Chapter 203 Responsibilities and Obligations

"The Chinese army may have performed well, but they have never carried out any landing operations!"

"The Chinese navy does not have enough ships to transport the army!"

"If China wants to enter Japan, it may take ten years to prepare!"

"They only have one brigade of the Marine Corps!"

After Japan clearly rejected China's peace plan, as a British military officer in China, he issued such a report to the London Admiralty. In his report, he detailed the advantages and disadvantages of China's army and navy. The final conclusion was that "in discussing the equipment and combat capabilities of the Chinese military Before the ability to land in Japan, we should first discuss the history of their army. Now it is undeniable that under strict discipline, the loyalty of the Chinese [***] people to the country, obedience to their superiors and organizations is much higher than that of any period in Chinese history, but this does not mean that the army Have the ability to attack Japan!"

And in the report, he listed the advantages of the Japanese army in detail, and finally came to the conclusion that unless the Japanese army is the Qing Dynasty, the [***] team will never take the risk of trying to attack the Japanese army.

"This is just a statement! The Chinese may seek a reasonable solution for a diplomatic solution in the future!"

And such a report is at the right time for the British political axe. In London, the only thing they need is this report, which finally eases their worries about China's attack on Japan.

As an ally of Japan, in any case, Britain needs to make an appropriate statement in this war, at least to some extent, and also to protest to China. Its Asian fleet sent the cruiser "Asrawan" to Japan for a visit, in order to avoid It stimulated China's "** nerves" and refused Japan's request to escort several munitions by the British navy.

They are just visiting!

In the end, the cruiser "Asrawan" successfully passed the forbidden zone set by the Chinese navy and entered the Japanese navy, and its captain was Major Sislam. He did not pay attention to the Japanese navy as in the past. The Japanese navy no longer exists. As a visitor, he paid more attention to the local defense of the Japanese. Yu.

Although he is a naval officer, he came to a conclusion after a careful investigation of the Japanese army.

"Although the equipment is short, it is undeniable that the morale of the army is very strong, and their loyalty to the country and the emperor will support their battle until the last minute. However, for Japan, this is not enough. I learned from some officers that now Japan only has less than 200 old-style artillery, and no division has enough weapons. Even if it is the most basic rifle, maybe they will fight to the death, but if the [***] team dares to If you take a risk, I believe that the Chinese army can defeat three times the strength of Japan. Once there is a landing battle, it is not so much a war as a military walk..."

But in the end, his report caused a burst of laughter at the London War Department.

"This is a report made by a layman who is considered the most layman in history!"

In such an atmosphere, the British naturally don't need to think about anything. The Chinese will attack Japan. In the eyes of almost every political elite in London, the Chinese are just sky-high prices. So as an ally of Japan, in addition to expressing appropriate support for Japan, the more important point for Britain is That is to say, we must tell the Chinese that they must lower the requirements.

However, China's attitude is beyond people's expectations, at least beyond the British side.

In fact, for Britain, to a large extent, their intervention in the war is just to maintain the balance between Britain's interests in the Far East and the Far East. It is for this reason that the British Foreign Minister Lanztumm made an appointment with Wang Daxie, China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, to discuss the British again. The proposed peace plan.

"First of all, I need to reiterate my point of view and the British political axe. We sincerely hope that peace can be restored in the Far East immediately. I hope we can take this opportunity to open each other's minds and talk about the Far East!"

Lanztum's attitude did not make Wang Daxie relax his nerves. He knew that perhaps at this time, the negotiations in Berlin had reached the most critical time, and the Sino-German alliance, for China, was the basis for China to completely get rid of Britain and give China the full initiative to Japan.

"Britain believes that it is appropriate and necessary for Japan to return Korea and the Ryukyu Islands to China!"

As the foreign minister of this old empire, Landstum naturally knows that as the winner of this war, the Chinese must need the fruit of the winner.

"At the same time, you should also bear the military expenditure of your country!"

Another affirmation! Wang Daxie just listened quietly to Lanztum's discussion of his views on peace in the Far East. Of course, he inevitably slamed China's relatively tough attitude.

Finally, Landstum admitted lightly, "Now, Britain believes that peace in the Far East must be restored, so we will support our previous suggestions. If China can accept it, I think peace in the Far East should be achieved in the short term. What do you think? Your Excellency the Ambassador!"

The expressionless Wang Daxie glanced at the confident British Foreign Secretary in front of him and shook his head quietly.

"Sir, we are more eager to end the war between China and Japan than Britain, but if we can't give heavy punishment to provocative countries, then..."

Wang Daxie's words suddenly became harsh at this time.

"I think that even if we have signed the peace treaty now, this treaty is only a few years of truce. After a few years, Japan, which has recovered its vitality, will still declare war on our country again. At that time, may I ask you, how Britain should deal with itself, if your country still wants to maintain the relationship between China and the two countries. In terms of harmonious relations, then Britain should support the conditions we put forward. Only in this way can we achieve real peace in the Far East!"

Wang Daxie just spoke, and then he looked at Lanztum and said.

"If you really need peace!"

After the words with two meanings were spit out of Wang Daxie's mouth, Lands Tamm looked at the ambassador in front of him. He understood that diplomacy was to let the other party know his true intentions and feelings, and to make it known.

"So is your country ready to reject our favorable conditions for your country again? You know, this may be the best condition you can get. If you are willing to accept it, then Britain will do its best to make your country get what it wants!"

"The only solution now is to accept the conditions proposed by our country!"

Wang Daxie insisted on saying this, and then said again.

"In addition, by the direct order of our country, China will reject all peace plans proposed by other countries against the war between China and Japan!"

One sentence completely blocked Lanztam's idea of continuing, and Lanztam looked at Wang Daxie and said seriously after a long silence.

"You are refusing, which may be the most favorable peace condition you have got in this war!"

is guaranteed by the United Kingdom! Lanztum said to himself in his heart.

"That's because we will get peace conditions that are more favorable to China and more favorable to peace in the Far East!"

Wang Daxie responded politely, but when he responded softly, he muttered in his heart that everything would go smoothly in Berlin. Only in this way can China shake off Britain, which is half tied with China's hands. As soon as the Sino-German alliance treaty is signed, Germany will be tripped by Britain.

Ito is waiting in the hotel in Berlin.

During the visit to Russia, the Russian side promised to give a written answer to Ito's request.

"Good news will definitely come"

Berlin, negotiations have always been long, especially when it comes to the fundamental interests of the two countries. Although both China and Germany have the desire to sign an alliance treaty, the wish is always just a wish. After the actual interests are involved, the two sides will always argue and even quarrel at the negotiating table. Come on.

But fortunately, in this kind of secret diplomacy, both sides will occasionally make appropriate compromises.

At this time, the air in the palace of the Kaiser on the outskirts of Berlin is completely different from before.

"Germany believes that our request is reasonable!"

Press the cigar in the ashtray, Yakov stressed again.

"Now China and Japan are in a state of war, and Japan and Britain have an alliance. If now, we agree to include Britain in the restriction of surname clauses, then Germany must consider a practical problem, that is, Germany needs to be involved in a war of the Chinese people as soon as the treaty is signed. This is obviously not in line with Germany's will to sign this treaty aimed at maintaining peace!"

When referring to the last sentence, Yakov added the word "peace" again, as if to remind Yang Sheng in front of him that Germany signed this treaty for peace, not for war.

When he put down the new translation of the first article made by Germany in his hand, Yang Sheng was first at a loss, and then said in a low tone.

"Perhaps, it is undeniable that neither we nor the German Empire sit down for peace to discuss and conclude this alliance treaty with sincere will, but..."

Stretching out his finger, Yang Sheng looked at Yakov seriously.

"The ultimate purpose of this treaty is to deter the common enemies or potential competitors of our two countries, telling them that only enough deterrence can ensure future peace by forming an alliance between China and Germany. We do not believe that broad terms can have enough deterrent to Britain!"

When Yakov was about to refute, Yang Sheng continued.

"As for your country's belief that it may be involved in the war, then it is undoubtedly questioning your country's influence and Britain's determination. Is it possible for Britain to be involved in a war against Germany for the sake of Japan?"

A rhetorical question was actually a little flattery, but Yakov didn't mean anything. He just nodded his head.

"The British may hesitate, but because of this, it becomes meaningless to designate Britain..."

This is Germany's opinion. Germany is not willing to pay for China and Japan, at least not to pay for it now. Germany only uses this alliance treaty to deter Russia, not Britain. What kind of deterrence will China have on Britain?

In the face of Yakov's persistence, Yang Sheng looked extremely disappointed, and then he sighed again.

"Mr. Special Envoy, if that's the case, we have to admit that at least now, your country is not very sincere to sign this broad alliance treaty!"

"Your Excellency, we have shown enough sincerity, and even the German political axe has expressed its willingness to help your country achieve industrialization and help your country's political axe coordinate the purchase of patents from German enterprises. Doesn't this show our sincerity?"

Yakov asked rhetorically, and then he was silent again and looked at Yang Sheng arrogantly. In German political circles, many people who knew about this secret negotiation all thought that this alliance treaty was a charity to China.

"And..."

Yakov's voice said loudly, paused for a moment, and then continued to speak.

"We are willing to provide a corresponding guarantee for China's security in the additional provisions of the treaty, of course, for the present..."

Then Yakov paused for a moment and added.

"Of course, we will not publish this article and other articles extending this article. If Britain declares war on your country because of this issue, then Germany will provide you with all the help it can until it mobilizes all the armed forces to maintain the sacred surname of the alliance treaty."

Then Yakov put the document on the table, pressed it with the palm of his hand, quickly moved the side of the palm of his hand, and pushed a fountain pen aside forward. Now, according to his idea, with such a guarantee, there should be no problem now. So he looked at Yang Sheng aggressively. He looked at him aggressively.

"Hmm"

Yang Sheng's eyelids jumped slightly, sat aside, and then said.

"China is really far away from Germany. We don't think that this additional clause will have any real deterrent to Britain, but..."

As soon as he raised his eyes and looked directly at Yakov in front of him, Yang Sheng continued.

"If your country insists, then we also need a supplementary clause. If Britain attacks Germany, then China will not bear the obligation to assist its allies!"

In a word, Yakov was stunned. He looked at Yang Sheng in front of him and could hardly believe that he would hear such an answer.

"I think, in this case, then this alliance treaty is beneficial to us, that is, as your country said, you do not want to form a hostile relationship with Britain, and the alliance treaty is against Russia, then China will only assume its obligations against Russia!"

Yang Sheng's words only silenced Yakov. Before that, he had never expected that Yang Sheng would put forward such a condition, but when he was silent, Yang Sheng continued to say.

"At the same time, we believe that France is also not the responsibility and obligation of China, and we hope to get the understanding of your country."

Another condition spit out by Yang Sheng only made Ya Gefu's face turn pale. He looked directly at Yang Sheng when he was about to speak, but he saw Yang Sheng smile.

"Representative, if this is the treaty you need, I think there is no more appropriate clause than these two, of course..."

Yang Sheng, who did not leave any opportunity for Yakov to interrupt, turned the conversation around again. "This kind of treaty is not what we hope for. Just as we expected when we proposed the Sino-German alliance to your country, the Chinese Empire hopes to form the closest alliance with the German Empire, and we are willing and willing to at any time. Hou, as an ally, is it willing to bear the same responsibilities and responsibilities as an ally? In this regard..."

For a moment of meditation, Yang Sheng shrugged his shoulders without regret.

"Now, I deeply doubt it!"

Then Yang Sheng leaned back on the back of the handchair, as if he shrugged his shoulders helplessly.

"Why is it like this? I want to know this better than I do, your Excellency, although we are here with sincerity..."

Yang Sheng's eyes turned to the revised translation of the draft proposed by Germany.

"However, all we get is the answer that Germany is not willing to take responsibility and obligation!"

In the face of such accusations, Yakov said loudly almost helplessly.

"So can I understand that China is asking Germany whether it intends to form an alliance and cooperate in the cause of eliminating the British Empire?"

In response to this obviously dissatisfied question, Yang Sheng narrowed his eyes slightly.

"If you think so!"

"There is no doubt!"

"So,"

Yang Shengkun no longer hides his emotions and said excitedly, "Please allow me to ask one last question: does that mean that Germany believes that Britain will not be hostile to Germany at any time in the future?"

A rhetorical question made Yakov silent. This is impossible. Now that Britain and Germany are in a semi-hostile state, no one can predict what it will look like in the future, but Yakov believes that if one day Germany needs to go to war with France or Russia, then Britain will I will definitely get involved in it.

"Whether it is your country or China, we all know the answer. Indeed, now that your country agrees to the first clause, it may indeed lead to a war between Germany and Britain, but our cooperation today will benefit tomorrow. Tomorrow, none of us can predict it. Perhaps at that time, China will go to war with Germany against Britain. Who knows?

Then Yang Sheng continued.

"But now we can expect that, at least for now, if Germany is willing to assume the responsibilities and obligations of its allies, then Britain will never go to war with Germany for the sake of Japan!"

(to be continued)