Chapter 30 In the name of freedom

On January 19, 1920, the U.S. Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and the Covenant of the League of Nations, and rejected joining the League of Nations. For advocating the establishment of the League of Nations, Wilson won the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a very ironic thing. .

The dominance of the League of Nations fell into the hands of Britain and France. The failure to compete for dominance was the root cause of the U.S. Senate's refusal to approve joining the League of Nations. As a close country to the United States in Asia, China signed the League of Nations covenant. The representatives who attended and signed were French Minister Lu Zhengxiang.

At 10 a.m. the day after the U.S. Senate refused to approve the U.S.'s admission to the League of Nations, Fang Jianxiong, accompanied by Wilson, came to the U.S. Capitol to give a speech. Just yesterday, these congressmen who voted against joining the League of Nations used their last words to Warm applause welcomed Fang Jianxiong's arrival. From one aspect, it once again verified the truth that the bond of interest between countries is the strongest relationship. China's entry into the League of Nations did not affect Americans' enthusiasm for Fang Jianxiong at all.

Standing on the podium, Fang Jianxiong's young figure stood out unusually, and seemed out of place for this occasion. Fang Jianxiong took a deep breath, smiled, and tried to calm himself down. When the warm applause stopped, the smile on Fang Jianxiong's face became more natural.

"Dear Members of Congress, Dear Mr. Wilson. When I was a teenager in Shanghai, China, I came into contact with a pastor who I thought was from the United States. Unfortunately, I was too young at the time and I only knew that everyone called him Jack. Father. I don’t even know his full name, but this does not prevent him from giving me profound teachings. While studying with the respected Father Jack, I had a preliminary understanding of the United States, a free country. As we all know, China at that time was an autocratic country, and for a child, the need for freedom was not that strong. Later, I went to Europe to study military affairs and advanced ideas. Gradually, I realized freedom Regarding the value of a nation, perhaps it was the secret guidance of the Czech priest. Although I have never been to the United States before, I have a natural affinity for the United States.

While studying in Europe, I came into contact with another American who had a huge influence on me. I think some of the congressmen here will know him, and that is Mr. Fisher, a financier from the United States who is a special financial adviser to the Chinese government. In his Under their influence and introduction, I have a clearer understanding of the United States. I even had the idea of ​​studying in the United States.

Unfortunately, when I was about to make a decision, I received news from my hometown. My father passed away from illness, and I had to give up my plan to come to the United States. I think it was around that time that I was determined to come to the United States. I have the belief at first glance. So, I came today. I just didn’t expect to have the opportunity to stand here and give a speech. For this, I would like to thank everyone again for giving me this opportunity.”

Having said this, Fang Jianxiong stopped and bowed, and the applause was warm again.

"China is an agricultural country with a large population. This current situation is caused by historical reasons, because it has been less than ten years since China got rid of the autocratic monarchy. In the process of overthrowing the decadent autocratic monarchy of the Qing Dynasty, the most powerful weapons are not swords and guns." Paused again, Emphasis: "It is the desire for free air and the unremitting pursuit of freedom, precisely because we are full of desire for freedom. We have firm beliefs and we are not afraid! We finally won!"

Applause rang out, and the members of Congress stood up collectively. Fang Jianxiong looked solemn, tall and tall, and his eyes were firm.

"It is also because of freedom. I came to the United States to seek help. Here is the freest air in my memory, and here is the freest country in my heart. I have always believed that China needs help from the United States. I also believe that for the United States,

China will give you the most generous rewards for your help. Here I promise you that the capital of the free world will flow unimpeded in any field in China. Anyone who dares to violate this principle will be severely punished by the Chinese government.

A severe blow..."

Fang Jianxiong's speech lasted for an hour and a half, and he made no secret of his personal closeness to the United States in the Capitol. This point has become a focus in media reports in the United States and even around the world. In the context of today's world in which the United Kingdom is the boss,

There is no doubt that it takes great courage for Chinese leaders to make this statement.

The speech in the morning was a great success, and in the afternoon Fang Jianxiong appeared in the Office of the President of the White House. A separate meeting with President Wilson began.

"Your Excellency, Commissioner Fang, the Chinese government has played an important role in the Far East, which the U.S. government is happy to see." Wilson's opening remarks were about the Far East, not the more pressing issue of naval restrictions.

Fang Jianxiong is not too surprised by this, because it implies that if China wants to consolidate its interests in the Far East, it must get the support of the United States. On the other hand, the United States also needs China to curb Japan's ambitions in the Far East and increase its

Strength of support for Kolchak. Kolchak returned to Russia with the support of the United States, but during the subsequent civil war, he was more restrained by other members of the Allied Powers. Now Kolchak is in

After losing the Civil War, American support became even more important.

"Mr. President, what step do you want the Chinese government to take? Send troops to Siberia?" Fang Jianxiong smiled and countered the first army. Wilson said without changing his expression: "I think the actual line of control of the Chinese army in the future should be Chita, not

Now."

Fang Jianxiong's face became solemn, and he shook his head firmly and said: "This is impossible. The Chinese government must take back every inch of territory that Tsarist Russia took from the Qing Dynasty, and even more. This is the bottom line of the Chinese government and myself. This will never happen.

shake."

Compared with hello, me, hello, everyone, in public, this is the real battle of swords and guns. Wilson had already expected Fang Jianxiong's tough attitude, and there was no actual deviation from his previous judgment.

"The free world cannot give up if it wants to contain the Red regime Kolchak. If the current line of actual control is followed, it will be difficult for Belarus headed by Kolchak to accept this result. It may even give the Japanese an advantage. It is true that

, Your Excellency has done a lot for the Belarusian government, but in my opinion it is not enough." Wilson continued to insist on his point of view, and the two

They are both strong-willed people, and it is difficult for them to be swayed by other people's thoughts. Wilson took at most half of what Fang Jianxiong said in the Capitol. It is true that Fang Jianxiong is pro-American, but he can give in to anything in the face of national interests.

Without this bottom line, he would not be a qualified national leader, and there would be no China that rose rapidly after the Republic of China.

"Okay, the National Defense Forces can retreat to Irkutsk, and then they will not take a step back. In addition, Kolchak can be given the support of up to ten artillery regiments and an aviation group, all of which will participate in the war as volunteers.

However, the damn Congress will not pass this fee." Fang Jianxiong showed a hint of annoyance and made a concession.

Wilson, who had been paying close attention to Fang Jianxiong's demeanor, did not notice that he was an actor with good acting skills. It was a normal result for the Chinese army to return to Irkutsk and agree to conditionally support Kolchak.

"I think that two more infantry corps should be added and all of them will fight as volunteers. I think you should be able to do this. As for the cost, this is not a point that cannot be discussed."

"Fifty million U.S. dollars in economic aid!" Fang Jianxiong thought for a moment and then made the offer. Wilson shook his head without hesitation: "That's too much, at most two hundred million dollars, otherwise the people in Congress will kill me."

"Are you kidding? I sent two troops to help Belarus fight, and you told me that I can only give 200 million? The ammunition is not enough! Let alone pensions! People will die in war. When we were in Europe, Britain and France

They promised that all expenditures would be theirs. The French government transferred a large amount of advanced technology to

China also provided cheap battleships that Britain sold to China after the war. The two countries jointly provided China with a loan of 100 million pounds and canceled China's debt." Fang Jianxiong's eyes were red. At this time, he was no longer the gentleman before.

He is very elegant and has the energy to roll up his sleeves and go into battle shirtless.

After some haggling, Wilson finally said: "The maximum is 300 million, not even a penny more." Fang Jianxiong said the deal was done.

Wilson breathed a sigh of relief. It was really not easy to deal with this guy. No wonder he could handle the situation in China. What's strange is that he is so young. It seems that the Chinese people's traditional education in some aspects is far beyond

Stronger than the West. It is no wonder that many emperors in Chinese history came to the throne at a very young age, but they also killed older powerful officials.

Well, it is difficult for an American to understand the complexity of Chinese history and culture, even if he is the president of the United States. This is a problem of cultural differences, and there is no need to continue discussing this issue.

"Your Excellency, Chairman, world peace requires China's power. Tragedies like the European War should never happen again. Therefore, excessive military competition must be effectively curbed. I think the first step is to start with the navy." Wilson

The topic changed and finally the topic that I wanted to talk about the most came up.

"China's military center of gravity can only be on the mainland, and I am not enthusiastic about the development of the navy. From the perspective of China's history and tradition, the greatest threat to China's national security can only come from the mainland, that is, the north. On this point, I and I

The main leaders of the Chinese government have surprisingly unanimous views. I can responsibly ensure that

It proves that, in addition to the two battleships being built by the United States, the Chinese Navy will not add another large battleship in the next ten years." Fang Jianxiong had an unexpectedly good attitude on naval issues, which made Wilson very puzzled. Then
Chapter completed!