Chapter six hundred and twentieth consider some details
Yang Zhen's words seemed to give reassurance to the military commander who had been tricked into running away several times before. But in response to Yang Zhen's statement that his ability was higher than his, the military commander quickly waved his hand and said: "Political Commissar, this may be Don’t put it that way. We have received battle reports from the central government about your several battles in the Northeast. To be honest, I can’t fight your kind of battles.”
"In this year's battle, with roughly equal forces, you actually defeated the siege of more than 100,000 Japanese troops equipped with tanks, heavy artillery and a large number of aviation units, and annihilated most of them. This result is not to mention our poor equipment. Even the most well-equipped Central Army cannot defeat them."
"The political commissar started from scratch in the Northeast, almost from scratch. With one or two hundred defeated soldiers, he created a vast territory. It is difficult to do without superhuman military qualities. We all know the combat effectiveness of the Japanese army. With the political commissar, we have repeatedly defeated more with less. Compared to completely reversing the situation in the Northeast War, my ability is inferior. The political commissar should not mention the famous generals of the Northern Expedition and the Iron Army again."
"Just like you said, one is one and two is two. Qualifications are qualifications, but ability is ability. Although my qualifications are far older than yours, the difference in ability is too far. The little experience we had before is now On the battlefield, facing an enemy armed to the teeth, it is no longer enough."
"To be honest, I am surprised that you came to serve as the political commissar of the New Fourth Army, but it is also expected. Maybe not only me, but even all senior cadres may be surprised. Especially the one who has the right to receive the battle report forwarded by the Central Committee All the senior cadres felt that it was a bit unexpected, even a bit sudden."
"But if you think about it carefully, it is not difficult to understand the central government's intention of transferring you to the New Fourth Army as the Northeast is facing a critical moment. The situation in southern Anhui has reached a critical moment, and what is needed here is someone who can make decisive decisions. people, otherwise the situation in southern Anhui will be difficult to resolve in a short time. The more than 10,000 cadres and troops in southern Anhui are in danger."
Regarding the commander's evaluation, Yang Zhen just smiled faintly. Although he heard that the elder's appreciation was from the heart, it did not mean that he would accept it. However, in the face of the current bad situation, neither Yang Zhen nor the army I am not in the mood to continue this topic.
After a moment of silence, the military commander said: "Political Commissar, this time the central government has transferred you to southern Anhui to take charge of the overall situation when the situation in Northeast China has reached a critical moment. I believe you already know the situation here. You did not tell the whole story at the meeting, so I specifically want to ask you what you really think. Of the three routes, which one do you think is the most suitable? As the secretary of the military branch, the final decision is still up to you."
Regarding the commander's straightforwardness, Yang Zhen said without any hesitation: "None of the three routes are good choices for us now. But judging from the current situation in southern Anhui, we have no choice except these three routes. There are other options. We were too hesitant before and actually lost the best opportunity to transfer."
"Southern Anhui, which is at an angle with southern Jiangsu, has an important strategic position. However, it is narrow and deep, and the surrounding situation is very different from that after the fall of Nanjing. To the west and south are the elites of the three theaters, and to the east are the elites of the three theaters. The headquarters of the Japanese invaders against China is home to a large concentration of Japanese troops. We are trapped in southern Anhui, not only unable to develop, but also in danger of sitting still and waiting for death."
"Now that the encirclement of Wannan by the three theaters has been completed, no matter which route we choose except the eastern front, we have to march under their guns. This is not a low risk for us, or even higher. So right now As I said at the meeting, no matter which route we choose, we must be prepared to fight."
"We are still half a month away from the final evacuation time set by the Third War Zone. Once we continue to delay the deadline, we will give them the excuse to come to their door. This is very detrimental to winning public support. Not only that, but also for For us, opportunities are fleeting. So we must start taking action before the end of the month."
"As for the route selection, the northern route via Fanchang, Tongling to Wuwei is our old transportation line, and it is also the old guerrilla zone of the Three Detachments and the Wuwei guerrillas. The distance is shorter and the mass base is better. But this road The water network is crisscrossed and is the main blockade of the Japanese and puppets on the Yangtze River."
"Unless we choose to disperse our limited strength and retreat north in batches under the current situation of the enemy. Otherwise, on the terrain of more than 50 miles of water network, the movement of small units is acceptable, but for the movement of large units, , especially when our army lacks the ability to attack difficult targets, this is not a good choice."
"Furthermore, three divisions of Guangxi troops from the fifth theater of Jiangbei have arrived in the Wuwei area. It is hard to say whether they will cooperate with the third theater to deal with us or cover us in crossing the river. In addition, the Japanese army has deployed an additional 15 divisions to reach Tongling and Fanchang. .This line is practically impossible.”
"Commander Xiyi, as a famous general in the Northern Expedition, should know that although the equipment of the Guangxi troops is poor, their combat effectiveness is very strong. Especially their mountain warfare capabilities are not inferior to ours. In the battle of Xiangjiang, the Central Red Army was defeated by the Guangxi troops. A huge loss. Coupled with the Japanese 15th Division, we are at an absolute disadvantage in terms of military strength and are likely to face a flanking attack."
"As for the eastern front, although it also has a good mass base and has southern Jiangsu troops to respond, it is a key blockade area in the third theater. Its 108th Division has completed the deployment of defenses and the construction of fortifications. Now the main force of the southern Jiangsu troops has gone north. Crossing over, the remaining three thousand troops are the only ones left by our army in southern Jiangsu?p>
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"In the face of the heavy troops in the third war zone, and in addition to the pressure of the heavy mopping up by the Japanese and puppet troops, the effect of southern Jiangsu's strength is very limited. Once the southern Jiangsu troops take the initiative to respond when our army crosses north, On the contrary, it will be detrimental to my subsequent development in Jiangnan."
"And the Third War Zone only allows us to evacuate non-combatants through this route, and our combat troops are strictly prohibited from passing through. In other words, if we choose this route, we will risk an open break with the Third War Zone. This is very important for our ability to win public opinion. Support is equally detrimental.”
"Since both routes are no longer feasible, the only thing left for us is to go south to Maolin, Sanxi to Jingde, Ningguo to Guangde, Langxi to Liyang and looking for an opportunity to cross north. This route In fact, on the surface, the foundation for mass work is weak, the distance is relatively long, and the operation is towards the rear of the third theater and heavily guarded by troops, which is very disadvantageous to me politically and militarily."
"However, under the circumstances that the Third Theater District agrees that our New Fourth Army troops in southern Anhui will move northward along this route and that they have not completed their deployment to encircle and suppress us, as long as our army moves quickly and resolutely, it is entirely possible to successfully move northward along this route. Especially in this situation. Neither the Third Theater nor the Japanese and puppet troops expected that we would choose this route, so we can choose to take it by surprise."
"Although it is politically unfavorable to us, as long as we do not develop it in depth, we can effectively reverse the disadvantage of public opinion. And we can take effective measures to avoid being politically passive. After all, our retreat to the north is in the third phase. Following repeated requests from the Third War Zone."
"So Commander, when studying which route to retreat, we should focus on this route. When you communicate with the Third War Zone, you must propose this route. But in terms of time, you must not leave any room for the other party. It takes too much preparation time. In other words, within three days of the report, we will take action regardless of whether the third theater agrees or not. We must not leave time for the other party to adjust their defenses calmly."
"And after the operation is launched, we must quickly get rid of all interference. Don't make any stops along the way, and march straight into Liyang at the speed of a forced march. If the third theater fires the first shot first, then concentrate your forces and attack with all your strength. You You are a military commander, and you have full authority to make decisions on war matters."
"But before taking action, a group of veteran scouts must be mobilized. It is best to be experienced and capable forces who have persisted in guerrilla warfare for three years in the south. Carry out careful and rigorous reconnaissance on this route. Especially the terrain must be done. I know what I'm doing. There's still more than half a month left, so it should be enough time."
"In addition, I will have a detailed report on the 40th Division's equipment, troop status, and especially its combat effectiveness within a week. This will include a detailed briefing on the mobilization, troop strength, and equipment status of other troops in the third theater. , especially we must have a detailed grasp of our deployment one week before the transfer. Only by knowing ourselves and our enemies can we be victorious in every battle."
"For any accidents that may be encountered on the northern retreat route, the army commander must be prepared and have a contingency plan. And this plan must be based on the thinking of fighting. Including changes in terrain and climate, there must be mental preparation. Especially The climate has adverse effects on our marching operations."
"Southern Anhui is a terrain where precipitation in mountainous areas has a great impact on the water volume of the Qingge River and other rivers. The water volume of each river on our way to the north must be taken into consideration. During the northward retreat, a group of strong personnel must be mobilized. , is specifically responsible for erecting pontoon bridges on various rivers to assist the troops in crossing the rivers as quickly as possible. Various difficulties encountered must be considered in as much detail as possible."
Having said this, Yang Zhen hesitated for a moment, and finally said: "Comrade Xiyi, our retreat to the north is actually being carried out under the circumstances of being surrounded by powerful enemies. If you are not careful, any hesitation may occur. You will be in danger of extinction. So once you make up your mind, you must be decisive."
"The central government is far away and water cannot quench the near thirst. Judging from our years of struggle experience, if the other party is really determined to eat us, no matter how the central government negotiates, it will not interfere with its determination. Therefore, in addition to the general principles and strategies, we Apart from listening to the central government’s arrangements, we have to rely on ourselves for the rest.”
"Also, the liaison officer stationed in the New Fourth Army in the third theater must be closely monitored by me. All deployments must be kept strictly confidential. He must not be allowed to leave before crossing the river. Especially the news of my arrival , it must be tightly sealed.”
"There is nothing wrong with obeying the united front in everything. But this is relative, not absolute. We cannot tie our hands and feet firmly to the united front and limit our development, let alone surrender our heads for this reason. Under someone else's bayonet."