After accusing Liu Yimin of robbing the financial assets of the Japanese Empire, Terauchi Touichi changed the topic and put on a compassionate posture, saying slowly: "The security situation in North China is basically stable now. The imperial army passed by and the Tubal Road collapsed.
Even instructor Liu Yimin, who had caused a lot of trouble to the imperial army in the previous stage, disappeared and went into hiding. In the next step, the imperial army will quickly open up the Jiaoji Road and capture the southern mountainous area in central Shandong and the southeastern Shandong area. What I am worried about is that because
Under the influence of the Communist Party and Tubal Road, the innocent people in the above-mentioned areas do not cooperate with the imperial army, and may even attack the imperial army. In this case, the imperial army's frontline will be directed towards the cunning Liu Yimin and his bandits Tubal Road.
On the other hand, inciting the people to fight against the imperial army will result in casualties among the people."
After Juichi Terauchi finished speaking, he took a sip of water from his tea cup and looked at the reporters with a smile.
Since the last time an American reporter was escorted back to the U.S. Consulate in Tianjin for not cooperating with the Japanese army, reporters in Peiping basically no longer dare to challenge the Japanese army. So when Kita Seiichi announced that it was entering the reporter's question period, the reporters'
Questions have become short of salt and vinegar, and taste like nothing.
A reporter saw that the questions from his colleagues were all dull, so he boldly asked: "Your Excellency, Commander, we have all seen the telegram issued by Liu Yimin. Is it true that the imperial army's strength in the Northeast is unusually empty? Is it true? The Soviet Red Army will
Won’t we send troops to the Northeast?”
After hearing this, Tou Terauchi wanted to drag the reporter out and shoot him, but after thinking about it, he held back. He still smiled and tried to make his voice sincere: "Journalist friend, I want to correct you first.
That’s not Northeast China but Manchukuo. I don’t know where you saw Liu Yimin’s phone conversation, but I want to tell you that Liu Yimin is the best at intimidating with false words. His words are like the wind and cannot be taken seriously.
. What I want to tell you is that the Empire of Japan currently has no conflict of interest with the Soviet Union. The so-called Soviet Red Army sending troops to Manchuria is purely Liu Yimin's attempt to sow discord in order to avoid annihilation. Manchuria is an independent country, and the Soviet Union cannot do so at will.
Infringing on a country's sovereignty. In addition, I want to tell you that the elite First Division, Second Division, and Seventh Division of the Empire of Japan are returning to Manchuria on a starry and night trip, and several newly formed divisions from Japan have already shipped
Transport Manchuria. Manchuria is impregnable!"
The reporter was dubious after hearing Juichi's answer from the temple, so he asked again: "Your Excellency, Commander, Liu Yimin said in the telegraph conversation that the imperial army only has a small number of troops in central China and eastern Henan. You are inciting the national army to counterattack.
Do you think what he said is true?"
Shouichi in the temple is most annoyed by people asking this kind of question, but he knows that this question must be answered now, because Liu Yimin's power is known to the whole world, and prevarication alone will not work.
Therefore, Shouichi in the temple cleared his throat and said seriously: "Although the imperial army only has three divisions in eastern Henan, the front-line troops in Xuzhou can be reinforced at any time. Our non-teahouse welcomes Chiang Kai-shek's troops to risk attacking eastern Henan. In that case, from the mainland
The ten newly transferred divisions can wipe out the main force of Chiang Kai-shek's first theater in one fell swoop. Although the troops in Central China are slightly weaker, they are all the elites of the imperial army. One division will have no problem defeating several of Chiang Kai-shek's armies. Journalists don't need to worry.
, the main force of the imperial army will soon be able to level Shandong, and then the entire Tubal Road in North China will be wiped out. Where the main force of the imperial army will go next cannot be said yet, but the first thing to be attacked will be the robbers who take advantage of the situation."
Originally, this reporter only dared to ask two questions in a row, and it was just a whim. If he had stopped when he was satisfied, he would probably be able to return to the newspaper as a reporter. However, maybe Terauchi Juichi answered him two questions in a row, which made him too excited.
He opened his mouth and said the words that brought him death: "Your Excellency Commander: Liu Yimin said in the call that the Eighth Route Army has the ability to repel the Imperial Army's attack. He also said that the Eighth Division has been eliminated, and the Eighth Route Army has been defeated.
The Tenth Division will be followed by the elimination of the elite divisions of the Imperial Army. Teagoers in the Peking teahouse are all predicting which division of the Imperial Army Liu Yimin will destroy next. Some said it was the Fifth Division, and some said it was the Fifth Division.
It's the Sixth Division. I would like to ask, Commander, what do you think of this matter?"
Before the reporter could finish speaking, Terauchi Juichi became furious, slammed the table, and shouted loudly: "Baga! Your conscience is greatly damaged! Get out!"
Two gendarmes came immediately, picked up the unfortunate reporter and left. Soon there was a gunshot outside the door.
Seeing that the reporters at the scene were all silent and trembling, Terauchi Juichi smiled with a smile on his face, said "Yoshi" twice, and then said: "Everyone, the Imperial Japanese Army is invincible, and instructor Liu Yimin is definitely no match for the Imperial Army. I
I want you to use your pen to tell the people of China that the Imperial Army protects them. As long as they are willing to cooperate with the Imperial Army, the Imperial Army will absolutely protect their personal safety and property safety. As for Liu Yimin and his bandit troops, the Imperial Army
They will definitely be completely eliminated. Of course, if Liu Yimin himself is willing to surrender, I can solemnly guarantee once again that the imperial army will not only not make things difficult for him, but will also let him be responsible for Shandong, no, let him be responsible for the entire imperial army's occupation of North China or even central China.
If he wants to lead troops, the Imperial Army can also let him command the troops. The Imperial Army can even build him a luxurious residence in Japan, or buy a luxurious residence in Europe or the United States, ensuring that he will live a wealthy and worry-free life.
No worries!"
Siuchi Shouyi thought about it and was not satisfied, and then said: "Any officer and soldier under Liu Yimin who is willing to surrender to the imperial army will be reused by the imperial army. The brigade commander will be promoted to the commander of the North China Security Army Group, the regiment commander will be promoted to division commander, and the battalion commander will be promoted to regiment commander
, all officers and soldiers who surrender will be given generous monetary rewards. In addition, all officers can marry beauties from the Japanese Empire."
Due to the tragic death of the reporter just now, reporters no longer dared to ask any more questions about what Juichi Terauchi said. After Juichi Terauchi spoke for a while, seeing that the reporters stopped asking questions, he also lost interest in the speech and hurriedly ended the press conference and returned to the headquarters.
Go and take command.
The Japanese army is attacking the Eighth Route Army base area with heavy troops, and Wuhan is naturally aware of it. However, there are different opinions. Some generals advocate launching an offensive immediately in eastern Henan. The reasons are very good. Liu Yimin clearly stated the strength of the Japanese army in eastern Henan during the phone conversation.
, even if the first theater of war cannot eliminate the Japanese army in eastern Henan, it can at least contain the Japanese army and prevent the Japanese army from concentrating all its efforts on attacking Shandong. Other generals advocate launching an offensive on both sides of the Yangtze River. The reason is that the Japanese army in the Central China Front is extremely weak and will not attack at this time.
When?
The Wuhan High Command had been arguing about this matter for several days, but nothing came of it. They watched as the Japanese army swept through central Hebei, the borders of Hebei and Shandong, southern Hebei, and then swept through the western Shandong, southwestern Shandong, and western Tai areas. A large army was about to arrive.
Pounced on Lu Zhongnan, Lu was in the middle, and the base camp was not sure whether it should take the initiative and in which direction it should launch the attack. However, those units that were in contact with the Japanese army took the initiative to attack several times.
Chiang Kai-shek was actually like Ming Jing, knowing that if the Japanese army wiped out the Eighth Route Army in Shandong, they would immediately turn around and attack Wuhan. He also read Liu Yimin's telegraph conversation and knew that what Liu Yimin said was the truth. If he wanted to win the war of resistance, he must implement a nationwide chess game.
. However, Chiang Kai-shek was in a very complicated mood. He was reluctant to let his heroic and capable instructors be wiped out by the Japanese army, and he was also worried that the Eighth Route Army would develop too fast. If the Eighth Route Army could survive the Japanese sweep, it would probably develop even faster in the future.
.
Just as Juichi Teruchi held a press conference, Chiang Kai-shek also held a combat meeting in Wuhan to once again study the current war situation.
Li Zongren felt that he could take advantage of the opportunity of the main force of the Japanese army to pounce on Shandong, organize the main force of the first theater and the fifth theater to deal with the enemies in eastern Henan. Therefore, he did not care about his identity as a leader of the Guangxi clique, and took the lead without waiting for others to speak.
He stood up and said: "The current situation is very clear. The Shandong Eighth Route Army is not an opponent of the Japanese army at all. The reason is that the Japanese army is too large and can form several heavily armed groups. Liu Yimin is brave and good at fighting, but the tigers cannot hold off the wolves and want to attack the Japanese army all the way.
It is impossible to defend one area or to defend one area. If other battlefields do not cooperate, the Eighth Route Army in Shandong will not be able to sustain it for long. In the end, as Liu Yimin said, when the Japanese army comes to attack Kaifeng or Wuhan again,
No one will stab the Japanese army in the rear again. Under no circumstances should we let the Japanese army succeed in their plan to eliminate Liu Yimin’s troops!"
Everyone here understands what Li Zongren said, and they all know that the Japanese army will attack Wuhan without any scruples after eliminating the Eighth Route Army instructors.
Xue Yue could not sit still for the first time. He stood up and saluted Chiang Kai-shek and reported: "Commissioner, I suggest an immediate attack on the enemy in eastern Henan. I am sure that I can break through the Japanese Lan Feng defense line. If the follow-up troops are sufficient, I can take the opportunity to take back Shangqiu."
.”
Before he finished speaking, He Guoguang, who rushed back from Chongqing, said: "It is indeed good to attack East Henan, and now is a good time. But General Boling must not forget, what did your East Henan Corps attack the 14th Division some time ago?
Ending. With such heavy losses, it is better to complete the replenishment and rest first. Besides, although the Shandong battlefield is currently dangerous, with Liu Yimin's ability, I don't think it will be easy for the Japanese army to eliminate him. But we have to seriously study Wuhan's defense issues. The Japanese army
The next target must be Wuhan, and we don’t have much time left.”
Li Zongren was shocked when He Guoguang said this. He knew that He Guoguang was Chiang Kai-shek's main staff officer when he encircled and suppressed the Red Army, but he did not expect that he would have the same thoughts as he did against the Red Army on the anti-Japanese battlefield now.
Li Zongren glanced at Bai Chongxi, sat down and stopped talking.
Xue Yue had a hard temper. Hearing what He Guoguang said, he immediately pushed back: "Defending Wuhan does not mean defending Wuhan. Fighting in Shandong and eastern Henan to delay the Japanese army from attacking Wuhan is defending Wuhan, isn't it? Besides, ten
What kind of army is the Fourth Division? Can the current Japanese army in eastern Henan compare with the Fourteenth Division? I think if you hesitate, the little Japanese will rush to Wuhan after finishing Shandong."
He Yingqin coughed and said: "From the overall strategic perspective of the Anti-Japanese War, the transfer of factory equipment to the rear and the training of troops are the basis for a protracted war. The purpose of defending Wuhan is to delay the Japanese attack and cover the transfer of strategic materials. As for Shandong and the North China Plain,
The task there is to carry out guerrilla warfare, harass the enemy, and destroy the enemy's facilities so that they cannot attack Wuhan. In this sense, the top priority is to quickly transfer factory equipment, make up for the losses in the previous battle, and strengthen the defense line, rather than where to go.
The Japanese army launched a counterattack. In doing so, they fell into the enemy's trap."
Chen Cheng didn't like hearing what He Yingqin said, but he was Chiang Kai-shek's closest confidant and knew Chiang Kai-shek's little calculations. However, from a strategic perspective, he should take the initiative to attack the enemy and support the Shandong operation. So, Chen Cheng said: "He
What the minister said makes sense, but what Boling said also makes sense. I think we can attack the Japanese from the north and south at the same time, with the north attacking east Henan and the south attacking both sides of the Yangtze River. However, we can pull the newly formed troops up to
For training, the main force should seize the opportunity to rest and deploy. It does not seek to eliminate many Japanese soldiers, but only seeks to train the troops and coordinate the Eighth Route Army's operations. Liu Yimin is right. Yan Xishan and Wei Lihuang in Shanxi should also take the opportunity to take action. If our army is delayed
If we take action, we will be politically passive and unable to explain to all parties.”
Chen Cheng's meaning is very clear. It is not not to not fight, but to fight in a big way to create a huge momentum. On the one hand, it will contain the Japanese army and cooperate with Liu Yimin's operations; on the other hand, it will also train the newly formed troops. Chen Cheng's suggestion is really good.
Bai Chongxi lamented in his heart, stood up and said: "I agree with General Xue Yue's opinion. We should fight a good battle in eastern Henan to force the Japanese army to rescue eastern Henan again. There are three reasons: First, the Japanese troops in eastern Henan have just returned from Japan.
The combat effectiveness of the newly formed divisions from China is not as good as that of the Japanese Instant Intervention Division. The second is the main force of the original fifth theater that was withdrawn from the Xuzhou direction. After this period of replenishment, the combat effectiveness of the troops has recovered.
, can completely cooperate with the troops in the first theater to attack the Japanese army from the north to the south. Third, if we fight, we can relieve part of the pressure on the Shandong Eighth Route Army. When the Japanese army pounces on eastern Henan, Liu Yimin can also cooperate with us in fighting behind enemy lines. The two sides cooperate with each other and fight.
Pulling, pulling and beating made the Japanese army exhausted and delayed the Japanese army's attack on Wuhan and the Henan Plain."
After listening to what several people said, Chiang Kai-shek made his decision. This time he no longer hesitated and ordered the First Theater to organize troops to attack the Japanese Army in Eastern Henan. He ordered Chen Cheng to seize the time to organize the defense of Wuhan and transfer factory equipment. He ordered Xue Yue to
The troops quickly transferred to the south, joined the Wuhan combat sequence, and ordered the troops along the Yangtze River to launch active attacks against the Japanese, using fighting as training to train new troops. As for the specific combat plan, Bai Chongxi was responsible for formulating it.