Chapter 167 Qingdao Issue
Because of Marshal Fang's guidance, Ludendorff once again verified Marshal Fang's "great and outstanding military talents" after receiving the order. Precisely because of Marshal Fang's advance prediction, Ludendorff promptly brought two soldiers with him.
Plant a weapon for siege, and bring Marshal Fang’s brother Bob with him. Because
He was fully prepared, so he felt that after the Liege Fortress, everything was as expected. Facing the difficult terrain and the solid defense of the Liege Fortress, Ludendorff could only say to Bob with emotion: "China's Marshal Fang is the most outstanding person today."
He is a military strategist and the direction of the war was indeed within his prediction."
Bob stood upright at the edge and replied calmly: "Yes, I have never doubted this. Now that we have brought the airship and the plump Bertha in time, we should be able to take the Japanese Fortress in advance."
"Plump Bertha" is a mortar with a caliber of 420mm. There are only five such guns in Germany. Before Ludendorff set out, he asked for four to attack the Liege Fortress, and Moltke actually agreed. So,
This weapon arrived in Liege four days earlier than in history, which means it arrived on the battlefield on August 8. At this time, the Austro-Hungarian Empire's large-caliber mortar "Slender Emma" was still on the way, and it took three
It takes days to arrive.
Ludendorff did not wait for Austria-Hungary's Aima, and ordered the bombardment of Liege's strongest fort Felleron to begin on the afternoon of the 8th.
Probably God's favor, the four-door Bertha only fired one round, and a violent explosion occurred in the Fleiron fort. A one-ton shell penetrated into the fortress and exploded. The Fleiron fort was like boiling oil and water.
Generally boiling, but also like an earthquake shaking the mountains
The collapse and continuous explosions lasted for nearly half an hour. After finally calming down, when the German infantry rushed up, they saw a pile of ruins. Ludendorff sent Bob to enter the city of Liege with a white flag to persuade him to surrender, hoping that the tragic situation of Feilailong would be
It can intimidate the Belgian army.
The Belgian garrison commander Li Man refused to surrender, and the German army immediately bombed the city of Liege with airships, killing and wounding hundreds of people, causing panic among the people. That day, Bertha continued to bombard other forts, calling them one by one. The Belgian garrison faced the powerful German army.
Under siege, isolated and helpless, he still fought tenaciously.
On August 10, three days earlier than in history, Liege fell. The garrison commander Li Man fought until the last moment and was stunned by the shells before being captured. When handing over his saber to the German commander, Li Man raised his arrogant chin.
: "I was captured after being stunned by a shell during the battle. Please be sure to state this in the report."
The German commander Emih respected Liman's military qualities and returned the sword to him and said: "Your honor as a soldier has not been damaged in the slightest. Please keep this saber."
The German army broke through Liège, and millions of German troops attacked the French border a few days earlier than in history. Ludendorff was awarded a commendation by Wilhelm II for his outstanding performance before and after the war.
The focus returned to Asia. On August 23, Japan declared war on Germany. That night, the German minister urgently asked to see Fang Jianxiong, chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Republic of China. Fang Jianxiong, who was in a meeting at the time, met with Hahausen at the first time. He was accompanied by Huang and Chiang Kai-shek.
, Zhang and Cai are the four top officials.
"Your Excellency, Marshal, His Majesty the Emperor of the German Empire has decided to cancel all unequal treaties with China, terminate the Boxer Indemnity to Germany, and return Qingdao to China. It is hoped that the personal and property safety of German citizens in Qingdao will be protected when they return home."
Fang Jianxiong's face moved slightly after Harhausen's words, and everyone around him showed excitement. This is the only time in modern times that sovereignty and interests can be taken back from foreigners.
"Mr. Minister, if I nod and agree, will your Excellency announce this matter to the world tomorrow?" Fang Jianxiong asked calmly. Harhausen's expression was startled, and then he said: "That's right, Marshal Your Excellency."
Fang Jianxiong smiled slightly and said: "Then it's decided. Your Excellency will join me and the Foreign Minister tomorrow morning to announce the news to the world. The media from all countries will come by then."
Harhausen looked delighted. He knew very well what the result of this meant. But why did Fang Jianxiong, a cunning guy, jump into it even though he knew it was a trap?
"So, are we going to have further discussions on the Qingdao exchange?" Harhausen has not forgotten his mission here, which is to provoke a possible war between China and Japan.
"This is exactly what I want to see!" Fang Jianxiong smiled, and the greed in his eyes made Hahausen tremble slightly. This guy didn't look like an easy person to deal with, and he had kissed him before.
De was deceived by Germany's illusion, and he could not be fooled this time. With great determination, Harhausen started a new round of detailed discussions.
Two hours later, Harhausen walked out of the living room with a face full of grief and indignation. Fang Jianxiong, the devil, actually only allowed the Germans in Qingdao to take away their personal belongings, and everything else had to be left to China, otherwise the Japanese would rather attack Qingdao.
How can you agree to this condition? If you agree like this, Harhausen will never think about living in the country again.
"Isn't it too much to support the country? It's a rare opportunity! What if the Germans don't agree to our conditions and insist on fighting the Japanese?" Jiang Fangzhen asked worriedly, and Fang Jianxiong said disapprovingly:
"Don't worry, although the conditions are harsh, the Germans will agree. There are only a few thousand German troops in Qingdao, and even with a solid fortress, it is impossible to hold it. Besides, Germany hopes that the exchange in Qingdao will trigger a war between China and Japan, and it will not pay the price
How about a price?"
"Fuguo, I mean what if Germany doesn't agree and the Japanese capture Qingdao?" Cai E kept frowning. He is the commander of the Jinan Military Region, so this job is basically his.
"Then fight back. Qingdao belongs to China. If Japan insists on using troops against Qingdao, it is a provocation to the Chinese government's bottom line." Fang Jianxiong raised his eyebrows, and his murderous intent gradually emerged.
"I understand. I'm going to pack up and go to Jinan overnight!" Cai E saluted, indicating that there was no problem.
Fang Jianxiong returned the gift and shook hands with him and said: "Brother Songpo, I have been preparing for so many years just for this battle. If we win, the opportunity for China to stand up will come. Tell the soldiers below that this battle must be won, no matter what.
Success brings success!"
Cai E's face became solemn, and he stood at attention and saluted again, with firm eyes: "Chairman, please rest assured that all the troops in our Jinan Military Region have both the courage to be benevolent and the confidence to succeed."
After sending Cai E away, Fang Jianxiong and others continued to be busy. Although they had been preparing for a long time, there were still many things to do. At present, the Jinan garrison only had three A divisions, and the three divisions from Xuzhou were to leave Jinan immediately. Li Daxiong's B divisions
Planters set up defenses in Pingdu in advance, and people in Huang County, Ye County and other places had to be forcibly evacuated. All these tasks needed people to do it.
"According to my estimate, the Japanese may use two divisions to land. Our army has concentrated seven Class A divisions, ten heavy artillery regiments, two tank brigades, and ten aviation groups. We should be able to win this
War. Unless the Japanese expand the war!" Jiang Fangzhen saw that Fang Jianxiong always had a solemn expression, so he explained with a smile.
"No one knows what will happen if the Japanese nation goes crazy." Fang Jianxiong muttered to himself in a low voice. Jiang Fangzhen didn't notice, but Yin Weijun, who was bringing tea, noticed and looked at him somewhat surprised. In Yin Weijun's mind,
In his mind, Brother Fang is omnipotent, how can he be afraid of Japan? This is a kind of blindness. With Yin Weijun’s knowledge, it is not like this. It’s just that people are blind like this. Don’t those red generals in history also think that they are
Can it change the world? As long as xx ideas are used as weapons, ** can become popular all over the world.
Fang Jianxiong is very rational and has a clear understanding of the Japanese nation. In terms of comprehensive strength, there is not much difference between China and Japan. But in terms of short-term war mobilization and organizational capabilities, Japan is far stronger than China.
There is also the Japanese navy. If Japan goes crazy and engages in all-out war, warships will bomb everywhere and land at any point at will. It is really impossible to guard against it.
We must be prepared for a protracted war. We must not take any chances. This is Fang Jianxiong’s real idea. On the surface, he is still holding on and looks confident. This war really cannot be fought without fighting, otherwise China will not be able to
If we raise our heads, there is no way to become the leader in Asia. Only by winning this battle can we stand up straight and face the world.
"What did Fuguo say?" Jiang Fangzhen asked who didn't hear clearly, and Fang Jianxiong quickly replied: "Nothing said. By the way, how are the preparations of each army? Henan, Anhui, Hebei, Hubei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, these
The B Division stationed in the province must also be on standby. Once the situation changes, they will immediately assemble in Zhengzhou, Jinan, and Beijing. There are also railways, the Beijing-Hankou Line and the Jinpu Line, which must ensure the smooth transportation of military supplies."
Tang Hualong hurriedly came to the door and said after entering the room: "Fu Shuai, Yan Xishan called from Wuhan and asked what German companies should do. Now that Japan has declared war on Germany, the German companies in Hubei are panicking."
"What does Yan Xishan do for a living? Do you need to call for instructions on this matter? These German entrepreneurs and German personnel are treasures. Now that Europe is at war, they can't go back. We need to work harder to appease these people and they can become Chinese citizens.
It's best to tell these people that this is temporary. The Chinese government is doing its best to ensure their safety. By the way, tell Yan Xishan to pay attention to the movements of the Japanese consulate." Fang Jianxiong explained, and Tang Hualong hurried out again. Recently, government departments
, has already started moving, preparing for war under other banners.
Looking at Japan again, it issued an ultimatum on August 15, requiring the Germans to withdraw all warships in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of China, and to unconditionally hand over the Qingdao Concession to Japan. This ultimatum was ignored by Germany, and it contacted China.
Chapter completed!