The next day, Long Qian met with the impatient Smith envoy who had been waiting for a long time in the Shaanxi provincial capital. The pride that the British have cultivated in being the world's leader for more than 200 years has once again been frustrated. Smith felt this deeply during the days he waited for Long Qian to receive him.

The talks were straightforward and, in Chinese parlance, straight to the point. Long Qian said frankly to Smith, "The government I lead is willing to work for the realization of world peace. I was deeply appalled by the brutality of the German army in Europe. Not long ago, President Wilson's envoy to Haust had a frank and effective exchange with me, and I fully understood the humanitarian concerns of the American people about the expansion of the war in Europe, the heavy casualties, and the great harm caused to innocent people. In the current situation, it can probably only end the war with war......"

When Gu Weijun translated Long Qian's words to Smith, the British were overjoyed, "Your Excellency the President, can I understand that the government you lead is willing to join the just cause of the Entente?" ”

"Yes. You understand exactly right," Long Qian said affirmatively, "However, it is very difficult to convince my people, especially the Wehrmacht," Long Qian glanced at Feng Guozhu, who was sitting on the side and stroked his chin in contemplation, "You should know that China has a traditional friendship with Germany, and the Chinese army and the German army. Although we fought a small battle with the Germans at Tsingtao as a sign of neutrality. If the gentlemen of parliament ask me why send Chinese troops to fight in distant Europe, if the gentlemen of parliament ask me that the country is not threatened by security? It's hard for me to answer. No, Dear Mr. Special Envoy. Don't talk about the so-called just cause, in the eyes of the overwhelming majority of parliamentarians, Germany is a reliable friend of China. ”

Smith knows that the other side is going to make conditions, which is normal, no country will "selflessly" help others to fight, "Mr. President, what Germany has given to China, we can also give." ”

"That's great." Long Qian laughed, "In this case, we will be able to do it." ”

"What are your specific requirements?"

"Premier Fang has explained our principles to you, and I basically agree with Premier Fang's opinion. Mr. Smith. If you can represent a party to the agreement. Then I propose that a small committee consult with you on a specific basis to determine some of the details. I'm very busy, and it's a difficult task to lead a big country in the East that has been exploited by powers including Britain for nearly a hundred years to achieve democracy and prosperity, and I went to northern Shaanxi during the few days you spent in Xi'an. The poverty there is not what you can imagine. I feel a heavy responsibility for this. Thank you for your understanding. ”

Smith blinked. "I would like to express my admiration for the progress of civilization that your government has brought to China in just a few years. I need your fine print on China's entry into the war. This is of deep concern to my Government. ”

"What kind of rules?"

"For example. How many divisions can you send? When will it be dispatched? ”

"I'm afraid it's too early to ask, right? Mr. Smith, can you represent your country and even the Entente? ”

"It depends on the nature of the ......"

"There are two sides to the problem. One of them is related to the self-esteem of our people, which is also a prerequisite. Specifically, for example, tariffs and concessions, as well as the issue of Gengzi's final payment. If the Entente sees China as an equal partner, these problems will be easily solved, won't they? The second is the specific difficulty, it is not easy for China to send its troops to Europe, China is very poor, and the characteristics of war in Europe are so cruel. I think so, if you can solve the preconditions for the relationship between the government and the people of our country, we can talk about specific issues. On the other hand, if you are unable to meet our reasonable requests, the rest of the issues need not be discussed. ”

Smith was silent. Prior to his visit to China, he visited the United States at the behest of Prime Minister Asquith, where he met with President Wilson and Edward Edward, who had just returned to China. House. The basic attitude of the Chinese has been learned from House. And the role that China could play if it entered the war was discussed. Edward. House believed that China's role was enormous, first of all, in dispelling Russia's fears about the Far East, and for this reason, Russia could transfer another 20 divisions from the Far East. Second, China could provide Russian food, ammunition, and other military supplies. Although China's industry was still weak, he assured Smith that China could provide Russia with the guns, shells, and military trucks that the United States had, which the United States had, but that China's geographical location made it easier for them to come to Russia's aid. And at present, especially in this critical year, the US government must be wary. Thirdly, China can send at least 30 divisions of troops. House stressed that the Chinese army was well-equipped and well-trained, and its combat effectiveness was not in doubt, and that their defeat of Japan was already the best proof of this. 30 divisions, although not a decisive force, are extremely valuable in the current situation.

After Smith returned to England, in London, Britain, France and Russia held special consultations on Smith's trip to the United States, and the Russians were the most moved, they urgently needed the determination of China's position, and they needed China's supplies, especially food.

Britain, France, and Russia fully discussed the conditions offered by the Chinese. The first is the Gengzi indemnity. No matter which side China joins, this part of the money will not be available. China joins Germany and Austria, and naturally it will not give it to them again. When China joins the Entente, it will no longer be able to demand reparations from China. In the current situation, that amount of money is not worth mentioning, so this is not a problem. In terms of tariffs, Prime Minister Asquith believes that since the Americans do not care about returning tariff autonomy to China, we should not consider this item. Because China's main partner in foreign trade is the United States. So this one doesn't matter. The rest is the issue of the concession, but Britain and France have taken a tough stand on this issue, that is, the concession cannot be abolished, and the details can be discussed, but they cannot be canceled.

At this meeting, the three countries mainly talked about the issue of China's sending troops, Britain and France need these 30 divisions, when war becomes a cruel numbers game, every battle consumes tens of thousands of hundreds of thousands of lives, 30 divisions is a huge expendable. But Russia wants China to put its troops directly on its own front, and Russia needs these 30 divisions even more.

The issue was inconclusive. But the situation at the front did not allow for any more delay. Asquith decided to give Smith the authority to send him to visit China immediately, and in any case to draw China into his camp......

"Honorable Mr. President, with the exception of the concession issue, which requires further consultations, the remaining issues can meet your requirements. Now I need your concrete commitments, when will China be able to send troops? How many divisions can be sent in the first batch? ”

"Why can't the concession be returned?" Feng Guozhu couldn't help but ask.

"Mr. Marshal," Smith said, looking at the straight-clad pillar of the country, "this is also a matter of dignity, and it will take a process. Please believe that the British Government is sincere in resolving the problem of the historical formation of the concession. When China became Britain's war ally. It is much easier for the government to convince the population. ”

"Extraterritoriality must be outlawed." Long Qian said in a deep voice. "The dispute over the concession can be put on hold. But extraterritoriality cannot continue. To tell you the truth, Congress reacted strongly to this issue, and even if there is no war in Europe, we are ready to end it unilaterally. ”

"This. Allow me to report back to my Government. Mr. President. Can we have substantive discussions? ”

"I understand your feelings. I can make a promise to you. After the signing of the agreement, we will proceed with the mobilization and regrouping of troops. In two to seventy-five days at the earliest, the first troops can be dispatched. But the direction is Russia, not Western Europe. The opinion given to me by my staff was that the Russian front was more critical. If Russia collapses. This war is dangerous. ”

"What are the first troops you are talking about?"

"An army group with 15 divisions. Until then, further consultations are needed, and I suggest that we have a multi-party meeting to determine the details of the troop deployment. ”

"I agree with your advice. Where do you want to talk about it? ”

"United States."

"I noticed what you just said about the 'first batch of troops', when will your second batch of troops be ready?"

"It depends on the situation." "In view of Russia's great difficulties in supplying materials, we have preliminarily decided that the ammunition supply of the expeditionary force will be supplied directly from the country. However, China's industrial base is still very weak, and although it has made some progress in recent years, it is still much worse than that of Russia, and we hope that our allies will provide practical help in this regard. After resolving a number of key bottlenecks, follow-up forces are not a problem. We have a huge advantage in this area. ”

"Well, we are scheduled to meet in Washington on June 1 to discuss the details. The relevant agreement was also signed at that meeting. And your first army, the 15-division army group, was dispatched by July 1 at the latest? ”

"I think so."

"Thank you very much for your sacred commitment to the history of humanity that binds us together. I will go back as soon as possible to report your decision to the Prime Minister. Smith didn't want to delay a quarter of an hour.

"Good. I would be grateful if you could inform the Russian side to send military personnel who can decide on the direction and manner of the use of our troops. The military issue of the expeditionary force needs to be consulted with Russia, of course, in principle. If the principle of use is determined, we can talk directly to Russia about the specific details. Long Qian made a request, and Smith readily agreed.

Long Qian returned to Beijing with Smith. Smith will return to the UK by sea from Tianjin. On May 1, Long Qian reported to the Senate Defense Committee on the contents of his talks with Smith, and the members of the Defense Committee accepted the president's offer to agree to China's "moderate" entry into the war. The compensation for the autonomy of tariffs and the abolition of the final payment of Gengzi will not only improve the tight financial situation, but will also greatly boost the people's morale. The abolition of extraterritoriality is also a major victory for diplomacy. The "details" that Long Qian said were not the Allied countries' support for military spending, but the Allied countries' support for China's industrialization base investment, from the design to the investment in electricity, rolling stock, shipbuilding, and a large number of machining machine tools.

Time is of the essence. After gaining the support of the National Assembly, Long Qian convened several special meetings in succession to study the issue of participating in the war. First of all, the candidates for the Washington meeting in early June, Long Qian decided to appoint Fang Shengyuan to lead a military personnel to attend the Washington meeting. In addition to resolving sovereignty-related issues such as tariffs, historical indemnities, and extraterritoriality through formal diplomatic documents, it is more crucial to take the opportunity to claim some benefits. China's industrialization has begun, and now it lacks everything, but in addition to technology, the key is the huge gap in electricity, transportation, mining and machining. Therefore, Long Qian instructed the Government Council to organize a committee composed of industry, finance, water conservancy, communications, railways, the General Administration of Ordnance Industry, and the General Staff Headquarters to draw up a list of aid in accordance with the outline of the first five-year plan approved by the National Assembly. The Entente and the United States, which had already decided to join the Entente, were asked to comply. In addition to asking for help, Long Qian also asked the Government Council to draw up a plan for aiding Russia, mainly grain and light industrial products. This aid is not free of charge, but should offset their investment in heavy industry.

Long Qian appointed Chief Situ Jun to join the delegation and serve as the deputy head of the delegation. Situ Jun's task was to consult with the Russian military at the Washington Conference on the principles for the use of the Chinese Expeditionary Force. Long Qian emphasized that the expeditionary force can accept the command of the Russian high command or even a certain front army, but it must be used in a certain battlefield instead of being divided. The relevant logistical issues should also be set in principle.

"Will it meet our requirements?" Long Qian asked himself, "I think it will." At this point they have no choice. Our ultimate goal is to take advantage of the European war to lay the foundation for the industrialization of our country. In a word, the sacrifices of the Wehrmacht, the sacrifices of agriculture and light industry in exchange for heavy industry. If this opportunity is lost, it will be much more difficult for us to rely on the accumulation of agriculture to build industrialization. ”

Finally, there was the formation of the expeditionary force. First of all, the choice of the commander-in-chief must be determined. On 4 May, General Wang Mingyuan, Minister of National Defense, convened a secret meeting on the orders of Long Qian, and decided that General Ye Yanbing, commander of the Central Military Region, would be the commander of the 1st Group Army of the Expeditionary Force, Lieutenant General Xiong Xun, deputy commander of the Northern Military Region and commander of the 9th Army, and Major General Xue Xiaocai, chief of staff of the Central Military Region, would be chief of staff. A total of 14 divisions, including the 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, and 16th armies, the independent cavalry division of the Northern Military Region, and the 1st Heavy Artillery Division directly under the General Staff Department, were selected and transferred to form the 1st Group Army of the Expeditionary Force.

Judging from the selection and deployment of troops, the Northern Military Region mobilized three corps and another cavalry division, and the Northwest and Central Military Regions each mobilized one corps. One of the only two independent heavy artillery divisions of the General Staff was also dispatched.

On May 8, the Expeditionary Force Headquarters was formally established in Beijing, and the relevant units were officially transferred to the group army. Long Qian met with the main generals of the 1st Group Army of the Expeditionary Force for two consecutive days, and communicated with Ye Yanbing, Xiong Xun, Xue Xiaocai, Gao Huzi, and others on issues related to going abroad to fight.

The build-up of troops began immediately. Throughout May, the only few railways in the north were under military control in the name of military exercises, and the 1st Heavy Artillery Division of the General Staff, the 7th Army and the 16th Army were transported to the Harbin area via the Guò railway line. (To be continued......)