Chapter 13 Chapter Twelve Attlee Sings the Lead

In the early morning of August 24, 1945.South China Sea. The sea water at this time is scalding hot.After several years of naval battles, this place has long been a cemetery for ships from various countries.Ships from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Japan and other countries compete with each other here, always checking and launching their own interests.It’s just that since World War II, the Japanese navy seems to have played the leading role. For a period of time, it used its hard teeth to make its opponents retreat.However, this lonely and isolated sea blood-devouring monster was finally defeated by his opponent, smashed into the sand, and drowned in the depths of the sea.Japan surrendered and lost the war.The British are coming back again.

As early as a few days ago, the British aircraft carrier HMS Invincible moored in Singapore received an order to prepare to sail into the waters of Hong Kong. The order came from London.From the cabinet government of Prime Minister Attlee who just won the general election. Prime Minister Attlee was a real victor, a real beneficiary of the Second World War.His Labor Party defeated Churchill's Conservative Party in one fell swoop, throwing the nationalist hero badge on Churchill's chest into the dirtiest sewers in London.The result: Britain won, and Churchill, who led the battle, was out.Churchill retreated to his estate to absorb his shame.Attlee sang the leading role.In the days when there was no Churchill in Britain, he tried his best to establish his own image in order to eliminate Churchill's profound influence among the British people.

Churchill was tough on the Hong Kong issue. His colonial stance was criticized by US President Roosevelt and others, but he was regarded by the narrow-minded British as a hero for safeguarding national interests.Churchill once said to Chiang Kai-shek that if you want to take Hong Kong back from me, you must step over my dead body.Such words have been spread by the British, which made Churchill a lot of color. Attlee does not have Churchill's hero badge, nor does he have such extraordinary experience, but he is a well-trained politician. Since he can win in an old capitalist government like Britain, he will definitely know how to win. popular support.

Sure enough, Attlee imitated Churchill's tone and said to Chiang Kai-shek, during my term of office, don't try to get Hong Kong. On August 15, 1945, the Emperor of Japan announced Japan's surrender.On the day he learned of the news, Attlee called the cabinet ministers in charge of Far East affairs to study the Hong Kong issue.After a series of intense planning, Attlee immediately ordered the Pacific Fleet to set off immediately and head east. After sailing for three days and three nights, the Indomitable came to Singapore to stand by.Although Attlee was ready to seize Hong Kong, he still did not dare to act rashly.He wants to take a final look at the international situation and understand the determination of the Chinese Chongqing government towards Hong Kong.Just as the Indomitable was sailing eastward, US Secretary of State Bernas issued a statement on the Hong Kong issue. The Times reported thusly:

Washington, August 18: U.S. Secretary of State Bernas said last night in an interview with journalists from the U.S., Britain and France that the U.S. will abide by the spirit of the Potsdam Declaration and deal with it from a fair standpoint regarding the acquisition of territories after the war. Any disputes that have occurred or are about to occur in sensitive areas.The Secretary of State said that the Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Wei Daoming, had recently submitted a "Memorandum" to the United States on the issue of Hong Kong, and applied for formal acceptance of surrender to the Japanese occupying forces in the area north of the 16th parallel north latitude in accordance with the spirit of the Allied High Command No. 1 order. .The Secretary of State believes that Hong Kong has long been a disputed area between China and Britain.After the war, the ownership of Hong Kong was uncertain, so China was discouraged from suspending military operations.All issues are to be submitted for discussion at the meeting of foreign ministers to be held in London, England in the near future, for an international referendum... What Attlee was worried about finally happened.

Regarding the Hong Kong issue, the United States has always been the opposite of the United Kingdom. From Roosevelt to Eisenhower, both political and military circles have expressed firm opposition to the British stubbornly insisting on their colonial stance.Roosevelt criticized Churchill in public more than once, which made him extremely embarrassed.Not long ago, Roosevelt died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage. The British felt less pressure and could take advantage of the chaos to return to Hong Kong.Unexpectedly, the Americans are relentless, and still have no intention of letting go. This statement is proof of that.

Bernas's statement was not published early or late, but it was published when the British Pacific Fleet was advancing eastward. Its purpose is intriguing.Attlee once told the navy to strictly keep secrets and not to startle the snake, because the fleet would take four or five days to sail at the fastest, and if the Chongqing government found out, its army would be there first.This was the one thing that worried Attlee the most. Apparently, the secret operation of the British Pacific Fleet's eastward advance had been concealed from the Chongqing government.The intelligence obtained from there is all the news that Chiang Kai-shek and the soldiers and civilians in Chongqing celebrated the victory of the Anti-Japanese War.It seems that Chiang Kai-shek is completely immersed in the joy of victory, and he seems to have forgotten Hong Kong.It’s just that a telegram from the Allied High Command a few days ago seemed to remind Chiang Kai-shek that it was Order No. 1 of the Allied High Command:

top secret.China.Chongqing.Your Excellency, Commander-in-Chief Chiang Kai-shek of the Chinese Theater Command: In view of the fact that Japan has decided to surrender unconditionally, the Allied High Command hereby orders: the Japanese senior commanders in Taiwan and French Indochina north of 16 degrees north latitude, as well as all land, sea, air and auxiliary forces , should surrender to Chairman Chiang Kai-shek... A telegram splashed thousands of waves, and the Chongqing government seemed to have just woken up from a state of drunkenness.There is intelligence that Chiang Kai-shek has often summoned Foreign Minister Wang Shijie and Ambassador Wei Daoming to the United States these days. Although the specific content is unknown, there are indications that it is a matter related to Hong Kong.

Sure enough, not long after Wei Daoming returned to Washington, the US Secretary of State issued a statement on the Hong Kong issue... Attlee knew in his heart that although the Indomitable's eastward advance could be hidden from the Chongqing government, it would definitely not be hidden from the United States.The statement made by the Americans is to shake the mountain and shake the tiger, and to remind the Chinese to pay attention to Hong Kong. Bernas's America seems to have a soft spot for China.In World War II, they invested much more in China than Britain, and even spent more in aiding China than the Soviet Union.It has always sheltered Chiang Kai-shek's Chinese government.Now, the Chongqing government is looking to the United States again for the Hong Kong issue, and it seems that the United States is about to make trouble again.

There is no doubt that Hong Kong is demarcated north of 16 degrees north latitude, and assigning this surrendered area to China is itself biased towards China.Since Hong Kong belongs to this region, doesn't it mean announcing to the world: Hong Kong belongs to China?Is that still called a disputed area?Attlee thought angrily. The idea of ​​taking advantage of the chaos to win was discovered by the Americans, and now the Americans say to the British: Please don't act rashly! Will the Americans tell the Chongqing government about the eastward advance of the British Pacific Fleet?If this is the case, it is tantamount to pitting the UK.With the meticulousness and tact that Americans have traditionally shown, they do not seem likely to do so.

Attlee thought of the benefits of the United States again.After all, the two countries are still partners.When Great Britain was threatened by Hitler, the first savior that the British thought of was the United States.Churchill once went to the United States to lobby. Originally, the Americans could not get involved in the war, but the Americans were still moved by the call of the British. This was a call for peace, a call to protest against fascism, and it was also a call for justice and axiom in the world at that time. Although the Americans have always been narrow-minded and selfish, they still accepted the weak distress signal from Great Britain, which was about to be overwhelmed by the raging waves of German fascism.President Roosevelt led the American people into this war and played an extraordinary role.The Americans aided Great Britain, and at the same time aided the whole world.Now, the Allies have won, as have the United States, Britain, and China. Before the congratulatory wine is finished, the partners will turn their eyes against each other. Attlee is the leader of the Labor Party.His party was essentially against colonial aggression.He himself once said something against colonialism in his campaign speeches. He said he hated war and those who invaded others. Britain had just stood up from a pool of blood, and he would never forget what the invaders did to the motherland. However, the war is over.And won.The crisis in Great Britain is over.Attlee thought of the long-abandoned Hong Kong again. Churchill's tough look appeared in front of his eyes. Churchill was defeated in the election, but many people still supported him. The most important point was that he was a tough man.He is a British national hero.Attlee seemed to see Churchill sitting in his manor and staring at him.Churchill lit his pipe, and in the wisps of smoke, his eyes were full of contempt and contempt.He seemed to be saying: Attlee, be careful, if you can't pass the threshold of Hong Kong, you have to step down obediently.If you don't have diamonds, don't do porcelain work, let me, Churchill, clean up your mess! Attlee spat at an imaginary Churchill.Don't worry, Fatty Qiu, you can paint your unlucky sunset in front of your oil easel, I will let you down. Attlee thought that on the issue of Hong Kong, one must not be bookish, and the country's interests should be the most important. Hong Kong's position is too important.If Hong Kong is lost during his tenure, he will be caught by Churchill's Conservative Party and will be quarreled by them.It also angers the public.In this way, not only will Attlee lose his prime ministership, but it will also affect the overall image of the Labor Party, and even affect the general elections of several generations of the Labor Party... The safest strategy is to continue to seize Hong Kong, and the sooner the better.In this way, Attlee ordered the main force of the Pacific Fleet, the Indomitable, and another destroyer to come to Singapore to stand by.Indomitable has a displacement of 45,000 tons, a speed of 26 knots per hour, a length of 305 meters and a width of 40 meters.The ship is equipped with reconnaissance planes, fighter jets, several tanks and a reinforced battalion of British marines. The U.S. Secretary of State stated that he had dissuaded China from suspending military operations, indicating that China was ready to send troops to Hong Kong.Judging from the current situation, due to the dispersal of the Japanese army in Hong Kong, it was a time of power vacuum, and Chiang Kai-shek had not yet sent troops.Although Hong Kong is known as a sensitive area, it will take a long time to clear up theoretical debates or contention at the negotiating table.Some things cannot be explained by reasoning alone. For example, Hong Kong was originally Chinese territory, but the British sent troops to occupy it, relying on the strong to bully the weak. Didn’t they actually occupy it for a hundred years?The Indomitable had been on standby for a day.This day is like a century to Attlee.Various waves of red, black and white were constantly rolling in his mind, and all kinds of information poured in, stimulating his nerves.Some of these messages are even conflicting and contradictory, while others interfere with his determination and make him in a dilemma.Attlee also obviously felt the pressure from the military circles.The Ministry of the Navy provided information that the U.S. military base not far from Singapore has apparently noticed the USS Indomitable. Many planes that took off from there have flown over the mothership in batches. .There are also merchant ships sailing from Singapore to China that will also leak news about the Indomitable.What made them even more disturbed was that several unidentified people appeared in the harbor where the aircraft carrier was moored in the afternoon, and the true intentions of these people have not yet been clarified. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided information that the Soviets had noticed the statement of the US Secretary of State. They had privately met with the Chinese and said that Hong Kong was voluntarily given up by the British, and the previous treaties would naturally become invalid.If the British make further demands on Hong Kong, the Soviet people will firmly stand by the Chinese people... The navy urged him to make up his mind quickly. If he hesitated, he would miss the opportunity.After the Chinese army has occupied Hong Kong, it will be more difficult for the British to land again, and it will be tantamount to abandoning Hong Kong forever. Attlee felt that not only his opponent Churchill, but also the military, the cabinet government, even the whole of Britain, and even the whole world were watching him and waiting for his decision.Attlee was a little flustered.He vaguely felt that this gaze was actually a kind of judgment and appraisal, and that people and international forces were the arbitrators.They are all scoring themselves through this email.Maybe it was because they waited too long, they were a little impatient, and both of them were a little upset.In view of Attlee's hesitation, the opposition MPs in the cabinet took the opportunity to attack and said: Do you know why Attlee stayed on hold? It was because he did not have the ability to make up his mind.Where was Attlee when Churchill swung the WWII anti-fascist scepter to beat the enemy?He was just an obscure pawn.How can a person like this have the ability to handle national affairs... Attlee felt that Great Britain was like a bowstring stretched like a full moon, and the Indomitable Horn was an arrow on the string, so he had to issue it.The target of this arrow is Hong Kong. Attlee finally let go of the arrow-controlling hand. On August 20, 1945, the British Secretary of the Navy ordered the Pacific Fleet to go north immediately on the orders of Minister Attlee. The telegram was as follows: Secret.Ah, ha, Commander-in-Chief Harcourt immediately received an order from Prime Minister Attlee: the main aircraft carrier Indomitable and two destroyers of the Pacific Fleet sailed to Hong Kong overnight.Remember to sail at night and arrive at the mouth of the water hole in Hong Kong.After the ship arrives, it can be on standby in the bay outside the island.When to attack, let me know by telegram. In this way, the Indomitable and two other warships moved upon hearing the news, and arrived at the waters around the water hole of Hong Kong on the morning of August 24th... August 24 at 14:00.Chongqing Lianfeng Tower.Two hours ago, a telegram from Shaoguan, Guangdong, reached Chiang Kai-shek: Chongqing.Chairman Chiang: According to reconnaissance, the HMS Invincible of the British Pacific Fleet has arrived in the waters around Hong Kong's Punk Hau.Scattered personnel have disembarked this morning, and they seem to be preparing for landing. Further investigation is underway. Please give instructions.Worked as Luo Zhuoying. Chiang Kai-shek was shocked when he heard the news, and immediately held an emergency meeting to study the sudden arrival of Hong Kong. Chiang Kai-shek was completely unprepared.These days, Chongqing's festive gongs and drums have stunned him.The victory came unexpectedly. More than a month ago, the situation had not made any clear progress, but in August, it took a sharp turn for the worse.Because the Americans dropped the atomic bomb named Little Boy on Hiroshima, and because the Soviet army wiped out the Japanese Kwantung Army, the Japanese were defeated in an instant, and the Japanese surrendered immediately.This victory is like a plum, which needs to be savored carefully. Chiang Kai-shek has always kept it in his mouth, expressing his sweet feelings bit by bit through domestic news and public opinion. Regarding Hong Kong, Chiang Kai-shek has not been negligent in the slightest.This is a piece of his heart disease.At the Cairo International Summit that year, he had a heated argument with Churchill over the ownership of Hong Kong, and his wife Song Meiling also lobbied the United States for the Hong Kong issue.Hong Kong's political and economic status is too important, and Chiang Kai-shek is well aware of its importance.Now, by accepting Japan's surrender, it is an opportune time to reclaim Hong Kong.He can take over Hong Kong without breaking a sweat.In this way, he can leave his name in history, and write this glorious page in the history book in a grand manner... However, this plan was completely disrupted by the sudden appearance of the Indomitable.Chiang Kai-shek believed too much in the Allied Order No. 1.He believes that as long as there is a decision to take over the area north of 16 degrees north latitude by the Chinese government, the ownership of Hong Kong will undoubtedly be awarded to China.These days, he ordered Foreign Minister Wang Shijie and Ambassador Wei Daoming to launch diplomatic offensives around the clock in order to obtain this written guarantee.The Chinese believe in words and in international justice.Now the decision of the Allied High Command is public international law, a holy code, and any country must implement it.Therefore, Chiang Kai-shek believed it, and believed it deeply... Mother rare!Thinking of this, Chiang Kai-shek couldn't help but curse.His 13th Army of the Second Front Army is in Guangdong. As long as he waved his hand, Hong Kong would be completely occupied in an instant.The Japanese were already prepared, and Okamura Ningji also sent a telegram early, expressing that he accepted the surrender in full accordance with the order of the Allied High Command.As an Asian, he said he emotionally wants Hong Kong to return to Chinese hands. However, the cooked duck flew again! Regarding the Hong Kong issue, Premier Song Ziwen offered advice to him.Song said that there are no rules for many things in the world, please don't trust those western countries.Now that Japan has surrendered, our army is across the river from Hong Kong and is within easy reach.Let's just occupy it without saying a word. This is the territory of the Chinese. How old are the British?We're back again, what do you want?Or you can send the army to take it from me, mother, who is afraid of you British ghost now! However, Chiang Kai-shek did not listen to Song Ziwen's words. Song Ziwen is not the king of a country.His words were tinged with great risk.He did not consider it from the position of chairman of the committee, so Chiang Kai-shek did not adopt his opinion. Two years ago, about how to coordinate with the Americans, Chiang Kai-shek almost made a big mistake because he listened to Song Ziwen. That was from August 4th to 24th, 1943, exactly two years ago.The British and Americans hold a joint military conference in Quebec, Canada.Churchill and Roosevelt attended the meeting with their respective chiefs of staff. At the meeting, in order to protect Britain's interests in Southeast Asia, Churchill, who had ulterior motives, demanded the establishment of a Southeast Asia theater commanded by the British.Roosevelt, who was not familiar with the situation in Southeast Asia, obviously did not notice the calculation of the British, so he agreed.In view of the British's increasingly indifferent anti-Japanese investment in Southeast Asia, Roosevelt felt that this was a constraint on them.If you are in your position, you must plan your own affairs. Since you British people have proposed to be the head of the Southeast Asian theater, you must cheer up and put in a lot of effort to do this job well, so you fully agree with the British people's opinions.Who knows that the British have their own set of plans.The Southeast Asia theater was established, with British Vice Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten as the supreme commander of the Southeast Asia theater and American General Stilwell as the deputy commander.General Stilwell was then Chief of Staff of the China Theater.Stilwell was recommended by U.S. Army Secretary Marshall, and he was highly regarded by Marshall.Stilwell is a typical soldier. He seldom wears a general uniform. He wears a large field uniform all day long, wears a steel helmet, never wears military ranks and medals, and often carries a carbine on his shoulder. A sergeant squad leader who is always on call.However, this unremarkable American who looks like an old turkey is a rare general and an outstanding military commander.It is said that in the counter-offensive campaign against northern Burma he commanded, he often appeared alone at the forefront in a jeep.A grassroots officer who had witnessed Stilwell's command in battle said of him: His command was different.If the position could not be attacked for a long time, he would drive a small car to the regiment headquarters by himself. He appeared calm and unhurried, as if he came to visit the door. He said he came to see you fighting, and he asked someone to lead him down.The head of the regiment understood, so he hurriedly called for the deputy head and asked him to accompany the commander-in-chief not to run around, while he himself went to the front line to command.If he was unable to attack, Stilwell would wait until the division commanders and army commanders came to accompany him, so this became the forward headquarters.Finally, when the good news came from ahead, Stilwell happily said a few words of encouragement, jumped into the car and left. As soon as he left, the temporary headquarters announced its disintegration... As soon as Stilwell set foot on the land of China, he fell in love with this country from the bottom of his heart.He likes the simple and kind Chinese people, the profound Chinese culture, and the beautiful Chinese scenery.But he did not like the Chongqing government's attitude towards Japan.He didn't understand why Chiang Kai-shek didn't move, why he held a grudge against the Chinese Communist Party.Stilwell served as the U.S. military attache in China from 1935 to 1939. During this period, he conducted systematic research on the Chinese Red Army. In 1936, before the famous American journalist Snow went to northern Shaanxi to interview Mao Zedong, he had a conversation with Stilwell.Snow discovered that General Stilwell talked more about the Communist Party and the Red Army than he knew.Stilwell also studied the Pingxingguan Battle of the Eighth Route Army. He believed that the Chinese Communist Party was a great political group, and the Red Army and the Eighth Route Army were capable of fighting.He said: If only I could fight with Zhu De's army... Not long after arriving in China, Stilwell formulated a new set of operational policies based on the situation of the enemy and the enemy in the Chinese battlefield. He planned to launch a flank offensive against the Japanese invaders, with the purpose of attacking the vital forces of the Japanese army and dampening their increasingly rampant arrogance in China.At that time, Stilwell's war strategy against Japan reported to the White House and the Allied High Command was: Relying on mainland China, directly fight against Japan.This requires the United States, the Soviet Union, and Britain to invest heavily in China, take advantage of the emptiness of the Japanese mainland, first occupy the Japanese mainland, and then turn around and wipe out the Japanese troops in China.Before the implementation of this plan, several large-scale battles must be initiated to suppress the arrogance of the Japanese army and keep it on the defensive, so that it can let go of the Japanese mainland. If you want to concentrate all the anti-Japanese forces, you must unite with the armed forces of the Chinese Communist Party.Stilwell had privately established contact with the Communist Party. The CCP expressed its willingness to obey General Stilwell's command, and the Kuomintang, the Communist Party and the United States joined forces to attack the Japanese army. However, Chiang Kai-shek poured cold water on General Stilwell.Chiang Kai-shek disagreed with Stilwell's battle plan.Chiang Kai-shek said to Stilwell, you don't understand China, the biggest threat to China is not the Japanese, but the Reds, the Chinese Communists!Stilwell couldn't figure it out. At this time, he has helped the Kuomintang to train dozens of divisions. The combat effectiveness of the divisions he has trained has been greatly enhanced. Coupled with the power of the Communist Party, they are completely ready to fight the Japanese.But Chiang Kai-shek completely denied his battle plan.He had to give up.But soon, Stilwell planned to launch an offensive in northern Burma.Stilwell's anti-customer-oriented anti-Japanese enthusiasm aroused dissatisfaction among the upper echelons of the Kuomintang.Premier Song Ziwen went to the United States to lobby without saying hello to Chiang Kai-shek, asking President Roosevelt to recall Stilwell or cancel Stilwell's post as chief of staff of the China Theater. Roosevelt did not want to offend the War Department, nor did he want to offend China.So he pushed the decision on Stilwell's stay to Marshall.Marshall was Stilwell's old superior, of course he knew Stilwell, so he categorically rejected Song Ziwen's suggestion. However, Song Ziwen was not forgiving, and he found Hopkins, the president's special assistant. Hopkins privately told Song Ziwen that if the chairman himself made a request to the president, the president would consider recalling Stilwell. Song Ziwen then met with Mountbatten, who had just assumed the post of commander-in-chief of Southeast Asia, in New Delhi.General Mountbatten wore a well-tailored brown-yellow tropical uniform, golden epaulets, three ribbons, and colorful medals on his chest.When he heard that China's executive president was visiting, he immediately welcomed Song to the secret room. The two discussed for a long time and reached a fairly unanimous opinion. This, of course, was directed at Stilwell again. Song Ziwen told Mountbatten that the relationship between General Stilwell and the Chinese army was very tense, and that the Generalissimo in particular disliked him very much; if he was appointed as the deputy commander in Southeast Asia, it would have disastrous consequences.This is exactly what Mountbatten wished for. Mountbatten had already heard about Stilwell's reputation.Mountbatten went to the southeast 1 to fight, and he actually shouldered the mission of the British Empire, unlike the stupid Americans who focused on fighting the Japanese.Before he left, he was summoned by Churchill. Churchill told him clearly that the highest criterion was the interests of Britain.During his tenure, he wanted to recover the lost interests of Britain in Southeast Asia one by one, the most important of which was to regain Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient.But don't let others see our intentions... Churchill warned him: Your partner Stilwell is a careless Uncle Sam who regards China as his home.But he is also very sharp and has extraordinary talents. It is difficult to hide everything you do from him. You should do everything possible to get rid of him... Then you can safely and boldly carry out our plan... Mountbatten was overjoyed by Song Ziwen's visit.He pretended to be puzzled and looked at Song Ziwen who was eager to get rid of Stilwell, and was extremely happy in his heart.He remembered that one of the thirty-six juices in China called killing people with a borrowed knife, so he readily agreed to Song Ziwen's request. In order to completely drive Stilwell back to the United States, Mountbatten and Song Ziwen found Roosevelt's messenger sent to China, General Somerville, the logistics commander of the US Army.The two of them attacked Stilwell with one word at a time.It is said that if Stilwell came to the Southeast Asian Theater Command, the future must be bleak. Stilwell has too much affected the image of the Americans... Mountbatten was more anxious to get rid of Stilwell than Song Ziwen at this time.Song Ziwen is a politician, he knows nothing about war, he just wants to flatter Chiang Kai-shek, so he has such a passion to travel thousands of miles, and he must get rid of Stilwell.But Chiang Kai-shek is a politician combined with a military strategist. After a long time, he will understand the intentions of the British and will not fall for it.Without further ado. Mountbatten encouraged Song Ziwen to rush back to Chongqing overnight, and asked him to lobby Chiang Kai-shek before Somerville flew to Chongqing, and he must remove Stilwell from his post. The stupid Song Ziwen didn't know what to do. After seeing Chiang Kai-shek, he narrated to him his grand journey of traveling thousands of miles.But Chiang Kai-shek knew nothing about Song's actions.He himself was dissatisfied with Stilwell, he just felt that he didn't understand China and politics, and was a bit pedantic that military generals often have, but it didn't mean that he had to be dismissed.Hearing that Song Ziwen had found Roosevelt, Marshall, Mountbatten, Somerville, and now himself for Stilwell's affairs, he couldn't help being moved, so he agreed to Song Ziwen's request and sent a letter to the US President's messenger. When he arrived, he made it clear to him that Stilwell would be relieved of his post. At this time, Stilwell was concentrating on organizing and launching a counteroffensive campaign against Burma.The storm came because of him, but he didn't know it. On October 15, 1943, Somerville flew to Chongqing. Everything was as Mountbatten instructed, Chiang Kai-shek asked the United States indifferently to remove General Stilwell from his post.Somerville agreed. If things develop in the direction Mountbatten envisioned, Hong Kong will soon be available.The British can take advantage of the power of China, Britain and the United States to take Hong Kong back from the Japanese, so that the ownership of Hong Kong can be placed under their own name in a grandiose manner.Unexpectedly, Cheng Yaojin appeared on the way. It was the sisters Song Meiling and Song Ailing who rescued Stilwell and at the same time attacked the dream of the British. The Song sisters found Chiang Kai-shek. Song Meiling said: If you get rid of Stilwell, who will come to China?If there are no Americans, where will the aircraft and artillery support come from?Without Stilwell, part of the command of the Chinese battlefield will be handed over to He Yingqin. Can you trust him?If there is no Stilwell, then the British will monopolize the command of the Southeast Asian theater, and you know that the British are stingy in their investment in China, they will only think for themselves... In this way, the Song sisters persuaded Chiang Kai-shek and withdrew their orders.In this way, Stilwell successfully organized the Northern Burma Campaign and hit the Japanese army.But his more brilliant blow was to shatter the British plan for a war of justice.Stilwell was not withdrawn, which made Mountbatten feel like a stick in his throat.However, the pressure from London was very urgent. Churchill asked about the recovery of colonies in Southeast Asian countries almost every day. He could no longer wait for Stilwell to be dismissed, so he had to make public his long-awaited plan. This is what Stilwell called the beautiful charts, the done numbers, the dirty intentions of the axiom campaign plan. Mountbatten's intention to carry out this campaign was to abandon the Burmese war and implement a maritime strategy with the main goal of capturing Malaysia, Sumatra and Hong Kong.Hong Kong was the preferred target of the Mountbatten Plan. Sure enough, the Mountbatten Plan was firmly opposed by Stilwell.But Mountbatten couldn't care less. He was the supreme commander of the theater. He separated Stilwell and directly sent the deputy chief of staff of the theater, Wedemeyer, to lead a delegation to Washington, intending to submit the plan to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee for discussion. Few people in the United States can understand the situation in China and Southeast Asia like Stilwell, and few people understand the real intentions of the British like Stilwell.Mountbatten's move is likely to be approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, so it will be a big mistake.Only Stilwell could stop Mountbatten. Fortunately, Stilwell was not driven away, otherwise, Hong Kong would once again be in the pocket of the British. This is Chiang Kai-shek's emotion afterwards. Stilwell learned that Mountbatten was going to send personnel to Washington. In order to avoid being passive, he immediately sent the chief of staff, Brigadier General Bottner, and political adviser Davis to return to the United States in advance.Bortner and Davis met with Roosevelt in Washington and reported the above situation to him. Roosevelt immediately called Churchill to insist on the military operation to seize northern Burma and cancel the plan for the Battle of Axiom.Churchill had no choice but to listen to Roosevelt. Five days later, when Wedemeyer led a 17-member delegation to propose the Justice Campaign plan to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, it was immediately formally rejected. Mountbatten was furious, but there was nothing he could do. Chiang Kai-shek almost listened to Song Ziwen's words, and almost ceded Hong Kong to the British again. So he didn't believe Song Ziwen.However, this time Song Ziwen seemed to be right.If you don't consider the friendship of the allies, don't pin your hopes on peaceful diplomacy, and don't care about the relationship between China, Britain and the United States, and quickly send troops to occupy Hong Kong, making it a done deal, maybe things will be easier to handle, but... On the afternoon of August 24, 1945, Chiang Kai-shek stood in a corner of the conference room, facing the window, without saying a word.Outside the window, there was heavy rain, and the sound of water was boiling.Under the rain curtain, he saw many vehicles coming in and out, and the sound of splashing and splashing water was heard all over the courtyard.There were waves of footsteps approaching from far away, groups of people walked in cautiously, and then sat down quietly. He has been standing by the window and never looked back.This is a high-level military and political meeting he convened to study the Hong Kong issue.He knew that the important officials had arrived, but he didn't want to turn around.Until Song Ziwen's slightly hoarse voice sounded behind him: All seats are seated.He just turned his face away, glanced at the participants with piercing eyes and said loudly: "The meeting is now... The meeting is over. As usual, Chiang Kai-shek made the final decision after the quarrel and quarrel.There is no doubt that China has lost the golden opportunity to take back Hong Kong, but it is not too late to make amends. Although Hong Kong was occupied by the British, there are still Kowloon and the New Territories.The aides have suggested that they should quickly send troops to occupy Kowloon and the New Territories, and form a confrontation with the British army. At that time, the Allied Command will come forward to mediate, at least it is much better than sitting still and waiting to lose. So Chiang Kai-shek immediately decided: order the Thirteenth Group Army of the Second Front Army to act immediately and occupy Kowloon and New Territories before midnight on August 24. Half an hour later, Chiang Kai-shek returned to Yunxiu Building, Huangshan Villa.Soong Meiling welcomed him back to the living room with an umbrella, settled him on the reclining chair, took the tea cup brought by the waiter and delivered it to Jiang, and then sat down next to her husband's reclining chair. Although it was raining heavily outside the window, it was not cool inside. Seeing the fine layer of sweat on her husband's head, Soong Meiling hurriedly called the waiter to bring a towel soaked in cold water to wipe her husband's sweat. Song Meiling knew that her husband was not feeling well.The plan for Hong Kong's return has been in his mind for a long time.When he concluded the "Sino-British New Treaty" with the UK, he once said to himself that now is not the time to compete with the British. Although the British are harsh and mean, they are allies after all, and their assistance is still needed.A steady flow of military aid from India and Burma is important.It is better to agree to it for the time being, and then make calculations after the victory of the Anti-Japanese War. The Sino-British New Testament writes: The Government of the British Empire and the Government of the Republic of China have decided to sign the following new treaty: Define the field of treaty mandates; provide for the withdrawal of all privileges enjoyed by the British Government and its people or companies in China; Announced the abolition of the 1901 "Xin Chou Treaty"; Decided to return the administrative management rights of the Shanghai and Xiamen public concessions and the Tianjin and Guangzhou British concessions; Regarding the maintenance or transfer of immovable accounts; It stipulates that the people of the two countries enjoy the rights of travel, residence and business in the treaty country; To define consular powers; It is stipulated that after the end of the war, the two sides will conclude a treaty of friendship, commerce and establishment of consulates; Specifies the date of entry into force of the New Testament. Most of it is empty talk here.For example, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou and other places were still in the hands of the Japanese when the treaty was concluded, and it is difficult to determine when they will be retaken.Anyone with a discerning eye can see through it at a glance. This is a typical international joke. After the conclusion of the "Sino-British New Testament", Mao Zedong made a speech on this matter in Yan'an. Mao Zedong said with his unique sense of humor that the British were making empty wishes. The chief is still ecstatic... because the Hong Kong issue, which is the core of the Sino-British treaty, was avoided, and Kowloon and New Territories were not mentioned at all.In fact, the Sino-British New Testament is a fool of the Chinese people. When this word spread to Chongqing, and to the Huangshan villa shrouded in clouds and mist, Soong Meiling was worried that Chiang Kai-shek would make a big fuss, but Jiang just smiled and said very well, what does Mao Runzhi know?It's not his turn to laugh at me. From then on, Song Meiling knew that Da Ling had already planned to win Hong Kong.这些天，似乎是该他抛出锦囊妙计的时候了。谁知英国人却不宣而战，突发奇兵，打乱了他的全盘计划，他的锦囊妙计还没实施就宣告破产，难怪他心里不好受。 蒋介石躺在那里，闭目养神久久不发一言，宋美龄为他擦着汗，用檀香扇为他扇着风。又过了一会儿，宋美龄以为他已睡熟，就想蹑手蹑脚离去。没想只走了两步，就听背后响起蒋的咳嗽声。夫人，美国方面有什么消息吗？ 刚才美国驻华大使赫尔利打电话来，说是白宫对英国人的不理智行动深表遗憾，他们马上要派国务卿去大不列颠调停，劝他们的太平洋舰队离开南中国海，以免引起中英两国的军事冲突。宋美龄又复转身，挨着蒋坐下说。别的还有什么吗？对了，他说要给您谈谈香港的事。 有什么好谈的？让他们的总统杜鲁门去找丘吉尔，不，去找艾德礼谈好啦！ 蒋介石越说火气越大，将端起的茶盏往茶几上一丢，茶水溅得他一身。 宋美龄忙拿毛巾擦他长袍上的茶叶。 我给他说，委员长不在，去开关于香港问题的军政会议去了。 蒋介石把盾头皱起来。 你和他说这些作什么？ 怎么，难道不能说？兴他们英国人突然袭击，不许我们谈香港问题？我对赫尔利大使说，倘若盟军统帅部再不制止英国人这种蔑视国际公法的行为，我们中国人也不是好惹的。我们的军队离九龙仅一步之遥，一根烟的功夫就会把九龙和新界全部占领！ 蒋介石开始有些不高兴，转念一想，夫人说得有理，他英国人有初一，我们中国人就有十五，来而不往非礼也。倘若英国人如此猖狂，我们反而没有动静，说明我们中国人太可欺了。对，夫人说得有理。 赫尔利咋说？ 赫尔利在电话里一听就急了，说这是美国白宫最担心的事。他问我，这是你自己的意思还是委员长的意思？你怎么回答？ 我说是我的意思，也是委员长的意思，同时也是全体中国人民的意思。弄得赫尔利大使直在电话里劝我：尊敬的夫人，请息怒，请息怒…… 好娘稀匹，是该给它们施加点压力啦！夫人，你的话说得好，说得好！ 蒋介石来了精神，站了起来，在客厅里来回走着，越走越快，像一匹关在笼子里的狼。 it is good!请你再给赫尔利大使打个电话，就说我有要召见他。蒋介石有些轻松起来。大令，你的意思是…… 我要当面告诉赫尔利大使，通告他中国军队已经占领了九龙地区。让杜鲁门收拾这个局面吧！ United States.白宫。 1945年8月25日凌晨。 杜鲁门总统、国务卿贝尔纳斯、副国务卿艾奇逊正在紧张磋商令人头疼的香港问题。 杜兽门穿着宽大的睡袍，睡眼朦，哈欠连连，显然是从睡梦中被人唤醒的。 艾奇逊向总统简要叙述了继英国不屈号占领水坑口之后中国军队占领九龙新界的情况，并且把中国战区最高长官蒋介石一定要收回香港的决心向总统和国务卿进行了传达。 艾奇逊说：现在，中国军队已经进驻九龙塘北一带。当地老百姓敲锣打鼓欢迎蒋的军队。还有一支部队通过香港而去新界。香港大部分被英军控制。当这些中国军队穿过香港时，双方怒目相向，但没有发生冲突。有记者采访中国军队时士兵说，他们在等候上峰的命令，只要一声令下，数万名中国军人会在一顿饭的时间内把英军的一个营赶到海里去……记者形容那里的情况是千钧一发，只要有一点点火星，就可能引爆整个香港，香港是亚洲最大的火药桶杜门咬着雪茄烟，眯着眼睛静静地听着艾奇逊的话。难道中国人真要点燃香港这个火药桶吗？贝尔纳斯问道。从目前情况分析，中国人是对的。 艾奇逊回答。为什么非要这样呢？贝尔纳斯半是沉吟半是疑问。 大概是压抑过久的民族情绪。从英国人方面，它们也太不像话。香港需要它们保护的时候，它们没有这个能力，根本没有投入多少力量，等于拱手让给了日本人。在长达数年的抗战中，它们在东南亚战区总是以本国的利益为轴心，在援华方面，它们总是雷声大雨点小说到这里，艾奇逊突然意识到自己的话太多了，便打住。他询问地把头偏向总统。 You say it.继续说下去。杜鲁门拿雪茄烟的右手抬了抬。 关于在华利益，英国人显然要比我们多得多。香港的位置对英国人来说太重要了，所以，不管是丘吉尔还是艾德礼，都不能放弃它。而蒋介石也把香港看得很重，倘若经他手将香港收回，他可以万古流芳，获得中国人民的热爱，这对他的未来很有帮助。问题是，中英两国剑拔弩张，我们怎样才能制止它们呢？贝尔纳斯耸着肩头发问。 那就是说，我们必须找到中英两国各自的约束点，找到能限制它们进一步行动的因素。杜鲁门弹弹烟灰说话了。 英国人是偏狭的。不管是保守党还是工党，在对香港问题上几乎是一致的，谁也不想在自己执政时丢弃写。从国际公理方面，它们显然站不住脚。殖民主义在世界已大部分被废弃，被人唾弃，而它们却仍死抱住不放，实在是没有道理。这样野蛮，和我们的敌人德国法西斯在本质上没有区别。但它毕竟是我们的盟友。在目前，尽管它很蛮横强硬，我们还不能弃它，在国际战略方面，它甚至是我们的唯一伙伴。贝尔纳斯说道。 杜鲁门点点头，表示赞成他的话。 是的，我们别无选择。当德意日法西斯战败之后，我们面临的另一个敌人就是以苏联为首的共产主义的威胁，这是无法回避的。我们必须把眼光放得长远些…… 如果我们派人去说服英国呢？杜鲁门说。英人很强硬，结果很难预料。那么，蒋介石的中国呢？杜鲁门又问。艾奇逊接过话来说：蒋介石也是个难以合作的人。这在他和史迪威的冲突中可以看得很清楚。史迪威是代表美国去中国的，但他却发现蒋介石并不热心抗日。他只关心一件事，那就是他的统治是否稳固。蒋介石的首要敌人不是日本，也不是英国，而是中国共产党。 Yes.贝尔纳斯接着说。史迪威将军是真心打日本的，他率领中国军队在缅甸北部作战，给日军以歼灭性的打击，消灭日军两万多人。而他却没受到蒋的褒奖，相反英军在中国南部却无所作为，蒋介石也并不生气。最后，蒋介石反而一心要把史迪威撒职…… 贝尔纳斯的话是指不久前在美国新闻界大肆曝光的史迪威被撒事件。 事情还得接着缅北战役说起。 史迪威率军取得缅北大捷后，日军纠集兵力再次向英帕尔发动进攻，阿萨姆邦的形势岌岌可危。史迪威从缅北战场赶到重庆，试图说眼蒋介石出兵，但是蒋介石断然拒绝。 罗斯福总统为此专门给蒋介石发了一封电报，提醒他此役的重要性： 日军对英帕尔的进攻，直接目标就是切断向中国运送物资的交通线。如果日本人的这一企图得逞，他们下一步就能集中力量对付利多的驻印军，而后就会轻松地转向你的远征军……我认为，不要再拖延了，立即出动你的第七十一军部队，夺取腾冲龙陵地区等地。如果这支部队不用于共同的事业，我们为空运装备和提供教练人员所付出的最热情而广泛的努力，就不能证明是有意义的。 但是，蒋介石仍不为所动。 在万般无奈的情况下，美国陆军部长马歇尔决定停止向中国远征军供应物资。蒋介石这才不得已出动了远征军主力部队。 1944年春天，中国战场形势对盟军非常不利。从4月中旬开始，日军出动了15万人首先对河南发起进攻。在日军的强大攻势面前，国民党的43个师一触即溃。仅一个多月，日军便占领了郑州、许昌、洛阳等城市，打通了平汉路南段。6月中旬，日军占领长沙，包围了衡阳，直接威胁在此地的美军空军基地。不仅如此，日军还出兵广西桂林，捣毁了此地的民党空军机场，并开始向贵州、云南突进。形势万分危急，如果任危机继续发展下去，不仅以中国大陆为基地攻击日本本土的计划将成泡影，即使盟军占领了日本，中国大陆的日军就会自成体系，成为一支强大的抵抗力量。事情很明显，此时单凭陈纳德的空中战略，是难以从根本上战胜日本的，甚至无法阻止日军的进攻。因此，美国最高统帅部决定加强陆军地面作战的力量，并提升史迪威为上将，由他指挥中国军队作战。 罗斯福又一次给蒋介石发了一份态度强硬的电报：我认为，目前的危急形势要求我们授权一个人，来协调同盟国在华的所有军多力量，包括共产党的军队。 我想我完全了解你对史迪威将军的心情，不过我认为，他现在已经清楚地显示了富有远见的判断力和在组织训练，特别是指挥你们中国军队作战方面的才能……灾难威胁着中国，也威胁着我们战胜日本的整个计划。我准备晋升史迪威为四星上将，并建议你立即考虑把他从缅甸召回中国，置于你的直接领导之下，让他指挥所有的中国和美国军队。你应授予他协调和指挥作战的全部责任和权力，以阻止敌人的进攻势头。我觉得中国的局是如此危急，以至如果不采取大胆而适当的实际措施，我们的共同事业就会遭受严重挫折…… 蒋介石又一次被逼无奈，同意了罗斯福的决定。但是，他却给史迪威了种种限制： 必须按照最高统帅即蒋介石的命令指挥部队作战，也就是说没有命令权； 必须远离共产党。共产党的部队在内政没有解决之前，不列入指挥范围； 人事行政由中国军队行政系统按中法规办理，也就是没有任免、奖惩权…… 史迪威说，这是一个十足的傀儡职务。罗斯福指责蒋介石说： 近几个月来，我再三敦促你采取果断的行动，以抵御一直在向中国和你迫近的灾难。由于你至今尚未委派史迪威将军指挥所有在华军队，致使我们面临着华东要地的失陷，面临着可能造成的灾难性后果。 蒋介石又一次妥协了，史迪威满心喜悦地走马上任。史迪威找到了蒋介石，把他准备已久的关于联合共产党的谋划告诉了他。 他想去延安谈判，说服毛泽东接受中央政府的领导和他本人的指挥。 他设想了5个条件： 共产党承认元帅的最高权力，通过史迪威本人接受命令； 在黄河以北使用共产党的部队，不与中央政府的军队接触； 提供5个师的装备和军火，并给予大炮支援；使这些师始终保持充分的实力和战斗力； 国共双方在打败日本之前停止讨论问题。这些想法和建议带有明显的亲共倾向，所以使蒋介石大为恼火。蒋坚决要求美国方面召回史迪威。 在蒋介石一再要求下，罗斯福只得解除了史迪威将军的职务。罗斯福命令史迪威秘密离开中国，并且要严加保密，因为他马上又要竞选总统了，他怕史迪威被撤事件影响他的选票。 但是，纸是包不住火的。美国著名记者西奥多，怀特和布鲁克斯阿特金森采访了史迪威，了解了真正的内幕。阿特金森立即赶回了国内，向美国公众宣布事情的真相。 不久，《纽约时报》在第一版的显著位置发表了阿特金森的报道。阿特金森尖锐地指出：史迪威的被解职，完全起因于蒋介石拒绝全力进行战争…… 史迪威被解职的真相一披露，犹如一枚重磅炸弹爆炸，震惊了美国民众。一位专栏作家这样评论说：这一事件意味着美国默认一个垂死的反民主政权的胜利。这个政权更关心的是维持其政治特权，而不是把日本人赶出中国。美国现在至少是在消极地支持着一个日益不得人心并在中国失去信任的政权，一个拥有3种秘密警察机构和关押政治犯集中营的政权，一个压制言论自由、反对民主势力的政权。 随着阿特金森的文章在《纽约时报》登载，《时代》、《新闻周刊》、《生活》、《星期六晚邮报》、《基督教科学箴言报》、《民族》、《新共和》等报刊也纷纷发表报道或评论，斥责国民党政权，为史迪威鸣不平，批评美政府的错误政策。 罗斯福面对舆论的谴责和纳税人义正辞严的抗议，他不得不在白宫召开记者招待会，声称史迪威的解职完全是和蒋介石性格不和造成的，和政治、政策无涉。 这就是刚刚发生的史迪威撤职事件。说起这个事件，艾奇逊颇有微词。 我们为什么把赌注押在蒋介石这样一个没有威信的人身上呢？ 贝尔纳斯笑起来，看看仍不说话的杜鲁门，说道： 我现在把答案告诉你。你知道在东南亚战区，蒋介石为何不投入主力吗？是因为这些主力是将来他和共产党争天下的资本。他不怕外忧，却极怕内患。而史迪威将军却试图和共产党亲近，这是他最不能容忍的。他曾和驻华大使赫尔利说，我绝不能变更三民主义之民主政治，坐看共产党赤化中国！ 是的，也正是在这一点上，蒋介石和罗斯福存在着共同点。杜兽门接着说： 罗斯福总统认为，蒋介石就是中国。尽管蒋很无能，他的政府腐败透顶，民主政治极端糟糕，但他反对赤化，反对共产主义；而毛泽东的延安，虽然生机勃勃，充满生命力，但他却拥护马克思学说，这正是我们深恶痛绝的。这就是罗斯福总统生前何以支持蒋介石政权的目的…… 杜鲁门的声音越来越大。在他追随罗斯福的日子里，在重大的原则问题上，他一直是强硬的，为此他很受罗斯福的赏识。现在，他觉得罗斯福又坐着轮椅出现在他的面前。他突然灵机一动，大声说道： 好，我找到对付蒋介石的办法了！ 1945年8月29日夜晚。 重庆黄山别墅云岫楼宽大的客厅里，蒋介石和赫尔利大使相对打坐一言不发，旁边落坐的宋子文、外交部长王世杰也默然不语，宋美龄照例挨着蒋介石坐着，也是默不作声。大里静得很，只有墙上的挂钟滴答滴答响个不停。 太让人难以接受了，太令人不可思议了。赫尔利带来了来自白宫的指令：中国军队必须在9月30日之前撤出九龙新界地区……赫尔利是一个多小时前提出晋见蒋介石的要求的。当时蒋介石很高兴地答应了。中英两国对峙香港，忙坏了美国人。不久前，美国国务卿专程去英国会见艾德礼首相和丘吉尔先生，规劝他们要理智行事，将不屈号撤出香港水坑口。国务卿去英前世界各国的报纸均作了报道，蒋介石也每天浏览报纸，盼望贝尔纳斯旗开得胜，说动固执的英国人。倘若如此，蒋也准备表示退让一步，听从美国等权威仲裁。所以，当赫尔利电话里相约说有要事求见时，蒋以为贝尔纳斯访英有了新的进展，大使先生当面传达佳音呢。谁知等来的竟是白宫不容置疑的命令。犹如一记闷棍，将在座的人全给打晕了。赫尔利说完，也唉声叹气起来。在中国多年，他一直是蒋介石和宋美龄的好朋友。在驱赶史迪威时，他一直站在蒋的立场上，说了史迪威不少坏话。他提醒罗斯福说，他可以失去一个四星上将，可以朱去一个史迪威，但他不能失去蒋介石，因为蒋介石就是中国。在1945年的中国国度上，还没有哪个人取代蒋介石。这些话深深打动了罗斯福。由于他的出色表现，蒋介石对赫尔利也礼遇有加，成了蒋为数不多的外国朋友。 白宫的指令是赫尔利传达的，蒋介石虽说怒气冲天，面对老朋友，也不好发火。 宋子文见大家都不说话，按捺不住，冷冷看着赫尔利问道：盟军统帅部的一号命令让我们接受日军投降，难道这话是放屁吗？ 赫尔利解释道：我们曾经说过，香港是有争议的地区。即使要重新归还中国，也要假以时日，得到受降之后了。在没有改约之前，香港仍是英国的领地，所以，杜鲁门总统认为还是由英国人在香港接受日军投降为好…… 我们要是不放呢？中国军队要是不撤呢？宋美龄也不满地接上了话茬。 杜鲁门总统说，若是中英两国为争夺香港打起仗来，就会引起新的世界动荡。再者，若论军事实力和综合国力，中国目前恐仍难和英国抗衡。即使蒋委员长拼尽全力拿下香港，也会应了中国一句老话叫：鹬蚌相争，渔人得利。所以，根据多方面情况分析，中国政府最好不要再提香港之事…… 那样，我们不是眼睁睁吃亏吗？戴着眼镜的王世杰愤愤问道。 不吃亏的。丢了一个香港，是全中国人的，平均摊到每个人身上，能吃多大的亏？可是，国民党放弃了香港，英国人会给你们援助我们也会给你们援助，而这些援助却只给你们国民党，这便宜岂不占大了？ 赫尔利不温不火说着，竟使大家难以辩答。杜鲁门总统特意让我转告委员长，千万不要因小失大。蒋介石把头抬了起来。宋美龄问：这话什么意思？ 你们丢掉一个香港，我们英美会送给你们一个中国！赫尔利继续说道： 杜鲁门总统说，对重庆政府来讲，当前最大的问题不是香港的得失，而是与共产党争夺天下的问题。据从延安得来的消息，中国共产党正全力动员，多路进关，准备与东北的苏联红军汇合，抢占地盘……而诸位却仍将眼光死盯在香港一点上，岂不是因小失大？一席话讲得蒋介石茅塞顿开。 宋子文以手击掌：哎呀，不识庐山真面目，只缘身在此山中还是杜鲁门总统隔岸观火看得清楚，你们不说，我们险些误党国大事，哎呀，这个臭香港！宋美龄也转忧为喜道： 是呵，为了这个臭香港，几乎坏我们的大事。只要我们得了天下，有了一个中国，回过头来再给英国人算帐，香港早晚也是我们的囊中之物，这样岂不更好，哈哈……娘稀匹！ 蒋介石兴奋地站了起来，目光不再沉郁，只是多少有些无奈。多少年的惨淡经营，煞费苦心，就是为的将香港收回来，也好光宗耀。谁知人算不如天算，这一次怕是又要和香港失之交臂了……罢罢罢，去你娘的香港，从今往后再不提你了，再见吧，香港！ 他满脸堆笑地走到赫尔利大使跟前，握着他的手说：请您转告杜鲁门总统，感谢他的好意。在我的心里，你们永远是我始终不渝的朋友。我愿接受你们提出的一切条件，即刻撤军！ 英国伦敦郊外。契克斯庄园。 谁都知道丘吉尔除了热衷政治之外，还有两大爱好：一是绘画；二是文学。 现在，时间正是上午10点，是丘吉尔雷打不动作画的时间。作画前，丘吉尔的秘书告诉他，怕是今天作不成了，因为新任首相艾德礼和蒙哥马利一干人等要来访他。丘吉尔告诉秘书说，谁也无法阻止他画画，不管是首相抑或是什么狗屎，只要他们进了我的契克斯庄园，就得听我丘吉尔的。我现在是一个公民，又是一个贵族，我有不过问国事和政事的权利。只是蒙哥马利将军要来，我就和他谈谈英国油画。这个一介武夫，除了打仗之外似乎没有别的爱好。我要让他看看，这个狗日的二战误了我多少作画的好时光，本来我可以成为英国一流的油画家的，没想到却成了什么狗屁首相。至于那个艾德礼，也让他免费参观一下我的写生好了。我今天画的是秋日荷塘。我要全力处理好画面透明度问题，把天空、秋水和池荷三者之间的关系找好。 丘吉尔嘱咐秘书在池塘多摆几把椅子，算是他会见来访客人的用场。秘书问是否还准备一些茶点招待客人，丘吉尔大手一挥说，还准备什么？一池秋荷，满眼朗日，够他们品尝的，不用不用。 眼见得画布上渐显荷塘影象，便看到艾德礼们沿着秋田残埂踽踽而来。 丘吉尔并没有停止手中的画笔。 直到艾德礼摘下帽子，向他问好之后，他才欠过身来，招呼客人落坐。 宾主客套一番之后，艾德礼便向丘吉尔讲明来意。艾德礼说：蒋介石同意撤军。但他还有一个条件，待受降时，驻港英军必须接受他的授。因为他是中国战区的最高统帅。 蒙哥马利接着说：这就是说，他要以中国统帅的名义，授予我们英国在港的司令官以接受香港