Chapter 23 Chapter Twenty Two

In January 1941, Chongqing ushered in a cold and cold winter.The dense fog covered, drowned the lights near and far, and drowned the outline of the city.Outside the Zhou Mansion, which was surrounded by clouds of fog, the dense fog and night swallowed everything, and it was only a few steps away, and nothing could be seen. The lights were on in Zhou Enlai's room. Dong Biwu, Ye Jianying, Deng Yingchao and others gathered here, and everyone's expressions were serious.In a brazier in the center of the room, several pieces of charcoal were burning red, emitting faint blue smoke.Ye Jianying is reporting the latest developments of the "Southern Anhui Incident", which is actually the final outcome.According to the agreement reached with Chiang Kai-shek, more than 9,000 members of the New Fourth Army in the south of the Yangtze River were ordered to be transferred to the Jiangbei area. When passing through the Maolin area of ​​Jingxian County, Anhui, they were suddenly surrounded by more than 80,000 people from seven divisions of the Kuomintang army in Gu Zhutong's third war zone. attack.After seven days and seven nights of tenacious bloody battles, the New Fourth Army ran out of ammunition and food, and most of them died heroically except for about 2,000 people who broke through the encirclement.Army commander Ye Ting was arrested, and Xiang Ying, Yuan Guoping, Zhou Zikun and others also died in the battle.In fact, the Kuomintang army had already completed the encirclement of the New Fourth Army, but because some comrades hesitated at the critical moment and still had unrealistic illusions about the Kuomintang, the New Fourth Army failed to escape this catastrophe in the end.

Glancing at Zhou Enlai with a livid face, Dong Biwu said angrily: The behavior of the Kuomintang diehards is outrageous!They completely ignored the great cause of national salvation. Deng Yingchao said: Not only that.The Kuomintang has been creating public opinion a few days ago, slandering that the New Fourth Army is going to rebel! Zhou Enlai still didn't say a word. At this time, a confidential officer sent a telegram saying: Yan'an is urgent. Ye Jianying took the telegram and handed it to Zhou Enlai.After reading the telegram hastily, Zhou Enlai put the telegram on the table, and then he spoke. Although his tone was low, he was calm as usual: The Party Central Committee is worried about our safety and requires us to close the Eighth Route Army Office and the "Xinhua Daily" in a short time. Important cadres were evacuated from Chongqing.And that includes those of us here.

Dong Biwu asked sensitively: What else is there in the telegram?Let us evacuate in a hurry, I'm afraid there are other reasons. Zhou Enlai nodded slowly: The central government is ready to take a strong stance on this incident, and has decided to take a comprehensive political and military counterattack to launch an offensive against the Kuomintang troops in the Soviet Union and Shandong areas. and offense. Dong Biwu's tone was full of worry: If this is the case, the situation of the unified war of resistance will be replaced by a full-scale civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party.

There was silence in the room.Suddenly, the lights in the entire Zhou mansion went out at the same time.It was pitch black inside and outside the room, only the pot of charcoal fire gave off a faint red light.The power went out again.Someone was finding candles to light when suddenly all the lights came on again.Zhou Enlai, who had been sitting there calmly, said meaningfully: Darkness is always temporary, and light will definitely come.Those of us who have experience in revolutionary struggle know how to fight in light and darkness, not only not to be proud in the light, but more importantly, not to be discouraged when encountering darkness.As long as everyone persists in their beliefs, regardless of difficulties, and shows a heroic fighting spirit in the dark, victory will come after all, and the darkness will inevitably be broken through.

Ye Jianying: Vice Chairman Zhou is right.However, the current situation is very critical. Once the Kuomintang and Communist forces clash head-on, the Japanese will be able to reap the benefits. Zhou Enlai: I believe that the central government has not yet made a final decision. Chairman Mao will make a clearer conclusion than us on the overall situation of the war of resistance and the pros and cons of the civil war.But no matter what, I will not leave here. I will persist until the end, and use my final efforts to explain the interests of the country and the nation to the Kuomintang and maintain the anti-Japanese united front.At the same time, we must expose to all patriots the crimes of the Kuomintang's stubborn forces sabotaging the War of Resistance.

Dong Biwu: I agree with Enlai's opinion, and I will not leave either. Deng Yingchao: I suggest sending a telegram to Yan'an immediately, expressing our attitude and suggestions. Zhou Enlai waved his hand: Don't worry.I believe that the central government will definitely put the overall situation of the War of Resistance first, bear the burden of humiliation, and make correct decisions. Ye Jianying: The Communist Party has endured humiliation since the Anti-Japanese War.But Lao Jiang is getting more and more carried away. Dong Biwu said sarcastically: Lao Jiang's market is bullish, it's not surprising.

Zhou Enlai: Yes.Since Germany, Italy, and Japan officially formed the Axis powers at the end of September last year, and Britain and the United States formed the Allies, these two major groups have been wooing Chiang Kai-shek for their own interests.On the one hand, Germany persuaded peace and Japan induced surrender, so that the Japanese army would be free to go south to the Far East; on the other hand, Britain reopened the Burma Road, and the United States increased a large amount of loans, hoping that China would hold back the Japanese army so that Britain and the United States could have time to deal with the European battlefield .

Ye Jianying: There is also the Soviet Union. They are also providing more assistance to prevent the Japanese army from going north and prevent Germany and Japan from forming a pincer attack on the Soviet Union. Zhou Enlai: The three major forces in the world are all pulling Chiang Kai-shek. Doesn't this make him feel that his social status has doubled and he gets carried away?He also sent three generals to deal with Germany, Japan, Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union, but he himself lived among them, serving as the axis of the revolution.It can be said that it was this change in the international situation that made Chiang Kai-shek think that he had an opportunity to solve the Communist Party's heart disease without fear.This is the background of this incident.But Lao Jiang was too anxious, he was so happy that he was dizzy.The situation of China's war of resistance will not change fundamentally because of the current international situation, and the Chinese army is still at a disadvantage on the battlefield.Once the Kuomintang and the Communist Party start a civil war, the country and the nation are really at stake.

Dong Biwu: We must not only let Lao Jiang understand this truth, but also let the people of the whole country understand it.Let the people of the whole country stand together and oppose Chiang Kai-shek and the Kuomintang die-hards to sabotage the war of resistance and endanger the destiny of the nation. Deng Yingchao said: "Xinhua Daily" will publish the truth about the "Southern Anhui Incident" tomorrow, which is a powerful counterattack to Chiang Kai-shek. At this time, Xia Xinli came in a hurry. He nodded with everyone and went directly to Zhou Enlai: Vice Chairman Zhou, all the articles about the "Southern Anhui Incident" in the "Xinhua Daily" will be suppressed by the Kuomintang news censors tomorrow.Their people are still in the newspaper office right now, waiting for tomorrow's big sample to come out.

Zhou Enlai asked contemptuously: Is the newspaper going to open the skylight again? Xia Xinli anxiously: Yes! Zhou Enlai didn't speak, just picked up the writing brush on the table, and almost without hesitation, he scribbled: "A strange injustice through the ages, a leaf in the south of the Yangtze River, the same room is fighting each other, so why bother with each other." Then he dropped the writing brush in his hand with a stern expression. Dong Biwu handed the wet paper to Xia Xinli, and said solemnly: "Go and find a way, it must be published in the newspaper tomorrow!"

Early the next morning, Zheng Xianbo sat in the living room of his home and saw the "Xinhua Daily" of the day. On the second and third pages, there were Zhou Enlai's inscription and poem handwriting respectively: "Sorrow for those who died in the south of the Yangtze River!" and "A strange injustice through the ages, a leaf in the south of the Yangtze River, fighting in the same room, why bother with each other." Zheng Ming hastily opened the door and came in, waving the newspaper in his hand: Dad, quickly read today's "Xinhua Daily"! Zheng Xianbo smiled: I'm watching it now.Today's "Xinhua Daily" must have greatly increased its circulation. When Zheng Ming sat down, he pointed to the place where the inscription was published and sighed: The Communist Party really has a way. This is obviously blocked and withdrawn by the news censors, and the skylight was opened, but they posted such an inscription. Definitely more enlightening than the original article.News censorship did not help this time! As he spoke, he couldn't help laughing. Zheng Ming said: I heard that the "Southern Anhui Incident" made General Feng Yuxiang very angry. He called He Yingqin to scold him, and publicly stated that the New Fourth Army had made great contributions in the war of resistance, but this time it was wiped out by the government. Zheng Xianbo sighed: During the four years of the Anti-Japanese War, I always agreed with Lao Jiang's strategy of "waiting for change". It's a matter of love and hatred.If we had known this earlier, why bother to "hold on and wait for change"?It is better to hand over the land and sovereignty to the Japanese early, and then join hands with Japan to eliminate the Communist Party.well!It's really sad. Zheng Ming suddenly left the topic and said: Dad, I might be sent to Wuhan.Seeing Zheng Xianbo's surprised face, Zheng Ming explained: Send me to Wuhan Workstation to do underground work. Zheng Xianbo: Isn't this sending you to the tiger's mouth? Zheng Ming smiled nonchalantly: There must always be someone working behind enemy lines, and that's okay. Zheng Xianbo said disdainfully: How many people in your military command can work underground in the Japanese-occupied areas?Who can be fooled by this? Zheng Ming said: Wuhan is still different, that is where we have to focus on our work.The air force base built by the Japanese there is too great a threat to Chongqing. Zheng Xianbo suddenly asked: "Dai Li and the others are worried about you, right?"Are they suspicious of you? Zheng Ming: I have nothing worthy of their suspicion. Zheng Xianbo: For example, Lao Zeng's negotiation outline last time? Zheng Ming smiled: If that incident is exposed, they will kill me cleanly.You don't have to guess. Zheng Xianbo hesitated for a while, and asked tentatively: Is it possible not to go?I am very worried. Zheng Ming: Why not go?I am going deep into the enemy's rear of the Japanese, and I am willing to go. Zheng Xianbo asked: Are you leaving soon? Zheng Ming shook his head: That's not true, there is still a lot of preparatory work to be done. Several copies of that day's "Xinhua Daily" were casually placed on the desk and sofa in Zhou Enlai's office.Dong Biwu and Ye Jianying sat opposite Zhou Enlai.Holding a teacup in his hand, Zhou Enlai said: Today I want to meet with Chairman Jiang, but my request for direct negotiations on the "Southern Anhui Incident" was rejected by them. Dong Biwu smiled: Lao Jiang knew he was wronged, so of course he didn't dare to see him. Ye Jianying: You can't avoid it even if you don't meet.Vice Chairman Zhou, according to your instructions, the comrades in the military group of the Southern Bureau worked all night, and the pamphlet exposing the truth of the "Southern Anhui Incident" has been compiled, please read it. With that said, Ye Jianying handed over a stack of manuscript paper.Zhou Enlai took it, and the title on the first page was "The Truth About the Tragic Encirclement and Annihilation of the Southern Anhui Troops of the New Fourth Army".He flipped through it casually, and said to Ye Jianying: You have reviewed and revised it, I don't need to read it again.Send people to the "Xinhua Daily" as soon as possible, and ask them to print it immediately and distribute it widely.There are still a few things to discuss with you.The Central Committee has already sent another telegram. Chairman Mao made a calm analysis of the situation after the "Southern Anhui Incident". Carry out a comprehensive campaign and adopt a defensive fighting strategy militarily.Seek unity through struggle, forbearance for the country, and do our utmost to maintain the anti-Japanese national united front. After hearing this, Dong Biwu and Ye Jianying agreed.Ye Jianying asked: Has the central government agreed to allow us to stay here? Zhou Enlai nodded and said: We must stay.Now is the most difficult time. On the one hand, we must thoroughly expose the truth of the incident and fight resolutely with the diehards of the Kuomintang;However, the central government instructed Comrade Jianying to return to Yan'an in the near future and report the situation here directly to the central government. Ye Jianying: Let me go back to Yan'an at this time? Zhou Enlai: Just follow the instructions of the Central Committee.I guess if you want you to go back, you will still discuss the withdrawal of some personnel from Chongqing. The comrades in Yan'an are always worried about our safety. Dong Biwu nodded and said: It is hard to predict which direction the situation will develop, and the central government's worries are justified. Zhou Enlai: However, there are only two possibilities for the development of the situation. We endured for the country and achieved the goal of winning the Kuomintang to continue to cooperate in the resistance against Japan. This is one possibility; one possibility.We stay here to fight for the first possibility.But you must also prepare for the worst. Dong Biwu said: To prevent the reactionaries from launching a surprise attack on us, all passwords, confidential documents, lists of underground organizations, etc. must be ready to be destroyed at any time. Zhou Enlai agreed: Yes, prepare for the worst and do your best.I believe there is still a chance to restore the situation of the cooperative war of resistance.I have noticed that a large number of patriotic generals in the Kuomintang, as well as celebrities from all walks of life, have expressed condemnation and opposition to this incident on different occasions, which shows that the diehards are unpopular.So we have to launch a bigger offensive in public opinion to create pressure.This includes influencing international public opinion.I have already sent a telegram to Comrade Liao Chengzhi, asking him to immediately meet Mr. Snow in Hong Kong, state the truth about the "Southern Anhui Incident", and tell the truth to the American people through Snow. Ye Jianying: If it can still affect the congressmen in the United States, or even the Roosevelt administration, then Lao Jiang will not be able to sit still. Dong Biwu suggested: In my opinion, active foreign exchanges can also be carried out in Chongqing to exert influence on foreign missions.Although it is said that diplomacy is the "patent" of the national government, we are not completely without space in this area, especially Comrade Enlai, you are influential in the diplomatic missions in Chongqing. Zhou Enlai nodded: We work together. Only by fighting the new round of revolutionary upsurge of the Kuomintang can we ensure the continuation of the anti-Japanese united front and finally defeat Japanese imperialism. Zhou Enlai looked at Ye Jianying and said: How about accompanying me to meet the Soviet ambassador today before you leave? In the evening, Zhou Enlai and Ye Jianying came to the Soviet embassy. In a large room full of Russian atmosphere, they met with Pan Youxin, the Soviet ambassador to China, and Lieutenant General Cuikov, the military attache. The theme was still the recent "Southern Anhui Incident".Although the atmosphere of the meeting was friendly, what Pan Youxin said was still some ambiguous diplomatic rhetoric. Pan Youxin: Regarding the recent "Southern Anhui Incident", the Soviet government was shocked and regretful.This is what we don't want to see.Mr. Zhou, please forgive me. The grievances between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party have a long history, and the right and wrong of it are difficult for others to understand. Zhou Enlai laughed: I am afraid Mr. Ambassador has misunderstood.The historical grievances between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party are very deep. This is a fact. We do not want your country to play the role of judge in this incident.However, in view of the current international situation and the current situation of China's war of resistance, the occurrence of the "Southern Anhui Incident" is a very dangerous signal.Our Chinese Communist Party has focused on the overall situation of national liberation, maintained maximum restraint in this incident, and worked hard to maintain the situation of the cooperative war of resistance, which is obvious to all.We hope that the international community will respond correctly and join us in maintaining China's anti-Japanese united front, because this is also maintaining the world's anti-fascist front. Pan Youxin said: I think the Soviet government will make a public statement on this unfortunate incident. Ye Jianying asked: What kind of statement would that be? Pan Youxin shrugged without comment: I don't know.So at the moment I can't say anything clearly. Zhou Enlai just smiled.But Ye Jianying said sharply: Mr. Ambassador, we all know that in Gu Zhutong's Kuomintang troops in the third war zone, every army has Soviet military observers.Can you tell me whether the Soviet military observers had already discovered something in this incident? Pan Youxin: I don't know yet, Lieutenant General Cui Kefu is investigating these military observers.However, I'm sure they won't be involved. Hearing what Pan Youxin said, Cui Kefu only smiled and nodded in agreement.When the meeting was over and he sent Zhou Enlai and Ye Jianying outside the Soviet embassy alone, Cui Kefu said in a low voice: Mr. Ye’s question just now is reasonable. In fact, our government is also concerned about whether the Soviet military adviser is unwise. involved in this incident.However, according to what I have learned, the two military observers we stationed in the 32nd Army of Shangguan Yunxiang really knew nothing about this incident. Ye Jianying said: This is unbelievable. Cui Kefu laughed: Probably Shangguan Yunxiang and his subordinates had already made arrangements. These two observers got drunk almost every day and had no idea what was going to happen.These two people are being recalled to the country, and their days after returning to the country will definitely not be easy. After finishing speaking, Cui Kefu looked at Zhou Enlai meaningfully. Zhou Enlai understood Cuikov's hint of the Soviet Union's position, and he smiled and said: Thank you, General Cuikov. After consecutive cloudy days, Chongqing finally ushered in sunny days.Due to the rare sunny weather, Chiang Kai-shek arranged the meeting with American Ambassador Jason under the big tree outside the Huangshan official residence.Song Meiling came out with a cup of coffee and put it in front of Jason.Chiang Kai-shek was still drinking the boiled water in the glass.He knew that Jason's visit at this time must be related to the "Southern Anhui Incident", so he decided to use offense as defense. Watching Jansen take a sip of his coffee, Chiang Kai-shek asked, "Mr. Ambassador, your coming to see me at this time probably has something to do with the mutiny of the New Fourth Army?" Jensen smiled: It seems that the chairman is under pressure from many parties for this matter. Soong Meiling interjected: Things in China are very different from those in the United States, right and wrong will always cause confusion.But it's pressure, not to mention it. Chiang Kai-shek said: It doesn't matter what the Chinese say. I'm used to the Communist Party's nonsense.But I believe that President Roosevelt will have his own views.Two months ago, after President Roosevelt won the general election and was re-elected, I personally wrote a letter of congratulations, and in the letter I proposed that the United States should preside over the issue of the Far East between China, the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union. I don't know whether President Roosevelt is interested in the proposal of cooperation, and then forming a military and political alliance.Because I haven't been able to get any response so far. Jensen: I believe it's a worthy idea.Among the world's anti-fascist fronts, the United States, China, Britain, and the Soviet Union are all major powers.However, I hope that the chairman can understand that the European battlefield is currently the focus of President Roosevelt's higher priority. In order to support the war there, the United States has a lot of very urgent work to do.Of course, this does not mean that the United States ignores the interests of China, Asia and the entire Far East. Chiang Kai-shek complained: I know that your country is unwilling to get involved in the so-called "Far East whirlpool" unless it is absolutely necessary.But I still want to say that when it really comes to the Americans who think it is a last resort, it may be too late. Jensen: I don't think so, President Roosevelt is very concerned about the situation here. Chiang Kai-shek looked a little mocking: How can you see it?Is it just to increase some loans to China? Jensen: I am here today to inform the Chairman that President Roosevelt will soon send Mr. Curie, Executive Assistant to the President of the White House, to Chongqing as his special envoy. Mr. Curie will have a direct meeting with the Chairman. A series of issues of concern to communicate. Both Chiang Kai-shek and Song Meiling were encouraged by this news, and even a satisfied smile appeared on Chiang Kai-shek's face. Johnson went on to say: However, as far as I know, Mr. Curie's mission this time also includes the issue of the "Southern Anhui Incident".He may have formal contact with both the country and the Communist Party on this issue, in order to learn something as comprehensive as possible and closer to the truth.I think that's what the US government needs as well. Chiang Kai-shek's face immediately became ugly again.It was beyond his expectation that a "Southern Anhui Incident" would cause so much trouble.Chiang Kai-shek made up his mind that he must make a strong statement on this incident in the name of the Nationalist Government and the Military Commission as soon as possible, so as to suppress the domestic public opinion that was increasingly unfavorable to him, so as to free up his hands to deal with international pressure.At least, this matter must be completely subsided before the US envoy arrives in Chongqing. At the behest of Chiang Kai-shek, the Military Commission of the Nationalist Government held a press conference in the conference hall of the Chongqing Municipal Government.Many people from the Chongqing press circle came here, and Zheng Juan, as the press officer of the municipal government, also stood among the reporters. At the beginning of the press conference, a general of the military committee acted as a spokesperson and first announced the "dissolution of the New Fourth Army and electrification". The content of "Power On" is still aggressive, designating the New Fourth Army as a "rebel army", canceling its designation, and claiming to submit Ye Ting, the commander of the New Fourth Army, to a military court for trial.Before he finished reading, the reporters below booed and commented dissatisfiedly, and the order suddenly seemed a little chaotic.Zheng Juan also felt that these contents were absurd and boring, and was about to leave, but found that Xia Xinli was taking advantage of the confusion, wandering around in the crowd, quietly distributing a pamphlet to the reporters.Zheng Juan curiously took a booklet from someone and read it. It was "The Truth About the Tragic Encirclement and Annihilation of the Southern Anhui Troops of the New Fourth Army" written by Ye Jianying.So Zheng Juan walked towards Xia Xinli. More and more pamphlets appeared in people's hands, which also attracted the attention of plainclothes agents in the conference hall. They spotted Xia Xinli and pushed through the crowd to approach him secretly.Soon, Xia Xinli was surrounded by two spies, and the unfinished pamphlets were snatched away.The secret agent took Xia Xinli hostage and went out.Everything was peaceful, and the people around didn't realize what had happened here. Zheng Juan, who had just walked in front of Xia Xinli, quickly stood in front of the spies and asked, "What are you going to do?" ! The spy didn't speak, and pushed her away.Zheng Juan suddenly shouted: This is the press conference of the Military Commission, you have no right to arrest people here! Her yelling immediately attracted everyone's attention, and the reporters below the venue responded quickly and strongly, and soon surrounded the two secret agents.Someone shouted: Get the spies out! This shout got a bigger response, and the conference hall was in chaos.The general who was reading the "Power On" had to stop and called an adjutant beside him. After a short and low-pitched conversation, the adjutant ran over and whispered something harshly to a secret agent.Afterwards, the two spies let go of Xia Xinli angrily and left.Behind them were boos from the reporters. After a little silence, the general continued to read "Power On".Zheng Juan dragged Xia Xinli to a corner of the conference hall, and said somewhat reproachfully: You are really brave.It's too dangerous. Xia Xinli smiled nonchalantly: This is also being forced to do nothing, you must find a way to tell everyone the truth, right?Still, thank you for saving me. Zheng Juan: Relief?They won't let it go, they must still be waiting for you outside.I'll figure it out later. Xia Xinli looked at her, and suddenly asked: Do you still have contact with Gu Hongyuan? Zheng Juan was made a little unnatural by this sudden question, and asked instead: Why do you care about this matter? Perhaps Xia Xinli was the only one who knew about the complicated relationship between Zheng Juan and Gu Hongyuan. After all, he knew both of them very well.But when he asked Gu Hongyuan now, he really didn't want to inquire about the privacy between them.He smiled and said: I don't care about anything, and you don't have to be so vigilant. Zheng Juan returned to normal and said: He and Robert are still in the UK. Xia Xinli: Can I get in touch with them? Zheng Juan: What are you doing? Xia Xinli smiled mockingly: The public opinion about the "Southern Anhui Incident" was completely manipulated by Chiang Kai-shek. To let everyone know the truth, besides secretly distributing pamphlets, I also wanted to use the voice of foreigners to yell a few times.can you help Zheng Juan hesitated a little, then took out a pen, quickly wrote down Gu Hongyuan's address in England in Xia Xinli's notebook, and said: You can keep it secret for me, right? Xia Xinli smiled, and said seriously: That's needless to say. Zheng Juan blushed a little from his smile, she changed the subject and asked: What is your son doing now? When mentioning Xia Chengyuan, Xia Xinli couldn't help but sighed softly.After his son was injured and lost a leg, he could no longer return to the engineering army as a technical consultant.After coming out of the hospital, Xia Chengyuan returned to the 34 Arsenal where he used to work.Although he is still an engineer, he is missing a leg after all, so he can't do many things in the factory.I still go to work every day, in fact, it's more like going to dawdle.For a long time, Xia Chengyuan was depressed. He not only hated his own state, but also hated how much trouble he had caused his wife and father. Xia Xinli said lightly: He's okay, he's almost used to it. In order to continue to let the international community know the truth about the "Southern Anhui Incident", Zhou Enlai visited many foreign envoys stationed in Chongqing like a whirlwind.The British ambassador to China, Carr, is of course the object of his focus.The relationship between the two was already good, so when Zhou Enlai came to the British embassy to meet Carl that night, Carl had a very in-depth discussion with him for a long time.It was not until the dead of night that Carl sent Zhou Enlai out.The two walked down the steps outside the embassy together, then shook hands and said goodbye. Karl shook Zhou Enlai's hand and said: Don't worry, Mr. Zhou, I will definitely report the details of the "Southern Anhui Incident" to Prime Minister Churchill.I believe neither the UK nor the US would like to see a split within China, because this is only beneficial to the Japanese. Zhou Enlai nodded: Mr. Ambassador is right.The Soviet government has issued a clear warning to Chiang Kai-shek through their ambassadors. The Soviets said that for the current China, civil war means the end. Carr: I believe that the British government will soon make a formal statement on this incident. Zhou Enlai looked at him and said again: Sir Archibald, there is one more thing, I hope you can help. Carl: Go ahead. Zhou Enlai: I already know that President Roosevelt's special envoy is coming to Chongqing. Carl smiled: Your news is so fast. Zhou Enlai said seriously: I want to meet this special envoy directly, can you arrange it for me? Carl responded quickly: Are you saying that it is difficult to arrange a meeting through other channels? Zhou Enlai smiled: The "Southern Anhui Incident" must be an important topic in his itinerary when the US special envoy comes to Chongqing.Mr. Jiang would not like to see me with the US envoy. Carl readily agreed: I will try my best.We are old friends. Zhou Enlai shook his hand again: Thank you, Karl. Roosevelt is about to send a special envoy to Chongqing, which is not an easy task for Wang Chonghui and his foreign ministry.One night, Wang Chonghui came back from Chiang Kai-shek's Huangshan official residence and went directly to Zheng Xianbo's home.Zheng Xianbo welcomed Wang Chonghui into the living room with some surprise, and made him a cup of tea.After Wang Chonghui sat down on the sofa, he didn't immediately get to the point, but talked about some irrelevant family matters. How is He Xuezhu in Beibei?Is Zheng Qi feeling better?How is Zheng Ming's work?Jiang Qingdong and Zheng Juan... In the end, Zheng Xianbo couldn't bear it anymore, and said to Wang Chonghui with a smile: Minister, you don't need to chatter, just talk if you have something to do.Otherwise, you wouldn't have come to my house so late. Wang Chonghui smiled: To tell you the truth, the chairman's life is a bit difficult.The "Southern Anhui Incident" caused by He Yingqin made us very passive in diplomacy.so much pressure.Two days ago, the ambassador to the Soviet Union, Shao Lizi, arranged a dinner. The Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov agreed to attend, but suddenly changed his mind, which made Shao Lizi very embarrassed. Zheng Xianbo asked: Because of the "Southern Anhui Incident"? Wang Chonghui: Why else?The Soviets wanted Shao Lizi to tell the Chinese government that they were firmly opposed to such things that would please the enemy. Zheng Xianbo: I heard that the Soviet ambassadors Pan Youxin and Cui Kefu also met with He Yingqin and Bai Chongxi respectively and questioned them directly, and their attitudes were also very tough? Wang Chonghui nodded: let's not talk about the Soviet Union.Let me tell you, the Americans also reacted. The reports on the "Southern Anhui Incident" published by American journalists aroused considerable repercussions in the U.S. government and the opposition.According to news from private channels, the United States stated that if the dispute between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party is not resolved, it will not be able to provide a large amount of aid to China, and there will be no progress in economic and financial issues between China and the United States. Hearing this, Zheng Xianbo even smiled gloatingly. Wang Chonghui went on to say: Curie, President Roosevelt's executive assistant, will come to Chongqing as the President's special envoy.The chairman is very troublesome.He called me in today and lost his temper.Because according to American Ambassador Jason, Curie made sure to arrange a meeting with Zhou Enlai during his trip to Chongqing.This made the chairman intolerable. Zheng Xianbo smiled and said: Can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs still restrict the freedom of movement of the US special envoy? Wang Chonghui: That's why I came to you. Zheng Xianbo looked at him: what can I do? Wang Chonghui said: To make a detailed schedule for the activities of the US special envoy in Chongqing, the arrangements should be very detailed and compact, so that he has no time to arrange by himself.Of course, everything must conform to diplomatic practice. Zheng Xianbo: How many days has Curie been in Chongqing? Wang Chonghui: Three days. Zheng Xianbo shook his head: This is very difficult.Besides, with American temper, he may not be led by our schedule.Moreover, with Zhou Enlai's diplomatic ability, it would be very difficult to prevent this meeting. Wang Chonghui said: Don't be so bookish.We just do our best.Understand? Zheng Xianbo smiled knowingly: That's no problem. Wang Chonghui also smiled and said: I can only rest assured that this matter is entrusted to you.Don't sleep tonight, make it overnight. Zheng Xianbo jokingly said: Minister, you can't do this. If you let me be idle, I will die of idleness, and I will die of exhaustion if I am tired. Wang Chonghui waved his hand: It's been almost a year since that damned "Arita-Craig Agreement", and I'm looking for an opportunity for you to come out again.I see this as an opportunity.Chairman, I will find the right time to speak for you. On a clear afternoon, the Japanese Army W base in Hankou.On the runway of the airport, Zero fighter jets undergoing flight training are taking off and landing frequently.The entire airport was filled with the roar of aircraft engines. Without prior notice, Major General Onishi Takijiro, the commander of the Japanese United Air Force, suddenly came to the headquarters of the Japanese Army's Third Flying Regiment at Base W.Maj. Gen. Saburo Endo, commander of the 3rd Flying Regiment, who was huddled in front of a map with several officers, was a little surprised when he saw Takijiro Onishi enter the door.He hurried up to meet them, and after the two saluted each other, Saburo Endo let the others leave. When there were only the two of them left in the headquarters, Onishi Takijiro explained the purpose of coming very simply: I am leaving here and I am here to say goodbye. Saburo Endo asked in surprise: Back to Japan? Takijiro Onishi nodded, and said in a low voice: General Yamamoto Fifty-Six, Commander of the Combined Fleet, wants me to go back immediately. Saburo Endo: Is it a secret mission? Onishi Takijiro replied affirmatively: study the surprise attack plan against Hawaii.Our next battlefield is the vast Pacific Ocean. Saburo Endo was even more surprised: so fast?But we have no way to draw enough troops from here. Onishi Takijiro: The China War must end soon.Recently, the base camp has formulated the "Long-term Combat Guidance Plan against China". Endo Saburo: I heard about it, because it involves a larger-scale bombing of China's rear. Onishi Takijiro said: This plan actually has only one fundamental purpose, which is to prepare for the southward policy and the Pacific War.The premise is to get out of China as soon as possible.Including consolidating the North China occupied area and making it a military base for the Great East Asian War, launching a public security strengthening campaign in North China, and conducting an all-out campaign to unify military, political, economic, and cultural ideologies.In order to cooperate with ground operations, the air force must exert unprecedented pressure on Chongqing and expand the bombing scale to the limit. Saburo Endo: With all due respect, you are the earliest advocate of strategic bombing, but after two consecutive years of bombing, I now think that it is unlikely to achieve our expected goals only through bombing.It is hard to imagine that the Chongqing government would collapse because of the bombing, no matter what the scale of the bombing. Onishi Takijiro looked at him: I don't agree with your point of view.I hope that after the smog season in Chongqing is over, you will be able to carry out the bombing with all your strength, and we will see the final result.If my judgment is correct, this summer will be the final bombing of Chongqing, after which most of the air force will be transferred to the Pacific Ocean.So this can be regarded as the last actual combat exercise of the air force. They will fly from the Yangtze River to the Pacific Ocean. Saburo Endo smiled, amused by the idea of ​​bombing Chongqing as a practical exercise for an eventual attack on the Pacific.Although he already had some doubts about the effect of the bombing itself, he shook hands with Onishi Takijiro: Well, see you in the Pacific Ocean! Carl, the British ambassador to China, came to the Huangshan official residence to meet with Chiang Kai-shek, and formally conveyed the British government's clear attitude towards the "Southern Anhui Incident".Carl conveyed to Chiang Kai-shek Prime Minister Churchill's point of view: China's enemy is currently, and any armed conflict between the government and the people is unacceptable, and attacking the New Fourth Army will only weaken China's overall military strength, which undoubtedly benefits the Japanese.Chiang Kai-shek was obviously annoyed by the British government's statement.He looked at Song Meiling and Wang Chonghui who were sitting next to him, his face was gloomy, and he didn't speak. Seeing that her husband was silent, Soong Meiling said tactfully: Mr. Ambassador, maybe your government has not fully understood the truth of the matter.据我所知，西方世界关于此次事件的报道，大多来自于共产党的策划。 卡尔礼貌地微笑着：不能否认，舆论的影响是有的。不过请相信英国政府作出的表态是慎重的。据我所知，丘吉尔首相专门就此事与罗斯福总统有过沟通，并协调立场。 蒋介石虽然心里一怔，但还是保持了沉默。 宋美龄问道：难道这也是美国的态度？ 卡尔：我想是这样的。日本正在明显地表露出对太平洋的野心，中国为本身以及友邦的利益，应该更多更及时地牵制日本军事力量，现在发生这样的内部武装冲突，肯定是英美领导人不愿意看到的。 蒋介石还是沉默不语，继续保持着难看的脸色。卡尔见状，知道已经不可能再谈下去，便起身告辞。在宋美龄的暗示下，蒋介石站起来还算礼貌地与卡尔握手道别。等王宠惠送卡尔出门以后，蒋介石终于忍不住地拍桌子发起了脾气：美国人和英国人都太自私了！在他们那里，我的作用就是替他们把日本人拖住。 宋美龄也很无奈：我们没有能力左右英美。你要注意控制情绪，如果美国特使来了，可能还会有更让我们不能接受的事情发生。 蒋介石依然怒气冲冲地：那就更不能让他见到周恩来。 王宠惠已经回到了房间里，看见蒋介石焦头烂额的样子，便趁机说：委座，“皖南事变”之后，我们在外交上遭遇了很大的困难，丘吉尔的态度不是一个人的，而是代表了相当多的英美重要人物。外交部已经收到了包括美国加利福尼亚州州长在内的很多国际知名人士的电报，大致都是这种表态。我们应该从侧面作出一些姿态才好。 蒋介石看着他：什么意思？ 王宠惠：在外交上，我们不能直接顶撞英美等大国。但承认“皖南事变”是个错误，虽然可以取悦于英美，却会在国内动摇政府的威信。所以我们应该在其他问题上发出一些积极的外交信号。 宋美龄问道：比如说呢？ 王宠惠：据说丘吉尔首相不久前还问起过郑先博的情况，他大概知道郑先博因为《有田-克莱琪协定》而遭到了冷落。我认为现在正好是重新起用他的时候，既然丘吉尔还在关注他。而且郑先博跟英国人和美国人打交道，还是相当有经验、有办法的。 他看一眼蒋介石桌子上的一份文件：那份美国特使在重庆的日程安排，就是郑先博拟定的，很顺利地就得到了詹森大使的认可。 蒋介石微微点了点头，虽然还没有说话。 王宠惠察言观色，继续说下去：我想提个建议，这次美国特使在重庆的活动，就由郑先博全程陪同。不知道委座的意思如何？ 蒋介石想了想，终于说：那就这样吧。