to the United States! Remember, this man is only 20 years old!

For a politician, this is barely an internship at the grassroots level, yet he has already reached such an important position and demonstrated formidable strength!

A Japan with only a tiny territory, insufficient resources, limited manpower, and a weak strategic structure is not to be feared;

But what about a Japan that has truly absorbed the land and population of Northeast China and even more?

What about Japan, which has a young and energetic leader with strategic vision, ability, and status, and whose political life still has at least half a century left?

Given the aggressiveness and cunning shown by the Japanese, they would certainly not be satisfied with just taking over China;

Fujiwara no Kanezane led millions, even tens of millions, of Japanese troops and "puppet troops" in a furious rush towards Southeast Asia, the Soviet Union, and the Pacific...

—Thinking of that scene, everyone shuddered, and even Secretary of State Stimson looked unhappy.

On January 3rd of this year, when Japan invaded and occupied Jinzhou, the United States sent separate notes to the Japanese and Chinese governments: