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Beijing, British Embassy.

The British Embassy on the busiest street is extraordinary, with soldiers of the Royal Marines in ceremonial dresses, flowers and plants transplanted from Europe, and even gardeners and servants who are Sikhs from India, all of which show the grandeur and wealth of the British Empire. Yet this luxury is now being the target of the world's attention, and the vast empire on which the sun never sets faces its worst crisis ever, from the Far East to Africa, a vast fortune that attracts countless careerists.

With a tired face, Ambassador Xu Gesen took the briefcase from his secretary's hand, got into the car with the rice flag and drove towards the presidential palace again. He couldn't remember how many times he had been to meet Yang Qiu recently. It is only known that since the outbreak of the second war in Afghanistan, the embassy's daily gasoline expenditure has skyrocketed by 500 percent. The once great and proud British Empire is facing serious external threats, such as Japan, which is desperately expanding its navy, threatening Southeast Asia, Afghanistan, which is about the safety of the Indian crown, Beijing accelerating its penetration into the Arab world with economic weapons, and Germany repeatedly challenging the bottom line.

How will the situation develop?

On the eve of this betrayal and compromise, the dreary and depressing make everyone feel uncomfortable, and sometimes it is better to sit down and think about it than to simply lightning, thunder, and rain! But Prime Minister Chamberlain's foreign policy was vague and varied. At first, Downing Street had hoped to see an exchange of fire in Afghanistan, and even to see China and Germany join forces with the Soviet Union, but as the war situation in Afghanistan became clearer, it began to worry about Chinese infiltration into India and the Persian Gulf. The same was true in Europe, where Austria was annexed in order to facilitate a German attack on the Soviet Union. But with the sudden approach of the Soviet Union and Germany, the turmoil of Sudetenland's autonomy getting bigger and bigger, and China's oil investment in Iran, Downing Street has become more and more anxious, and even diplomacy has become clueless! So today, I went to meet Yang Qiu again, or for the sake of Iran and Afghanistan.

This kind of ambiguous diplomacy is hated the most by all personnel stationed abroad! He was even more annoyed, I don't know when the British Empire actually reached the point of extravagance to Germany and China.

The car sped along the avenue towards the presidential palace in Beijing, past the parliament building. Xu Gesen clearly saw several times the usual cars and people coming in and out, all of them said that the country had begun to change, although Yang Qiu had not yet announced armaments, but all signs showed that he was actively preparing. It's just that this preparation, in the end, was for the destruction of the Soviet Union. Defeat Japan or challenge the British Empire?

Nobody knows!

Now Yang Qiu is like a dumb person, refusing all statements. Non-alignment, non-surrender, and even the army has not made any targeted deployments except for Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, this strange move makes him want to figure out what the guy who has ruled China for nearly 30 years is up to his mind.

"Wait. Ambassador Xu Gesen. "As soon as the car crossed the Capitol, an American Ford sedan suddenly turned and chased after it from behind. The driver was startled and was just about to accelerate when the window on the opposite side slowly rolled down. Jensen, the U.S. ambassador to China, appeared behind the car window. Xu Gesen immediately stopped the driver.

When the car was stable, I found that there was a man with thin cheeks sitting inside. When he saw the man, he suddenly remembered a man, Roosevelt's important personal aide, the real mastermind of the New Deal. Known as the White House staff officer, Hawkins.

"Ambassador Xu Gesen, are you going to see Yang Qiu?"

"Yes."

"I'm afraid you won't be able to see him. We have just returned from the Presidential Palace, and His Excellency Yang Qiu has already taken a plane to the north last night to inspect the north, and we will not be back until a week later. ”

"Damn it!" Hearing that Yang Qiu had left Beijing, Xu Gesen scolded in his heart. Because Yang Qiu has been either inspecting or holding meetings recently, he has repeatedly hit the wall and returned, and chased him to the inspected city several times, only to find that he had already arrived at the next stop, and he was deliberately trying to avoid himself.

Jensen had long heard of the recent game of hide and seek-and-see between China and Britain, and Chamberlain's erroneous diplomatic interference, so he also secretly apologized for this conscientious colleague, and opened the door: "Mr. Ambassador, are you going to see the Prime Minister, or are you going to have a drink with us?" "What is there to see about the Prime Minister. Xu Gesen let his car follow and got into the car himself: "Is it Mr. Hopkins?" I didn't expect to see you in Beijing, and I admire you for your outstanding contributions in dealing with the economic crisis and helping the American people get back to production. ”

"I'm glad to meet you too. By the way, did you see Yang Qiu for Iran or Moscow? Hopkins is not sociable, and his questions are very direct, which makes Jensen frown secretly, and it is no wonder that he has not been popular with the mainstream in the United States. Even Xu Gesen felt that he was too straightforward, but now he really didn't have time to go around in circles, so he nodded: "Yes." Although the Iranian oil deal was told to us last year, the situation has changed recently, so Prime Minister Chamberlain entrusted me with the hope that he would stop it immediately. ”

China's desire to invest in oil exploration in Iran has been around since the Saudi crisis, and after several years of geological surveys, it has finally locked up several areas and is ready to formally buy the exploration and exploitation rights. These matters were conveyed to the British government in the early part of last year, and Chamberlain, who had just come to power at the time, also promised to deal with them in accordance with the "Qingdao Treaty" and not interfere in normal commercial investment as long as China did not interfere in Iran's internal affairs. But no one expected the outbreak of the war in Afghanistan at the end of the year, followed by the annexation of Austria by Germany, which suddenly made the situation in Europe and Asia tense. If China continues to invest in Iran at this time, even if it is a normal commercial contract, I am afraid that it will have disastrous consequences.

Hopkins looked at Jensen, obviously not knowing that Yang Qiu had told Britain to exploit Iranian oil at the beginning of last year, and asked in surprise: "I told you last year?" Mr. Ambassador, why didn't Prime Minister Chamberlain stop him? If this agreement is announced, I am afraid that it will provoke a strong reaction from the Soviet Union. ”

Xu Gesen's head is big, and he naturally knows how troublesome it will be once the Sino-Iranian oil agreement is reached. However, Chamberlain had already agreed to draw China down to deal with the Japanese threat last year, and it would be really difficult for him to change his tune now. Hopkins didn't expect this matter to be finalized last year, and a very strange feeling welled up in his heart, could it be that Yang Qiu predicted that the world situation would change suddenly this year at the beginning of last year?

Although the U.S. government will not intervene in this storm in Europe and Asia for the time being, this matter is related to the future of U.S. policy in Asia, so Hopkins also raised a trace of concern: "Mr. Ambassador, I am afraid it is too late to stop it." Soviet and German penetration in Iran was deep. I'm afraid I've gotten the news a long time ago. ”

"I know, but as a British government worker, I have to do my best." Xu Gesen's words were a little rushed, in fact, he really didn't like the United States very much, because if it weren't for the indulgence and support of the United States, Japan, Germany, and the Soviet Union would be so threatening today? Can China freely enter and exit the South Seas and the Persian Gulf? But thinking of the traditional relationship between Britain and the United States, he immediately changed his words and said: "I'm sorry, my emotions are a little out of control, I hope you can understand." But this matter is very important. So I hope the two of you can help me convince Yang Qiu together. ”

Hopkins habitually lit a cigarette and thought about it, "Mr. Ambassador, I'm afraid we can't help you." We, the United States, are the overseers of the Qingdao Treaty, and China has not violated the treaty by doing so. And you should know that President Roosevelt was working to solve the domestic economic crisis. China is China's most important export area, and the U.S. government cannot interfere with such normal commercial contracts. ”

Xu Gesen's face changed a few times, although Hopkins could not represent the US government, but considering his influence on Roosevelt, these words were almost equal to Roosevelt's opinion. So I could only look at Jensen with a plea for help: "Ambassador Jensen, Britain and the United States are traditional friendly countries, and their interests in Asia and Europe are identical. But the Iranian affair has touched our interests in the world of La Arbor, are you not willing to reach out? ”

Jensen scratched his head, he didn't expect to get into trouble by inviting him to the car, and he couldn't help but secretly regret it. If Britain and the United States put pressure at the same time. It is really possible that Yang Qiu will temporarily abandon the Iranian oil program, but what are the consequences? The United States is not afraid of China, but there is no need to oppose Yang Qiu, let alone on the issue of dealing with the Soviet Union. China and the United States are still in agreement. So he looked at Hopkins before he said, "Mr. Ambassador." I think the root cause of this is still in the Soviet Union. Yang Qiu once told me that Moscow has repeatedly ignored and rejected the Shanghai Communiqué, and Stalin has openly stated at the Politburo meeting that he wants to recover the occupied lands, so I am afraid that Mr. Yang Qiu will not give up the fight for Iran until Moscow can completely recognize the communiqué. So my opinion is that you might as well facilitate Sino-Soviet negotiations, and only by sitting down and negotiating and getting Moscow to recognize the Shanghai Communiqué will it be possible to resolve the contradictions. ”

Xu Gesen nodded, this is indeed the only way, otherwise it will be impossible for the peripheral battle between China and the Soviet Union to stop. So after signaling the driver to stop, he said, "Thank you, I need to go to the north immediately." After speaking, he didn't bother to answer, and hurriedly stepped into the car behind and rushed to the airport.

Looking at the departing car, Jensen sighed: "Britain's mentality has changed, and this anxious way of dealing with it will only allow Yang Qiu to gain greater benefits." Hopkins nodded. Chamberlain's erroneous and vague foreign policy is likely to bring great trouble to the world. I just don't know how big the trouble is this time, and how deep will the United States get involved?

Thinking of this, Hopkins also wanted to see Yang Qiu as soon as possible, and said: "Jensen, although we can't act with the UK, I also hope to see him as soon as possible." ”

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When Hügelson hurriedly boarded the plane with Prime Minister Chamberlain's request, Stalin was also shaking hands with the Japanese guests with a pipe on his tired face: "Welcome Mr. Nagata and Mr. Hotta to our Soviet Union, and your presence at such a critical moment is the greatest support for the Soviets." ”

"Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us, His Majesty the Emperor has been very supportive of your Asia policy and hopes to reach a genuine cooperation as soon as possible." When he was able to meet Stalin when he first arrived, Nagata Tieshan couldn't help but get excited, and he made no secret of his purpose.

Stalin's thick eyebrows twitched twice, he originally looked down on Japan, but the war in Afghanistan made him realize that it would be difficult to defeat China on his own, so he has been paying attention to negotiations with Germany in the past few days, hoping to de-escalate Europe first, and then concentrate on dealing with China. At this time, Nagata Tieshan suddenly came to visit, and he suddenly saw hope. But he likes to take the initiative, deliberately did not enter the topic first, looked at Motolov and Beria around him, and after a few words of greeting, he pretended not to know anything, and asked: "Are the two of you this time for the matter of raw materials?" In this matter, we can rest assured that Japan is a friend of our Soviet Union, and the Soviets are willing to help them to the best of their ability. ”

Nagata knows that it is important who speaks first in political negotiations, but Japan cannot afford to get around it now. Seeing the great changes in Europe, Yang Qiu also began to prepare for the war, if he couldn't go south immediately. Even if it ends up getting the whole of Southeast Asia, it won't have time to digest it. So he immediately took out a document and made it clear: "Mr. Stalin, this is what His Majesty the Emperor asked me to pass on to you, hoping to help your country." ”

Motolov took the document, looked at it cursoryly, and immediately handed it to Stalin to whisper. It turned out that this was an intelligence on China's preparations for war, and you must know that the Soviet Union, which was paralyzed by different Japanese intelligence networks, could still obtain some valuable information even if it was swept by Dai Yunong several times. Nagata Tetsuyama saw Stalin and looked very carefully. With a sigh of relief, he said, "This is some of the information that our country has. By the time I came out, Yang Qiu had once again ordered the resumption of this year's soldier rehabilitation work, and we estimated that about 300,000 soldiers would be withheld to form three new armies. In this way, by the middle of next year, he will have 20 corps with a total of 104 divisions. The total number of troops will exceed 1.5 million.

We also received important news that Yang Qiu is negotiating with the Iranian government to exploit oil fields, and has appointed Bai Chongxi as the commander of the Fourth Army. This man had previously served as a military attache in Turkey and Iran for a long time, and many officers in the Iranian army were his students. Combined with the fact that they are building a large number of transport ships and three naval exercises in the Indian Ocean last year, we think he is ready to send troops to Arabia and Iran! ”

Stalin sighed in his heart, this news of the Japanese Navy is too important! Ribbentrop's intelligence on Sino-Iranian cooperation had already pushed the Soviet Union to the brink. I didn't think that Nagata also brought the same news just a few days ago, which shows that the information must be true! Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look at Beria.

Beria swallowed and realized that this time he was really derelict in his duties. Fortunately, Stalin now has fewer and fewer people available. It is not the time to pursue responsibility, and he now attaches more importance to this judgment of the Japanese Navy. If it is true, it means that Yang Qiu does have the possibility of increasing troops to Iran and the Arab region! Unfortunately, the Soviet Navy could only be trapped in the Baltic and Black Seas to bathe. Even with more than 300 submarines in the air, it is impossible to cut off the possible China-Iran-Iran route.

Nagata Tetsuyama, who was next to him, didn't speak when he saw him. On the contrary, I was even more relieved in my heart, as long as I was not a fool, I could see that it was impossible for Britain and France to manage China now, so the only military force of the Japanese Navy that could cut off China's advance into the Persian Gulf shipping lane.

Stalin smoked his pipe vigorously, and the thin white smoke obscured the outline of his face. Familiar Motolov and Beria and others know that this red dictator is going to make a big move this time! Sure enough, Stalin slowly put down the document, a hint of fierceness flashed in the corner of his eye, and he took a deep breath and asked slowly: "Mr. Nagata, our Soviet Navy needs to go to the Sea of Okhotsk for some ocean-going navigation training, I wonder if we can use your country's port?" ”

This sentence made Nagata Tetsuyama ecstatic! The Soviet Union's seaports in the Pacific region were left with only a small port in the Sea of Okhotsk, which belonged to the Soviet Union but was controlled by Japan, and it was impossible to support the fleet, and it was inevitable to rent a Japanese seaport! However, after the ecstasy, Nagata Tetsuyama also knew that the timing of this training needed to be carefully considered, after all, what Japan wanted now was to go south, not to offend China, and it was unrealistic to allow the Soviet Navy to be stationed in Japan, at least not before declaring war with Beijing.

But this shows that Stalin has approved that Japanese-Soviet cooperation has entered a substantive stage! "Mr. Stalin, rest assured, we in Japan are a trustworthy country and will keep our promises!" Hotta, who was next to him, immediately stood up and bowed, indicating Japan's determination to cooperate.

The moment he bowed, the chains around the necks of the nations were completely broken!

Nagata Tetsuyama's trip to Moscow became a catalyst for the world, and under the double pressure of an inevitable all-out war between China and the Soviet Union, and the sudden threat of the hinterland of Baku and the Caucasus, Stalin finally made the most wrong decision!

On the afternoon of the third day, Molotov and Nagata signed the "Soviet-Japanese Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation." According to the secret treaty, the Soviet Union would immediately provide Japan with a loan of 200 million rubles and provide Japan with 3.7 million tons of raw materials, including crude steel, tungsten, chromium, nickel, manganese, etc., by sea over the next three years. The Japanese government, for its part, pledged to cut off the shipping lanes from China to the Persian Gulf if needed, promised to help the Soviet Navy build a number of warships, generously provided all the drawings and construction techniques of the Nagato-class battleships free of charge, and at the same time allowed the Soviet Navy to use Japanese seaports for training at an appropriate time.

At the same time as the Soviet-Japanese treaty was signed, the Soviet-German negotiations were also coming to an end. Under Stalin's promise not to intervene in the Czech Republic, to withdraw the border troops, and to stop the hostile propaganda of the GC International, a sour-soured copy of the Soviet-German Non-Aggression was secretly signed. Because Germany is still very weak now, Hitler, who took the risk of gambling, was very afraid that he would provoke British and French interference when he made a move against the Sudetenland and the Czech Republic, so this agreement made a lot of concessions than in history, except for the two countries that promised to jointly "punish" Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and North Africa did not let go, the three Baltic countries, Finland, and Iraq and Iran east of the Black Sea were almost handed over to the Soviet Union, and even the Turkish Strait was jointly managed.

Finally, under the concatenation of Motolov, Nagata Tetsuyama also had an initial meeting with Ribbentrop, and then went to Berlin for a visit.

At the beginning of May 1938, no one in the world knew that two secret treaties affecting the world had been concluded in Moscow, let alone that they had been concluded! The magnificent years of blood and fire began