Chapter 17 2. Luo Ronghuan divided the "properties" for the 115th division

Establishing base areas at the end of the year was one of the main tasks of the Communist Party of China and the Eighth Route Army in the early days of the Anti-Japanese War. Opening up and expanding base areas is the key for the Chinese Communist Party to grow from small to large, and from weak to strong.No matter what kind of power, if it loses the foundation of its activities, it is like water without a source, and there is no way to continue to survive.During the first Civil Revolutionary War, the reason why the Red Army became very strong in a short period of time was that it opened up the Central Soviet Area and won the support of the local masses.Similarly, in order to win the War of Resistance Against Japan and enable the Eighth Route Army to carry on its guerrilla warfare, it was also necessary to open up anti-Japanese base areas and win the support of the masses.

Opening up anti-Japanese base areas can not only win the support of the broad masses of the people, but also expand the influence of the Eighth Route Army and the Communist Party among the masses, and make the policies of the Communist Party deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. According to Mao Zedong's instructions, the Eighth Route Army headquarters determined the central task of the Eighth Route Army, which should use Shanxi as the main position to support the North China War of Resistance, independently carry out guerrilla warfare, and establish base areas.It was also decided that in addition to the establishment of the anti-Japanese base area in the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei border area of ​​the 115th Division, the division headquartered 343 brigades to establish an anti-Japanese base area in southwestern Shanxi relying on the Luliang Mountains.

The Jinchaji Border Region was the first anti-Japanese base area established.It is located in the connecting area of ​​Hengshan, Wutaishan and Yanshan Mountains. It is an important strategic fulcrum for the four railways of Pingsui, Tongpu, Zhengtai and Pinghan that threaten the enemy's occupation, as well as big cities such as Ping and Tianjin, and persist in the North China War of Resistance.As early as September 20, Mao Zedong pointed out in his instructions to the Eighth Route Army: "The Wutai Mountains should become one of the important guerrilla warfare areas, and it is advisable to step up preparations now." Accordingly, after the Battle of Pingxingguan, the Eighth Route Army headquarters immediately ordered The 115th Division carried out mass work with a force and set out to create an anti-Japanese base area.

In late October 1937, according to Mao Zedong's instructions, the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army was divided into two: Lin Biao led Chen Guang's brigade to the south to help Niangziguan; The Eighth Route Army Headquarters, the Secret Service Regiment, and each other have a total of about 3,000 people, creating the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei Anti-Japanese Base. The 115th division is about to "separate the family", and everything else is easy to handle. The key is how to divide the cadres.After much deliberation, Nie Rongzhen decided that Luo Ronghuan, director of the Political Department, would do the job.

"You decide, you are fair." Nie Rongzhen said to Luo Ronghuan, "The headquarters, the political department, the supply department, and the health department are all up to you to decide. You have the right to decide who will go! I will not fight for one person. "Nie Rongzhen looked back at Lin Biao again. At this time, Lin Biao was sitting on a chair, staring at the huge military map on the wall in a daze. Nie Rongzhen continued: "Lao Luo, the three of us have worked together for a long time and know each other very well. How do you divide? Lao Lin and I listen to you!"

"This is indeed a very difficult matter, we must be cautious!" Luo Ronghuan said with a strong Hunan accent.According to his idea, he might give Nie Rongzhen a little more of his "family belongings".Because he believes that opening up anti-Japanese base areas is more important than finding opportunities to wipe out the enemy during the movement, and it is more in line with the interests of the party and the long-term interests of the entire nation in the war of resistance.This is his personal experience since January in Fuping.But he couldn't favor Nie Rongzhen, because he knew Lin Biao too well. In addition to being extremely sensitive, Lin Biao also had a bit of "suspiciousness" in his character.

Luo Ronghuan took off his glasses, wiped them, and put them on again. At this moment, he already had an idea in his mind: Lin Biao led the main force, and there was no doubt that he would win big stocks;This is also in line with the instructions of the Central Military Commission and the Eighth Route Army Headquarters. "Separation is a good thing. It shows that the 115th Division has developed and grown. The Central Military Commission and the Eighth Route Army Headquarters have instructed that the Independent Regiment and the Cavalry Battalion will remain, and two companies will be drawn from the 343rd Brigade to strengthen it. As for the division of the organization, I might as well Make a list..."

Nie Rongzhen took out the roster of cadres from the briefcase, handed it to Luo Ronghuan and said, "It's up to you!" Luo Ronghuan took out a pen from his coat pocket, sat on the chair Nie Rongzhen gave up, and said with a smile, "I just randomly tickled it." He ticked off a list in a few minutes, seemingly unintentionally, but actually after careful consideration. Nie Rongzhen took the roster and smiled.He later wrote in his memoirs: "Comrade Luo Ronghuan supported me very much. He personally selected some people. Although the number of comrades left behind was not large, they were very capable."

"Well, I have no objection," Nie Rongzhen handed the roster to Lin Biao, "Old Lin, take a look!" Lin Biao stood up, moved his numb arms, took the roster and glanced up and down.He found that the people who ticked the names were all the smartest and capable in all departments.A trace of imperceptible displeasure flashed across his face. "Okay!" Lin Biao closed the roster and deliberately raised his voice, "Old Nie, you have too few people! Director Luo is biased." Nie Rongzhen understood that Lin Biao didn't say this for him.