Lu Ming was not opposed to a trip to the United States on behalf of the Republic of China government, but now that something happened to Du Juan, he was really in no mood and couldn't be interested in anything.
Besides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has so many talented people, why must he be appointed as the special envoy?
"Only with the help of your teacher Frank, can you have the opportunity to meet President Roosevelt in person. If the government sends someone else, it will probably take a year and a half to see the president in person, which will waste the opportunity." Sheng
Virtue speaks the truth.
"Old man, please allow me to think about it again." Lu Ming felt really embarrassed. Du Juan's matter was not settled, and he could hardly concentrate.
"Just for this matter, Mr. Jiang called me specifically and asked me to convince you to take on this mission. I agreed to him, because this is not to help Mr. Jiang personally, but for the country." Sheng Youde said.
"Teacher Frank did tell me that he could pass on important information about China to President Roosevelt, but he didn't say that he could take me to see the president. I don't have this status either," Lu Ming said, spreading his hands.
"Why don't you have an identity? When you go to the United States, you are Mr. Chiang's special envoy. You are an envoy of a country and have a very important mission. You must obtain the support of the U.S. government for our Republic of China. Remember, you are clearly expressing support for the Chinese government."
Sheng Youde emphasized.
"This is difficult to do, isn't it? Does it matter what I say? My face is not that big." Lu Ming said with a bitter smile.
Although Britain and the United States have been curbing Japan's development, they still favor Japan in their policies towards China and Japan.
If the United States clearly expresses its support for the Chinese government, the implication is that it will contain Japan.
Is this possible?
This is very taboo in international relations. Although each country's foreign policy is determined, it leaves room for expression when expressing it to the outside world.
The United States is a master of strategic ambiguity and never speaks out clearly, which allows it a lot of room for maneuver. Once it makes its stance clear, there is not much room for maneuver.
"We have to do this. If the U.S. government does not express its support for the Chinese government by the end of the year, the pro-Japanese faction in the government will seize the initiative through pressure from the Japanese, and the government may eventually have to recognize the legitimacy of Manchukuo.
Then they will recognize the legitimacy of the so-called autonomous regime in North China under pressure." Sheng Youde sighed.
Lu Ming was silent. He also knew that the situation was very tense. It could even be said that a crisis was imminent. However, it was not easy for the US government to publicly express its support for the Chinese government.
It can even be said to be very difficult.
There is no friendship at all between countries, there is only an exchange of interests. If the Republic of China government wants to gain the support of the United States, what benefits can it offer in exchange?
"You must not only obtain the U.S. government's support for the Chinese government, but also obtain U.S. economic and military assistance to China. Only in this way can the wall faction in the government be determined to fight Japan to the end," Sheng Youde said.
As he said that, he felt a little excited.
"Mr. Chiang, can't you control these wall factions?" Lu Ming didn't understand the factional disputes within the Kuomintang at all and had no interest in them.
"Don't look down on these wall factions. They are the majority and very powerful. The real pro-Japanese and anti-Japanese factions are only a minority. If the wall factions turn to the pro-Japanese faction, the government will collapse," Sheng Youde said.
Lu Ming felt that his brain was in a daze. This burden was too heavy and he felt that he could not bear it.
Lu Ming considers himself a 100% anti-Japanese faction, which is why he hit it off with the young commander, but that is just a personal choice. Now he has to undertake a national mission, and it is an extremely difficult national mission.
I'm just afraid that if I am unable to do anything, if I miss the state affairs, I will become a sinner through the ages.
"You don't have to be too embarrassed. Mr. Chiang sent you there because you can meet President Roosevelt and have the opportunity to state the Chinese government's economic and military policies to him face to face. These are all formulated by various government departments. You just
A messenger."
Sheng Youde saw that Lu Ming was a little unfocused and knew that he was afraid of difficulties, so he immediately comforted him with a few words.
"Old man, I'm not... I'm just afraid. I'm afraid of causing losses to the country. I can't even get it back even with my life." Lu Ming sighed incoherently.
"You don't need to be so nervous. Remember to play your emotional cards well and use the personal relationship between your teacher, Mr. Frank, and President Roosevelt to try your best to open the door for direct exchanges between the top leaders of China and the United States. This is a long-term merit. There is a long way to go.
"
Sheng Youde smiled bitterly, as if he felt that Lu Ming shouldn't be allowed to bear such a heavy burden, but if he didn't bear it, who would?
"Well, I need to think about it carefully. This matter is too big. I need to do my homework."
Lu Ming knew that if things got to that point, he would have to take the lead. If he backed down on such an issue, his character would completely collapse.
If you can't play it for real and lose track at critical moments, whether it's setting up an agent school or forming a secret agent organization, it will really become a simulation toy.
"Of course, it's too early to say this now. The results of the US presidential election are difficult to predict. It's okay to say that Roosevelt will be re-elected. But if the president is replaced, we will have to start from scratch and take a long-term approach." Sheng Youde said.
Lu Ming nodded. There was indeed too much uncertainty in the U.S. presidential election. Several electors who seemed to be at a disadvantage suddenly turned around because of a small incident and won the final victory in the election.
Although the power of the President of the United States is restricted by both houses of Congress, he is still the most powerful head of state of any country. He can not only directly determine the national policies of the United States, but also influence the global pattern.
Lu Ming drank in silence, thinking deeply and not saying a word.
"What are you thinking about?" Sheng Youde asked.
"I'm thinking, even if President Roosevelt is re-elected, what will we get in exchange for the United States' strong support for us, whether it is political, economic or military." Lu Ming said sadly.
"Of course, in exchange for the political and economic interests of the United States in China and Asia, think about it. If Japan monopolizes China, it will not only lose a vast market for countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, but also for countries such as Britain, France, and the Netherlands.
The colonies directly pose a threat, so when countries such as Britain and the United States support China, they are also protecting their political and economic interests." Sheng Youde said.
"But the United States does not have colonies in Asia." Lu Ming said.
"Although the United States does not have colonies, they have extensive interests in Asia, including political, economic and military. They have been curbing Japan's development because they are worried that when Japan grows stronger, it will damage their various interests in Asia."
Sheng Youde is well aware of the interests of the United States in Asia, and he also has a clear understanding of the subtle relationship between the United States and Japan.
"After listening to your analysis like this, I understand that as long as my words can hit the point, I might be able to gain something." Lu Ming began to gain some confidence.
"Well, if the United States wants to curb Japan's development momentum, the best way is to support the Chinese government and support China's development, and they can enjoy the benefits. It is more convenient for the United States to leave some things to China than to do it by themselves.
." Sheng Youde said.
"In other words, we strive to be the agents of Britain, the United States and other countries in Asia. Haven't the Japanese always played this role in the past? Now let's change the position." Lu Ming had a smile on his face.
"You can also understand it this way, but it is not entirely like this. You may still lack understanding of President Roosevelt himself. You should communicate more with your teacher, Mr. Frank, and study President Roosevelt. Prescribe the right medicine, and speak to people's hearts.
Only by going there can it be effective." Sheng Youde smiled.
"So, I must have done some research on President Roosevelt?" Lu Ming asked.
"There is some research. Our Sheng family is engaged in international trade. How could we not study the policies of big countries? But the research is not in-depth, so I won't provide it to you to avoid preconceptions." Sheng Youde waved his hand freely.
"Then let me first quickly collect what major decisions President Roosevelt made during this term, and study them carefully." Lu Ming said seriously.
"Well, the person who knows President Roosevelt best is Mr. Frank. If you really want to study him, just ask your teacher for advice." Sheng Youde reminded.
"Well, I'm going to ask the teacher for help. The questions asked must be very professional. The more difficult the question is, the more solid the student's homework is. The teacher likes such students."
Lu Ming couldn't help but laugh as he spoke. This was the first time he had a relaxed expression today when he sat down to talk to Sheng Youde.
"The national policies of the United States are formulated by the president. Of course, these policies must be in line with the interests of the United States, but they are closely related to the president's personality, emotions, political thoughts, etc., so if you want to understand the national policies of the United States, you must study
The president’s personal preferences.” Sheng Youde said.
"It seems that I have to quickly fawn over Teacher Frank this time. I can't have someone if something goes wrong, and no one if nothing happens. Haha." Lu Ming laughed at himself.
Over the years, Lu Ming's correspondence with Mr. Frank has not been interrupted, but mostly he sent Mr. Frank some information about China, and Mr. Frank didn't talk much about the situation in the United States.
Lu Ming himself has been learning about the situation in the United States through newspapers and magazines, and reporters from the International Journalists Association are also his sources of information.
However, he really did not understand President Roosevelt's personal situation carefully enough, especially the background of his major decisions.
Sheng Youde's reminder today is very important. It seems that he has ignored this important link and will have to find ways to make up for this lesson in the future.
"In this world, whether you study politics or economics, no matter what you study, in the final analysis you still study human nature. As long as you have a thorough study of human nature, then whether you are engaged in politics, economics, or even leading troops in war
, we can seize the opportunity." Sheng Youde concluded.
Lu Ming nodded. He had no say in this aspect. He was not yet forty years old. He could only listen carefully and receive education.