Chapter 5 V. The determination of the garrison commander

November 27, Nanjing, Central Cultural Association. Tang Shengzhi held a press conference here for Chinese and foreign journalists. This was the first time he spoke to Chinese and foreign journalists after he took office as the commander of the Nanjing Garrison.The hall was full, and the reporters hoped to see the style of the commander of the Nanjing Garrison with admiration. Many people were also eager to know the government's determination, policy and plan for the defense of the capital. After Tang Shengzhi gave a short routine speech, a reporter asked: "General Tang Shengzhi, what are your thoughts and plans after you become the commander of the Nanjing Garrison?"

After hearing this, Tang Shengzhi replied in an impassioned and impassioned voice without hesitation: "I am ordered to defend Nanjing, and I am sure of at least two things: First, I and my troops vow to live and die with Nanjing, and we will not hesitate to sacrifice ourselves in the defense of Nanjing." ; and secondly, such a sacrifice will surely cost the enemy dearly." Then a reporter asked about the strength and configuration of the Nanjing defense force. Tang Shengzhi replied in a calm and forceful tone: "You may have seen the battle order of the Nanjing garrison released by the headquarters of the war against Japan yesterday. This time I will be defending Nanjing." The task forces included Gui Yongqing's Teaching Corps, Song Xilian's 36th Division of the 78th Army, Xu Yuanquan's 41st and 48th Divisions of the Tenth Army, Wang Jingjiu's 87th Division of the 71st Army, The 88th Division of Sun Yuanliang of the 72nd Army, two regiments of the Gendarmerie, a battalion of the Artillery, etc., and some troops are on their way to Nanjing. Our defense is divided into two lines: the forward position and the complex position. All defenses are now The troops have all entered the established positions, ready to fight, and vow to fight the invading enemy to the death!" Having said this, he raised his voice, clenched his fists and swung heavily in the air.

Tang Shengzhi's resolute and courageous spirit moved all the reporters present.The next day, various newspapers in Nanjing published reports of General Tang Shengzhi's speech "Vow to live and die with Nanjing" with large headlines.Tang Shengzhi's speech brought a little stability and confidence to the panicked citizens of Nanjing. Back at the Garrison Headquarters, a staff officer suggested: "Since Commander Tang is determined to live and die with Nanjing, why not follow the example of the overlord of Western Chu and fight to the death?!" After Tang Shengzhi heard this, he nodded and said, "Yes! Go all the way, fight with your back, put it to death and survive!" So he issued an order to Song Xilian's department in charge of defense along the river in the north of the city, and notified the First Army stationed in Pukou, strictly prohibiting any troops or individual soldiers from participating in the battle. Nanjing is crossing the river to the north bank. Violators please stop immediately. If you don't listen to the stop, you can shoot.All the boats crossing the river are under the centralized supervision of the 36th Division.

Later, he called Yu Feipeng, Minister of Transport, and asked him to cancel the ferry from Xiaguan to Pukou.In this way, there was only a vast river without ferries behind the Nanjing guards, and there was no way out except to fight the enemy to the death. After the arrangements were made, Tang Shengzhi sat on the grand master's chair, lit a three-fort cigarette, took a few deep breaths, and fell into deep thought.