Regarding Guo Bingxun's words to persuade him to calm down his anger, Yang Zhen smiled and said: "Lao Guo, don't worry, I know what to do. In fact, for us this time, the key issue is not whether we can get the United States and Britain." The key to the equipment and supplies is the quantity and how much food can be snatched from Ying and Su."
"This matter is the top priority in our next work. Otherwise, I would have no time to chat with them. I will not offend these people for some nonsense." People are too familiar with things. After all, the key to our future development is still in their hands. I still have a sense of what matters are."
Looking at Yang Zhen's confident look, Guo Bingxun smiled and said nothing more. They are all people with delicate hearts, so it is most appropriate to point out that. Although Yang Zhen seemed not to care on the surface, Guo Bingxun knew that he He listened to these words.
After having a hasty breakfast together, the two of them began to work on their own. Under the current situation, neither of them had much time to talk about these unimportant matters. Guo Bingxun was busy talking to Chai Shirong, and Yang Zhen locked himself in his office, pondering the ideas for today's conversation with the US delegation.
He sent troops to investigate the true combat effectiveness of the Anti-Japanese Alliance. Yang Zhen knew very well that it was a matter for the soldiers in the delegation. As for Mr. Hopkins, I am afraid that most likely he would not participate. This was not his purpose. The main purpose is to deal with the British and American soldiers in the delegation.
Today, I will most likely have to face alone this man who will control the entire distribution of U.S. foreign aid supplies in the next few years, with power almost as big as the sky. In other words, I will spend all my time today. Spend it on Mr. Hopkins.
Facing such a person, it is impossible for Yang Zhen not to feel any pressure. It is also Yang Zhen's consistent style not to fight an unprepared battle. How to talk and what to talk about, Yang Zhen still needs to straighten out his thoughts. Yes, don't be passive when the time comes, that would be bad.
It's a pity that he didn't have much time to think. Less than half an hour after Yang Zhen returned to his office, the phone on the desk rang. Chen Bo, who stayed at Sun Island on the phone, reported that after using the breakfast, Mr. Hopkins refused the suggestion that he take a day off and asked Yang Zhen by name.
Putting down the phone in his hand, Yang Zhen hesitated for a moment, but took Chai Shirong, who could only end the conversation hastily due to time constraints, and rushed to the Sun Island Station with Li Yanping to meet this great master. In the car Yang Zhen, who was a little worried, explained to Chai Shirong again and again.
Regarding Yang Zhen's proposal to conduct field inspections of the troops, most of the British officers were a little uninspired compared to the excited American officers in the American and British delegation, but General Wavell, who took the lead, was very interested. Concentrated, when Admiral Wavell nodded in agreement quite happily, the other British officers, although somewhat reluctant, did not express any other opinions.
Considering the tight time limit, the British were not too picky, and they did not pick and choose on the list handed over by the Anti-Japanese League. After learning that the location arranged by the Anti-Japanese League today, troops were being reorganized and trained, He happily nodded and agreed to the arrangements of the Anti-League.
Not only the British, but also Major General Stilwell, who was so angry with Yang Zhen the day before, shamelessly ignored Yang Zhen's eyes and went with a arrogant expression on his face, looking at this guy's arrogant expression. Yang Zhen, who knew what purpose this guy had in mind, shook his head, and was really looking forward to seeing if this guy would be so arrogant when he came back.
As for Mr. Hopkins, as Yang Zhen expected, he did not go with him, but asked to negotiate with Yang Zhen alone. Yang Zhen naturally would not refuse Hopkins' request. He is most willing to be optimistic about the outcome of negotiations where people are present.
After sitting down in the conference room of both parties, Mr. Hopkins, adhering to the usual direct way of talking in the United States, went straight to the point: "General Yang, regarding the major victory you achieved not long ago, you have once again given your enemy a major victory. On behalf of the President of the United States of America and all Americans who care about you, I would like to express my sincere congratulations."
"The President of the United States of America and all those who care about you have been paying close attention to your development and growth. For every victory you achieve, His Excellency the President will personally check in and pray for you. Before I come this time, His Excellency the President specifically told me to bring his blessings."
"Yang, I hope you and your subordinates will believe that in this global war against tyranny and aggression, the U.S. government and military, which loves freedom and democracy, will never give up on fulfilling its obligations. The government and military will never allow fascism to spread around the world."
"Now for us, how can we arm you in accordance with the standards of Western armies in the shortest possible time so that your army can assume more important responsibilities in the near future? It is the responsibility of the US government and the United States The military believes that it is the most important thing to do at present."
"When the United States provides assistance to countries around the world that are fighting against tyranny and involved in wars, you should not be excluded. Although this will bring a certain passivity to U.S. diplomacy, the White House and the U.S. government value you more. The combat effectiveness of an army.”
"As for our true intention and mission of coming to Manchuria uninvited this time, I think General Yang should be very smart, so I don't want to be polite to you. It's better for us to talk directly. Now for For us, every minute is precious."
"So I don't want to waste these precious time, which is extremely precious to us, on unnecessary wrangling. I hope that we can reach an agreement that satisfies both you and me in the shortest possible time. Instead of Too much of our precious time is wasted in haggling.”
"Please rest assured that my visit this time has been fully authorized by His Excellency the President. As long as I can accept anything, I can make a decision directly. As for Major General Stilwell, he is here just for a visit and inspection. His Any decision will not affect the White House's commitment to you."
At this point, Hopkins' eyes that seemed to be able to see through people's hearts stared at Yang Zhen for a long time before saying in a very serious tone: "However, despite Major General Stilwell's opinions and decisions, they cannot affect the decision-making of the White House. , but I hope what happened last night will not happen again."
"You have to know that he is a major general in the U.S. Army. Although he cannot affect the policies of the White House, it will affect the U.S. Army's impression of you. And I don't want to be restricted by the Army on certain things. You know, Shi Major General Dewey’s opinions cannot affect the White House, but the Army’s opinions must be taken into consideration by the President.”
The Mr. Hopkins in front of him clearly knew about his quarrel with Major General Stilwell last night. Yang Zhen was not surprised. Although he did not participate in last night's meeting, it did not mean that this man could not grasp it. The situation inside the venue was that if he couldn't even do this, the White House wouldn't send him out.
Yang Zhen just laughed at Hopkins's warning words, but did not give any explanation. For him, Hopkins' previous words were the key point, and there was not much time to waste on wrangling. Yang Zhen readily agreed to Hopkins' proposal.
Since Yang Zhen nodded to agree with his opinion, Hopkins had no reason to hesitate and said directly: "Yang, judging from the current overall situation, the White House will not be able to provide you with much until the first half of next year. equipment, so from now until the United States can provide a large amount of weapons and equipment assistance, the assistance you receive will still be mainly materials."
"However, considering the current situation you are facing, the U.S. government has decided to provide a financial assistance. Starting next year, the U.S. government will provide you with a fund of no less than 50 million U.S. dollars in the annual fiscal budget. Assistance to relieve the financial pressure you are currently experiencing and ensure that you will not be completely overwhelmed by the current huge military expenditure."
"As for supplies, after careful consideration and research on Pearson's report, we have decided to provide you with two thousand tons of propellant for various ammunition, five thousand tons of high explosives, and guns from this month to the end of the year. Fifteen thousand tons each of steel and shell steel, and five hundred tons of high-quality copper."
"As well as 23,000 tons of various fuels, 1,000 tons of cotton, 1 million meters of khaki and cotton cloth, a batch of medical equipment and equipment, plus 10,000 truck tires, and 100 P-40 fighter jets spare aircraft engines to alleviate your shortage of ammunition and urgently needed winter clothing, ensure that you can replace your military uniforms on time next spring, and maintain the combat capability of your aviation force."
"At the same time, by February next year, the United States will arrange for its arsenal to provide you with another 200 million rounds of the standard rifle ammunition you are currently using, and 20 million rounds of the two types of large-caliber machine gun ammunition you are currently equipped with, and will satisfy the Soviet Union's needs. Under the conditions of the demand for small arms ammunition, assistance will be given to you with some ammunition of the same specifications as the ones they use."
"Yang, based on the current size of your army, I think these supplies are enough to meet your needs until tomorrow spring. The fuel and ammunition are also enough to meet your needs for at least two more battles of the scale you just concluded. By using your own production, you can also ensure that you have abundant reserves."
"In addition to these materials directly used for combat, the U.S. government also plans to provide you with four small arms ammunition production lines, two artillery shells and two aerial bomb production lines each before the end of the year. We will strive to provide you with the required machinery and equipment. Complete delivery before the end of December.”
"If you need it, the United States can send some railway experts to you and add some railway tracks and corresponding equipment to the aid supplies to help you repair the railways damaged by the war and ensure the smooth flow of your railway transportation during wartime .”
"These supplies are the amount that the U.S. government has decided to assist in the remaining two months of this year and until March next year. Yang, although we are temporarily unable to provide you with the active weapons and equipment you need, we have done our best in terms of supplies and equipment. To meet your needs, this is all the United States can do before March next year."
"What we should be talking about now is the distribution plan for your supplies and weapons and equipment next year and in the next few years, as well as certain adjustments we need to make to meet your special needs. Yang, can you make any requests? Just mention it, we will consider it carefully."