Chapter 259: Pressure
Lieutenant General Stilwell's perfunctory attitude made Admiral Wavell very dissatisfied. However, he also knew that if the United States really didn't help, he really had no other way.www.biquge.info
Although, he was the commander of the British forces in India, and even the commander of the Allied forces in Southeast Asia. But the only troops he could actually command were the British* army. British troops in India, although there are still quite a few. But there are not many troops that can be mobilized to the front. What's more, Lieutenant General Slim has already used this defeat to prove the strength of the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army. In such a situation, he certainly didn't want to try another failure.
As a last resort, Admiral Wavell could only truthfully report the situation to China.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was furious when he learned of this. Although the British Empire is declining more and more, it is definitely not something that the Chinese can bully. It's just that even if he doesn't want to admit it, the combat effectiveness of the British army is not as good as that of the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army, and the fact that he was beaten by the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army is already in front of him, so he can't believe it!
In addition, the main forces of the Germans were used to attack the Soviet Union to the east. But the pressure on Britain has not diminished at all. This makes him even if he has the heart to deal with the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army, but there is no way! As a result, he had no choice but to resort to diplomatic measures.
Prime Minister Churchill's special envoy flew to the United States that afternoon to personally communicate with the US government on the conflict between the British army and the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army. After meeting with the US Secretary of State, the British envoy demanded the unconditional release of the captured British* servicemen by the Anti-Japanese Salvation Army, the disposal of the commander of the Anti-Japanese Salvation Army, Qin Shou, and the return of Burma to the British.
In addition, the British envoy expressed the hope that the US Government would consider the position of the anti-fascist alliance and avoid a crack in the alliance.
In the eyes of the British, if the US government had to choose, it would naturally be that Britain was much more important than the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army. However, it will soon become clear to them that it is just a matter of feeling good about themselves. In the current American strategy, Britain's position is indeed very important. But at the same time, Britain is also the target of the United States' great efforts to weaken. Otherwise, how will the Americans seize world hegemony after the war is over?
As for the Anti-Japanese Salvation Army, although it was not as strong as the British. However, as far as the United States is concerned with its Pacific strategy, the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army is worthy of support. This is a key factor in reducing the losses of US troops on the battlefield. Even after the war, the Americans hoped that the Anti-Japanese Salvation Army would become a pawn in their control of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, the US Government certainly cannot give up its support for the National Salvation Army against Japan.
"Chief of Staff, it seems that our little guy has caused a big mess in Burma again. Your Excellency Prime Minister Churchill, but you are furious because of this! President Roosevelt smiled. He did not become angry with the anti-Japanese National Salvation Army because of the protests of the British.
"Your Excellency, the conflict between the British Army and the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army was expected by us. However, in this war, the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army did not take the initiative to attack, but to defend passively. All the fighting took place on Burmese soil. All, to some extent, we can't blame the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army. Admiral Marshall said with a smile.
Although Britain is a very important ally of the United States, both President Roosevelt and Admiral Marshall would like to see them deflated.
"My Chief of Staff, I know, of course, that this time it was entirely because the British had suffered at their own expense. However, now the British are our most important allies. So, we still have to consider their interests. President Roosevelt said.
Although, the United States wants to replace Britain as the hegemon of the world. However, the immediate priority was to defeat the evil Axis allies. If the war is lost, all plans will come to naught.
Admiral Marshall nodded, he certainly understood President Roosevelt's painstaking efforts.
"Your Excellency the President, it seems that you can only grieve the little guy." Admiral Marshall said.
President Roosevelt was noncommittal: "With our support, they are where they are today." Well, for the sake of the United States, naturally, they should make some sacrifices. ”
In the eyes of a politician like Roosevelt, everything was sacrificial for the good of the country. Not to mention the anti-Japanese salvation army, which they supported as chess pieces.
"So, Your Excellency, will the British have to accede to all the demands they have made?" Admiral Marshall asked.
"The British demanded, and the first one was agreed. Let the Anti-Japanese Salvation Army release those British prisoners of war. As for the other two, just reject the British. President Roosevelt said dryly.
Leaving Qin Shou at the disposal of the British, President Roosevelt refused. From the information they obtained, Qin Shou had become the soul of the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army. Without Qin Shou, how could the United States expect the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army to fight the Japanese themselves?
As for Burma, it would be much better to keep the Anti-Japanese Salvation Army in control than to regain control of the British. This was very helpful in weakening the strength of the British.
"Yes, Your Excellency. I'm a little worried, though, that little guy will refuse. In that case, what should we do? Admiral Marshall was a little worried. In his opinion, Qin Shou is undoubtedly a very stubborn person, and it is entirely possible to refuse the request of the United States.
"Refusal? If they refuse, then stop aiding them. Even the military pay was withheld. Without the salaries and weapons and equipment we provide, how can they still gain a foothold in Southeast Asia? Roosevelt sneered.
Indeed, in the eyes of President Roosevelt. The Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army is just a chess piece. For the sake of the interests of the United States, the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army can be sacrificed at any time. Not to mention, this time it was just for the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army to release those prisoners of war. As long as it is beneficial to the United States, even if it is to give up the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army, President Roosevelt will not hesitate to do it.
"Yes, Your Excellency. I'll let General Stilwell meet the little one. I believe that the little one is a smart person who knows what to choose. Admiral Marshall smiled.
Indeed, they have too many means to counteract the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army. That would be very easy to do.
On the afternoon of November 28, Lieutenant General Stilwell appeared in front of Qin Shou. There is no doubt that his mission this time is to put pressure on Qin Shou and the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army, asking the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army to unconditionally release the captured British prisoners of war.