"The Chinese Army may have performed well, but they have never conducted any landing operations"

"The Chinese Navy does not have enough ships for transporting army units"

"If China wants to enter Japan, it may take another ten years to prepare"

"They have only one brigade of marines"

After Japan clearly rejected China's proposal for peace, the British military attache in China sent this report to the Admiralty in London, in which he listed in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the Chinese army and navy, and finally came to the following conclusions.

"Before discussing the equipment and combat capability of the Chinese Guards Army, whether it has the ability to land in Japan, we should first discuss the history of their army, and now it is undeniable that under strict discipline and control, the loyalty of the Chinese people to the country, obedience to superiors and organizations is much higher than at any time in Chinese history, but this does not mean that its army has the ability to attack the Japanese mainland."

In his report, he listed in detail the advantages of the Japanese army, and finally came to the conclusion that unless Japan was a Qing state, the squadron would never risk trying to attack the Japanese mainland.

"This is just a statement that the Chinese may seek a reasonable solution for diplomatic solutions in the future"

Such a report came at the right time for the British government, and in London's view, the only thing they needed was it, which finally alleviated their fears in one respect, that of China's attack on the Japanese mainland.

As an ally of Japan, Britain needed to make an appropriate representation in this war anyway, at least to some extent, and also to protest to China, its Asian Fleet sent the cruiser "Aslawang" to Japan to visit Japan, and in order not to irritate China's "sensitive nerves" too much, it rejected Japan's request for the British Navy to escort several munitions ships.

They just visit

In the end, the cruiser "Aslawang" successfully passed through the no-sail zone established by the Chinese Navy and entered Japan, and its captain was Major Sislam and did not pay attention to the Japanese navy as in the past, the Japanese navy no longer existed, and as a visitor, he was more concerned about the defense of the Japanese mainland.

Although he was a naval officer, he came to a conclusion after a detailed examination of the Japanese Army.

"Despite their lack of equipment, it is undeniable that the morale of the Japanese Army is very strong, and their loyalty to the country and the emperor will support them until the very end. However, for Japan, this is not enough, I learned from some officers that now Japan has less than 200 old artillery pieces of all kinds, and no division has enough weapons, even the most basic rifles, maybe they will resist desperately, but if the squadron dares to take risks, I believe that the Chinese army can defeat three times the strength of Japan. Once a landing operation occurs, it will be more of a military walk than a war......"

Eventually, however, his report caused a burst of laughter from the War Office in London.

"This is the most layman's report ever made"

In such an atmosphere, the British naturally do not need to think about anything, the Chinese will attack the Japanese mainland, in the eyes of almost every political elite in London, the Chinese are just asking for a price, then as an ally of Japan, in addition to showing appropriate support for Japan, the more important point is that it must tell the Chinese that they must lower their demands.

However, the attitude of the Chinese side has been unexpected, at least not in the UK.

In fact, for the British, their involvement in the Sino-Japanese war was, to a large extent, only to maintain the balance between British interests in the Far East and the Far East, and it was for this reason that the British Foreign Secretary Landstam would meet with the Chinese ambassador to the United Kingdom, Wang Daxie, to discuss once again the peace plan proposed by the British.

"First of all, I need to state once again my own point of view and that of the British Government, and that we sincerely hope that peace will be restored to the Far East immediately. I hope to take this opportunity to open our minds and have a good talk about the Far East."

He knew that perhaps at this time, the negotiations in Berlin had reached the most critical moment, and the Sino-German alliance, for China, was the foundation for completely getting rid of Britain and enabling China to have the complete initiative over Japan. ,

"Britain believes that it is appropriate and necessary for Japan to return Korea and the Ryukyu Islands to China"

As the foreign minister of this old empire, Landstam naturally knew that as the victors of this war, the Chinese would definitely need the fruits that belonged to the victors.

"At the same time, Japan should also bear your country's military spending"

Another affirmation, Wang Daxie, but he only listened quietly to Landstam's discussion of his views on peace in the Far East, and of course inevitably criticized China's relatively tough attitude.

Finally, Landstam admits lightly,

"Now, Britain believes that peace in the Far East must be restored, so we will support what we have proposed before, and if China can accept it, I think peace in the Far East should be achieved in the short term, what do you think? Your Excellency the Ambassador"

Wang Daxie, who was expressionless, glanced at the confident British Foreign Secretary in front of him, and just shook his head quietly and said.

"Your Excellency, we are more eager than Britain or even Japan to end the war between China and Japan, but if we cannot punish the instigating country severely, then ......"

Wang Daxie's words suddenly became stern at this time.

"I think that even if we sign the peace treaty now, it will only be an armistice for a few years, and in a few years, Japan, which has recovered from its strength, will still declare war on our country again, and then I would like to ask your Excellency, how should Britain deal with itself, and if your country still wants to maintain harmonious relations between China and Japan, then Britain should support the conditions we have proposed, and only in this way can real peace in the Far East be realized."

Wang Daxie just spoke, and then he looked at Lanztam and said.

"If You Really Need Peace"

After the words of the two meanings came out of Wang Daxie's mouth, Landztam looked at the ambassador in front of him, and he understood that diplomacy is to let the other party know his true meaning and feelings, move it to his advantage, and know it with affection.

"So is your country ready to reject once again the conditions that we have put forward that are so favorable to your country? You know, this is probably the best you can get, and if you are willing to accept it, then Britain will do everything in its power to grant your wish."

"The only solution now is for Japan to accept the conditions proposed by our country"

Wang Daxie insisted on saying this, and then said again.

"In addition, on the direct orders of our country, China will reject all peace plans proposed by other countries in response to the Sino-Japanese war."

In a word, it completely blocked Landztam's idea of continuing, and Landztam looked at Wang Daxie, and after being silent for a long time, he said seriously.

"You are refusing to make peace that may be the most favorable condition you can get in this war."

It was the British who guaranteed Landstam muttered to himself.

"That's because we will get peace conditions that are more favorable to China and more favorable to peace in the Far East."

Wang Daxie responded very politely, and when he responded lightly, he muttered in his heart, I hope everything in Berlin will go smoothly, only in this way can China shake off Britain with half of China's hands tied, and once the Sino-German alliance treaty is signed, Germany will stumble Britain.

Ito waited in a hotel in Berlin.

During his visit to Russia, the Russian side promised to give a written reply to Ito's request.

"There will be good news"

Berlin, historically, negotiations have always been long, especially when it comes to the fundamental interests of the two countries, although both China and Germany have the desire to sign an alliance treaty, but the wish is always just a wish, after involving the actual interests, the two sides will always argue at the negotiating table, and even quarrel.

Fortunately, in the midst of such covert diplomacy, both sides occasionally make appropriate compromises.

At this time, the air in the Kaiser's palace on the outskirts of Berlin was very different from before.

"Germany believes that our demands are reasonable"

Pressing the cigarette out of the ashtray, Yagov emphasized again.

"Now that China and Japan are at war, and Japan and Britain have an alliance, if we agree to include Britain in the restrictive clause now, then Germany must take into account the reality that Germany needs to be drawn into a war against the Chinese as soon as the treaty is signed, which is obviously not in line with Germany's will to sign this treaty aimed at maintaining peace."

When mentioning the last sentence, Yagov specially added the word "peace", as if to remind Yang Sheng in front of him that the reason why Germany signed this treaty was for peace, not for war.

When he put down the new German translation of the first clause in his hand, Yang Sheng was at first at a loss, and then said in a low tone.

"Perhaps, it is undeniable that both we and the German Empire sat down for the sake of peace, negotiated and concluded this treaty of alliance with good intentions, but ......"

Stretching out his finger, Yang Sheng looked at Yagfu seriously.

"The ultimate purpose of this treaty is to deter our common enemies or potential rivals, to tell them that an alliance between China and Germany and that only sufficient deterrence can ensure future peace, and we do not believe that broad provisions can create sufficient deterrence against Britain"

When Yagov was about to refute, Yang Sheng continued.

"As for your belief that you may be involved in a war, then you are undoubtedly questioning your country's influence and Britain's resolve, and is it possible that Britain will be involved in a war against Germany for the sake of Japan?"

A rhetorical question, in fact, was a little sycophant, but Yagov didn't mean anything to be used, he just nodded his head.

"The British may be hesitant, but because of this, designating Britain becomes somewhat meaningless......"

This is Germany's opinion, Germany is not willing to pay for China and Japan, at least not now, Germany is only using this alliance treaty to deter Russia, not Britain, what kind of deterrence will China have against Britain?

In the face of Yagfu's insistence, Yang Sheng put on a look of extreme disappointment, and then he sighed and said.

"If this is the case, Your Excellency, we have to admit that, at least for now, there is little sincerity on your part to conclude this broad treaty of alliance."

"Your Excellency, we have shown enough sincerity that even the German government has expressed its willingness to help your country industrialize and to help your government coordinate the purchase of patents from German companies.

Yagov asked rhetorically, and then he was silent again, looking at Yang Sheng domineeringly, and in German political circles, many people who knew about this secret negotiation all thought that this alliance treaty was a handout to China.

"And ......"

Yagov's voice was loud, and he paused, then continued.

"We are willing to provide corresponding guarantees for China's security in the additional clauses of the treaty, of course, in response to the immediate ......."

Then Yagov paused again and added.

"Of course, we will not publish this and any other articles which extend it, and if England declares war on you over the question of Japan, Germany will provide you with all the help she can to the extent that all your armed forces are mobilized to preserve the sanctity of the treaty of alliance."

Yagov then placed the document on the table, held it down with his palm, moved the side of his palm quickly, and pushed a fountain pen that was placed aside forward. Now, according to his thoughts, with such a guarantee, there should be no problem now. So he glanced at Yang Sheng aggressively.

"Hmm"

Yang Sheng's eyelids jumped slightly, sat aside, and continued.

"China is far enough away from Germany, and we don't think that this additional clause will have any substantial deterrent to Britain, but it ......"

As soon as he raised his eyes and looked directly at Yagfu in front of him, Yang Sheng continued.

"If, if your country insists, then we also need a supplementary clause, such as if Britain attacks Germany, then China will not be obliged to assist its allies."

One sentence made Yagov stunned, he looked at Yang Sheng in front of him, and almost couldn't believe that he would hear such an answer.

"I think that in this case, then this treaty of alliance will be beneficial to us, that is, as your country has said, you do not want to form a hostile relationship with Britain, and the treaty of alliance is against Russia, then China will only assume obligations against Russia."

Yang Sheng's words only made Yagofu silent, before that, he never expected Yang Sheng to put forward such a condition, and at this time, when he was silent, Yang Sheng continued.

"At the same time, we believe that France is also not China's responsibility and obligation, and we hope to get your country's understanding of this." ,

Another condition that Yang Sheng spit out only made Yagofu's face pale, and when he looked directly at Yang Sheng and was about to speak, he saw Yang Sheng smile slightly.

"On behalf of Your Excellency, if this is the treaty you need, I think there is no more appropriate clause than these two articles, of course......"

Yang Sheng, who didn't leave any time for Yagfu to interject, changed the conversation again,

"This kind of treaty is not what we want, just as we expected when we proposed the Sino-German alliance to your country, the Chinese Empire wants to be able to form the closest alliance with the German Empire, and we are willing, and willing to assume the duties and responsibilities of being allies at any time, can the German Empire be willing to assume the same responsibilities and obligations? ...... to this"

After pondering for a moment, Yang Sheng shrugged his shoulders with regret and said.

"Now, I doubt it deeply"

Then Yang Sheng leaned back on the back of the lap chair and shrugged his shoulders helplessly.

"Why? I think you know this better than you do, even though we are here in good faith......"

Yang Sheng's eyes were on the revised translation of the draft proposed by Germany.

"However, we have only received an answer that Germany is not willing to take responsibility and obligation"

In the face of such accusations, Yagov said out loud almost helplessly.

"Can I understand, then, that China is asking Germany whether it intends to form an alliance and cooperate with China and Germany in the cause of destroying the British Empire?"

And in response to this obviously dissatisfied question, Yang Sheng narrowed his eyes slightly.

"If you think so"

"There is no doubt about it"

"So,"

Yang Sheng no longer concealed his emotions, and said with some excitement,

"Allow me to ask one last question: Does that mean that Germany is convinced that Britain will not be hostile to Germany at any time in the future?"

A rhetorical question silenced Yagov, this is impossible, now Britain and Germany are in a semi-hostile state, no one can predict what the future will become, but Yagov believes that if one day, Germany needs to go to war with France or Russia, then Britain will definitely be involved.

"Whether it is your country or China, we know the answer, indeed, now that your country has agreed to the first clause, it is true that it may lead to a war between Germany and Britain, but our cooperation today is in exchange for the benefits of tomorrow, tomorrow, none of us can predict, perhaps, at that time, China will join Germany in the war against Britain, who knows?"

Then Yang Sheng continued.

"But now we can expect that, at least for now, if Germany is willing to assume the responsibilities and obligations of its allies, then Britain will never go to war with Germany for the sake of Japan."

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