dognovel Chapter 526: Going to the Yerta Conference? First find a forward base for growing mushrooms
Chapter 526: Going to the Yerta Conference? First find a forward base for growing mushrooms
The talks were held in an elegant reception room of the Jade Palace State Guesthouse.
The door of the room was closed, and only Zhang Chi and Marshall were inside, sitting on either side of a long table.
Obviously, this was a closed-door meeting.
The world is bustling with people, all seeking profit.
Neither of them was a naive child. They both knew that 'indestructible alliances' existed only in propaganda slogans, and 'suspicious allies' were the norm in international diplomacy.
Nanyang is likely to move closer to Russia for geopolitical interests, and the White Eagle may also sell out Nanyang for profit. Everything depends on whether the interests are big enough and the gains are great enough.
Therefore, neither of them spoke first.
In the end, Marshall, who had something to ask of Nanyang, couldn't help but speak first. He didn't even bother to ask Zhang Chi what he thought of the red giant in the north - such a question was childish and meaningless, and the answer must be high-sounding diplomatic rhetoric.
So he chose a more relaxed and closer approach.
Marshall took the initiative to talk about his experiences in the European battlefield during World War I, and some interesting stories and anecdotes in the army.
Zhang Chi also cooperated by sharing in Angsa language the difficult times when the early Anmin Army was fighting against the Japanese in the jungle, as well as the difficulties in establishing the Nanyang industrial system.
The atmosphere seemed relaxed and harmonious.
Soon, Marshall talked about the bitterness of his service in Luzon (then known as the White Eagle Colony) after graduating from the Virginia Military Institute, and then turned to the offensive operations against the Japanese.
"As we speak, Admiral Mac has already launched a ground operation in Luzon. There are still at least 30 elite Japanese troops there." Marshall's expression was indifferent, as if he was just discussing what to eat later. "Once these 30 elite Japanese troops are wiped out, the soft underbelly of Sakura Island will be opened up—"
When Zhang Chi heard this, he knew what Marshall meant. He was inviting him to send an expeditionary force to join the subsequent battle.
Although this was exactly what he wanted, after all, if he wanted to grow big mushrooms for the Japanese later, he must have a forward base close to the main island, but he did not respond. After all, the treatment would be completely different if he asked to go on his own initiative and if others begged him to go.
"Oh? Then I'd like to wish Admiral Mike a successful start. May God bless him."
Marshall cursed the little fox inwardly and spoke again, "The Navy initially believes that it would be a good idea to march north from Luzon, capture Kaohsiung and Ryukyu, and then attack Kyushu and Shikoku. I wonder what a strategic master like you thinks?"
Zhang Chi complained inwardly, "What can I do about this? It's no use praising me. If you want Nanyang to join this northern expedition, you have to offer some tangible benefits."
Five minutes later, after a friendly and frank exchange, the two sides finally reached a consensus. The White Eagle side would provide meals, salaries, logistics, and provide a large number of landing craft and cargo ships to Nanyang free of charge as assistance.
The Nanyang Defense Army dispatched at least 3-4 divisions of ground forces and an aviation division of an army group. After the ground battle on Luzon Island was basically over, it joined the battle to attack Kaohsiung and Ryukyu in the north.
Zhang Chi also promised that if the war went unfavorably, Nanyang would mobilize two more army groups to go north to join the battle. However, it was hard to say whether those who went there would be elite Chinese or native cannon fodder.
The core of the discussion is to allow Nanyang to militarily occupy Ryukyu, not only because Zhang Chi needs a forward node to plant mushrooms for the Japanese, but also because the Potsdam plan for the post-war divisional occupation of the Japanese homeland has not yet been issued. Zhang Chi needs to open a gap first to pave the way for Nanyang to obtain the power to station troops in Kyushu or Shikoku.
The intention of cooperation was finalized and a friendly atmosphere was restored between the two sides.
The topic naturally turned to the upcoming UN.
"Mr. Zhang Chi, what are your thoughts on the United Nations proposed by Commander Luo?" Marshall asked with a sincere look. "It will be an important cornerstone for maintaining world peace and security after the war."
Zhang Chi leaned forward slightly, showing great interest:
"General Marshall, I personally, and the future United States of Southeast Asia, deeply admire Commander Luo's foresight and vision."
After many ups and downs, Zhang Chi's official rhetoric is now one after another:
"The UN represents humanity's shared aspiration for peace and order. An international order based on rules and consultation among major powers serves the long-term interests of all countries. Although Nanyang is young, we are willing to contribute to this great cause."
"I'm very pleased to hear you say that," Marshall said with a sincere smile. "To demonstrate White Eagle's importance to Nanyang and your irreplaceable and crucial role in the Far East, Commander Luo has entrusted me with a formal invitation to you. As the future head of the United Nanyang States, you are invited to attend the international conference to be held at the Yerta Palace on the Crimean Peninsula in February of next year."
He emphasized the words "international conference" and observed Zhang Chi's reaction.
Inviting the leader of a new force that has not yet formally established a country to attend the highest-level meeting that will determine the post-war world order is in itself a high level of political recognition and status symbol.
A hint of just the right amount of surprise and honor flashed across Zhang Chi's eyes. The Yerta Conference, which would determine the future direction of the world, had arrived.
Historically, it was at this meeting that Commander Luo completely betrayed the interests of all the people of the Great Xia Kingdom in order to invite the Russians to go south to attack the Japanese.
Not only did he give the traditional territory of Daxia to Russia, he also agreed to let Russia continue to lease Port Arthur and promised to hand over the Chinese Eastern Railway of the pseudo-Anzhou Kingdom to Russia after the war.
There is no doubt that this was the "Munich Conference" on the Allied side, which betrayed the interests of the Republic of China without the country's knowledge.
Even if he went, he would only attend as an observer, and because of the conflict with John, he would probably only be able to hold talks with Commander Luo and Uncle Steel in private.
But if you don’t try, how will you know if it will work?
After all, in the future, he plans to let Nanyang win over and support the New Great Xia Kingdom after its reform and opening up, and then form an alliance to face the more turbulent 21st century where the White Eagle Kingdom will dominate.
Then he said solemnly:
"I thank Commander Luo for his trust and invitation. This is an honor for Nanyang and a great personal responsibility. The United States of Nanyang will participate in this with a responsible attitude and work hard to build a peaceful and stable post-war order."
As the random discussions came to an end, Zhang Chi said, "Now, I think we can open the door and let all the journalists in, right?"
Marshall nodded: "Of course!"
Then the door opened, and reporters from Nanyang, White Eagle, John, and the Russian Bear, as well as fast-running reporters from all over the world, swarmed in.
Flashes of light flashed continuously, and shutter clicks were pressed as if film was free.
Zhang Chi and Marshall approached each other, stood in front of the long table, smiled, looked at the cameras of the reporters, and shook hands vigorously.