Today's Huangpu River is very different from the past. In addition to many majestic warships on the river, a large number of people gathered on the pier to watch.
If it weren't for the soldiers and brave men guarding order, I don't know what trouble would have occurred. But even if there were soldiers and brave men watching over them, it still attracted bursts of applause.
There is a reason why the people are so enthusiastic. The soldiers sent by Yiren to help the Qing Dynasty have arrived.
Therefore, in addition to the people, court officials and foreign envoys in Shanghai gathered here to prepare for the arrival of the fleet.
"Welcome Lieutenant General Alvaro to Shanghai and wish your two countries good relations from generation to generation."
Shanghai Daotai Nie Jichu, as the highest-ranking official of the Qing government in Shanghai, and the officials in Shanghai as the host, welcomed the arrival of Lieutenant General Alvaro, the commander of the Italian Expeditionary Force. This Nie Daotai, who previously served as
He passed the General Office of Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau and was also a technical talent in Westernization. Of course, what attracted more attention was that he married Zeng Guofan's youngest daughter.
However, Lieutenant General Alvaro did not know much about the politics of the Qing Dynasty, so he was more concerned about the next issue.
"Sir Nie, I wonder if our station is ready?"
What Lieutenant General Alvaro asked was what concerned him the most at the moment. Before setting off, he sent a telegram to the Qing government, requesting the establishment of a transit supply point in Shanghai to provide supplies and a temporary resting place for Italian officers and soldiers.
The Qing government also responded quickly, saying that it would be done before he arrived, so Lieutenant General Alvaro asked.
"General, please rest assured. I have already ordered people to prepare the place and it can be used by the army at any time."
Don't look at Nie Daotai's current appearance of taking it as a trivial matter. In fact, the Zhabei camp was just rushed out yesterday to accommodate the arriving Italian troops. After all, the foreign soldiers invited cannot just put up some tents like those Qiu Ba.
So Nie Daotai carried out extensive construction work and summoned craftsmen to spend more than ten days in Zhabei to build a strong barracks that could accommodate nearly 20,000 people.
"Then thank you for your help. I hope our two countries will have good relations from generation to generation."
Since your requirements have been met, there is no harm in saying a few free words of thanks.
Nie Daotai smiled and listened to Lieutenant General Alvaro's words of thanks conveyed by the interpreter, and said insincerely. "I don't dare to take it, I don't take it!"
After skipping the pleasantries with Nie Daotai, Lieutenant General Alvaro immediately found the Italian Counselor Perigen who was already waiting here.
Like other countries, Italy's diplomatic envoys in the Qing Dynasty also followed the layout of ministers operating in political centers such as Beijing and Tianjin, while counselors were located in the economic center of Shanghai. Therefore, in general, Counselor Perikin was Italy's top diplomatic minister in Shanghai.
.
However, although it is unusual now, the north where Minister Jia Liwen is located is even more important.
"Counselor Perikin, how are the supplies currently needed for the dispatched troops prepared?"
During the conversation with Counselor Perikin, Lieutenant General Alvaro was much more easy-going, at least he did not need to pay attention to diplomatic etiquette.
Hearing Lieutenant General Alvaro's words, Counselor Perikin, who was having a headache over this, could only tell the truth.
"The situation is not good. Because of the rampant behavior of Japanese spies in Shanghai, only about 85% of the current procurement volume has been completed. Those Japanese spies frantically attacked warehouses where our country's procurement materials were stored, and killed businessmen who helped us."
Lieutenant General Alvaro frowned after hearing what Counselor Perikin said. "Didn't the Qing government crack down on these spies?"
Speaking of this, Counselor Perikin became angry. "Why not? The Qing police also conducted inspections and protection, but..."
Having said this, Counselor Perikin glanced at Nie Daotai, who was lagging behind. Although the other party did not understand Italian, it was better to be careful.
"How should I put it? The capabilities of the Qing police are very low. If you put your hopes on them, you will achieve nothing. And as far as I know, those Japanese spies are more rampant in the public concessions, and the British and American police in Shanghai ignore them even more.
"
The actual situation is not much different from what Counselor Perikin said. It is okay in the Chinese community. At least at the official level, they are still working hard to crack down on these Japanese spies. Although their capabilities are a little worse, they still have to do something. Procurement in the public concession
Businessmen, that's bad luck. Under the hint of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Bureau, the patrol room has been slow to work recently, especially after receiving an alarm from a businessman who had a purchase contract with Italy, the old lady was even more timely than them.
But what can be done? Britain and the United States do not want to see Italy get involved in this war. They want Italy to cooperate with them, so don't even think about it.
Hearing this, Lieutenant General Alvaro couldn't help but curse. "Damn bastard!"
Counselor Perikin's words immediately made Lieutenant General Alvaro's good mood disappear. He was not in the mood at all for the subsequent welcoming ceremony.
Even the reception banquet held by Nie Daotai for him, he declined on the grounds that he was busy with military affairs.
In fact, this is no excuse. Lieutenant General Alvaro is really busy with military affairs.
He had important matters to discuss with Major General Pulev, commander of the expeditionary force and commander of the 1st Guards Division.
"General Pulev, I have a plan that requires your cooperation."
Although he has a higher military rank, Lieutenant General Alvaro is still very polite to Major General Pulev.
"Your Excellency, Commander, please speak."
Facing the polite Lieutenant General Alvaro, Pulev was also unambiguous.
Lieutenant General Alvaro was not polite. He pointed to the newly laid map of the Far East and said. "Major General Pulev, you have also seen that the current material preparations are not sufficient. In addition, the Japanese army's situation in Weihaiwei is already very urgent.
, that Li Zhongtang sent another telegram urging us. So I decided to gather supplies and send a force as a priority to support Weihaiwei."
Major General Pulev also knew something about Lieutenant General Alvaro's words, but he still had some doubts. "I can understand giving priority to sending some troops north to share the pressure on the Qing people. But the Japanese army currently besieging Weihaiwei has occupied most of Weihai
Wei, the Japanese army has more troops than ours, so I'm a little worried about casualties."
Pulev simply said: Will this batch of reinforcements lead to the formation of oil-licking tactics and prevent the army from exerting its full strength?
"Don't worry about this. I will accompany you with the main battleships. In addition, I will provide certain help at sea to share the pressure on land."
Lieutenant General Alvaro's explanation was not finished. The Japanese army had also landed, and the need for maritime supply lines was even more urgent.
This time I am preparing to go north to force the Japanese fleet to fight. Unless they no longer want the Japanese army in Shandong, they will not watch me surround them in Dengzhou.
Of course, it was impossible for Lieutenant General Alvaro to say these words, which would not be conducive to the unity of the army and the navy.
However, from Major General Pulev’s answer, we can also see that this major general should also know.
"Then send the Fourth Infantry Regiment as the first echelon to accompany the Commander to Shandong."
Pulev replied that Lieutenant General Alvaro nodded with satisfaction. "Okay, we will repair for a day tomorrow and set off early the day after tomorrow."
"I will focus on replenishing the supplies of the Fourth Infantry Regiment and will not keep you waiting."
In a few words from the two generals, Cosentz was about to take his 4th Infantry Regiment on an unknown journey.
