"Yoshida-kun, how can you curse people? Especially in front of His Majesty, how unbecoming is this!" Seeing Yoshida Zengo's frustrated look, Tojo Hideki was not in a hurry anymore, with a look of suppressed evil on his face.
Laughing, he continued to hit the target and said: "What's more, the big day
This empire has the second largest navy in the world. The Yankees have been at peace for a long time. Both the navy and the army are far inferior to the Empire of Japan. You have also served as the commander of the combined fleet. There is no need to be timid before fighting. You will outshine others.
Will your ambition destroy your own prestige?"
"Baga!" Yoshida Zengo, who was still angry, could not withstand such teasing. Even though the red buff was added to his body, he blushed and shouted loudly: "You are blind to the mountain. The American economy is as big as Japan's."
More than 10 times that of the empire, strong economic strength can be converted into military strength in a short period of time.
The Empire of Japan has not even been able to completely conquer the poor and backward China. Where do you have the confidence to face the challenge of the United States, which is ten times more powerful?" "Baga! So what if the economy is strong? Without a well-trained and powerful army, at best,
He's just a big fat sheep with nothing but appearances. What's the reason for you to be timid before fighting, and not even have the courage to draw your sword?"
Being slapped in the face repeatedly, Tojo Hideki became angry and shouted unceremoniously: "Before the Empire of Japan started the war against China, didn't you think they were too powerful and difficult to defeat? But the result was just that
Being strong on the outside and capable on the inside, they defeated the Japanese Empire and occupied nearly half of China's territory in a short period of time..."
The Prime Minister of the Navy and the Prime Minister of the Land were quarreling at the beginning. The two were at odds with each other, and the smell of gunpowder became stronger and stronger. Prime Minister Konoe Fumimaro frowned. The Army and the Navy have always had conflicts, and they quarreled at cabinet meetings.
Making a fuss is a harmless common thing, but now that Emperor Hirohito is present, such a discordant fuss makes Prime Minister Konoe Fumimaro feel extremely embarrassed.
Unable to bear it anymore, Konoe Fumimaro spoke loudly: "Yoshida-kun, Konoe-kun, please be patient. We are having a royal meeting now, and the matters discussed are of great importance. Everyone can speak freely, and at the same time, please be patient.
No matter what the situation, stay calm and don’t let your emotions get the better of you.”
Konoe Fumimaro was born into a wealthy Japanese family second only to the Imperial family, namely the Konoe family, one of the five regent families. After his father Konoe Atsumaro died of illness in 1904, he was granted the title of Duke. This was his second time in power.
After forming a cabinet and becoming prime minister, the words he spoke at this time were naturally quite weighty. Tojo Hideki and Yoshida Zengo were immediately silenced, but their eyes shone with anger.
The originally heated quarrel stopped instantly, and the atmosphere in the venue instantly solidified, making it extremely awkward. Seeing that everyone stopped talking, Emperor Hirohito could only frown and said: "My dear friends, I know that you are all loyal to the Empire of Japan.
All my thoughts and concerns are for the eternal foundation of the Japanese Empire and the Yamato nation.
It’s just that making noise alone cannot solve the problem. We also need to think calmly and work together to come up with the best strategy. Since the all-out war with China began, the Empire of Japan has not only ushered in the best opportunity in thousands of years, but also the
The Japanese Empire also faced unprecedented challenges.
The Empire of Japan has long since had no retreat. At this critical historical moment, only by uniting with one heart and one mind can we create a glorious foundation for the Yamato nation that will last forever." "Hai!" "His Majesty the Emperor is wise!" "We are waiting for you.
We will work together to create the eternal foundation of the Yamato nation!" Konoe Fumimaro, Tojo Hideki and others quickly bowed their heads and shouted with great respect, and the scene suddenly became extremely harmonious.
Emperor Hirohito's expression softened slightly, and then he continued: "You can't have it both ways. Things in this world are inherently bound to gain and loss. The key is to see which one is lighter and which is heavier!" "Hai!
"Konoe Fumimaro, Tojo Hideki and others once again nodded with humility.
Hirohito added: "After years of hard work and accumulation, the Empire of Japan now has a great economic strength, of which Manchukuo is the most prominent.
Not only has a coal liquefaction industry with an annual output of 3 million tons been built, but steel production has also increased several times, and with the research cooperation of the Germans, the Empire of Japan has initially mastered radar technology, anti-tank rocket launchers, new tanks, and new aircraft.
A breakthrough was made. The Hisikari gold mine in Kagoshima, Kyushu was successfully mined, the gold output of the Empire of Japan increased significantly, and the financial situation improved greatly.
Everything is moving in a good direction, so we don’t need to belittle ourselves too much. Although the United States is powerful, as long as we adopt appropriate strategies, I believe that Americans will not easily join the war." I know that if Tojo Hideki and others are allowed to discuss,
, most of the time the quarrels are still the same.
Coupled with the vigorous development of Manchukuo and the substantial increase in gold production, Japan's strategic reserves, military strength and foreign exchange have been greatly strengthened, and Hirohito's confidence began to gradually expand. After a pause, Hirohito simply made a big deal.
Lan’s set the tone:
"I think that going south can be put on the agenda, but it requires a careful implementation process and must not be rushed. As for the specific implementation strategy, we will not discuss it at the meeting today. You will have a special meeting to discuss it later. After we have a complete implementation strategy, we will submit it to
I just want to read it!" "Hai!" "His Majesty the Emperor is wise!"
Konoe Fumimaro and others quickly paused and shouted that the limited southward attack is the consensus of everyone, and there is nothing to dispute about this. As for whether to form a military alliance with Germany and Italy, that will be a matter after the imperial meeting. "Yo Xi
!”
Hirohito nodded with satisfaction, and then changed the topic: "I summoned everyone to the Imperial Palace for a meeting today. The main purpose is not to discuss whether to go south, but to solve a serious problem. I believe everyone should know what I mean by the serious problem.
Who is it? Yes, it is the Shandong Army Group entrenched in Shandong.
How can we allow others to snore on the side of the bed? Whether the Japanese Empire wants to conquer China or go south to expand its territory, it cannot avoid this serious problem and must not allow them to continue to grow! This abominable Chinese army is stained with the
The blood of the warriors of the Japanese Empire caused the Japanese Empire to suffer heavy losses and humiliation many times!
Now I believe that the time has come for the general battle of encirclement and annihilation. If you have any opinions on this, please feel free to speak freely!" Jiang Qiang's hatred level was so high that the Japanese devils lost their armor and all their dignity, so Japan
From top to bottom, he has always been brooding and resentful.
After finally enduring for a year or two and accumulating what he considered to be a good foundation, Hirohito couldn't wait to wash away his shame and get rid of Jiang Qiang and the Shandong Group Army.
"His Majesty the Emperor is wise!" Tojo Hideki immediately said with excitement on his face: "The Imperial Army has assembled more than 300,000 combat troops from three armies. It is not only equipped with a large number of attack artillery and new tanks, but also a large number of
Aviation Corps!
The Imperial Japanese Army has already made up its mind. As long as His Majesty the Emperor gives the order, the Imperial Japanese Army will bravely kill the enemy, and it will be decided in one battle!" Hideki Tojo had been serving in the Kwantung Army as the commander of the military police before returning to Japan the year before last.
He had successively served as Army Undersecretary until he took office as Land Minister a few days ago. Although he had never interacted with Yang Fan, he had a lot of information.
Knowing that this is an extremely difficult and powerful opponent, Tojo Hideki is still confident, without any fear or worry. On the contrary, he can't wait, dreaming about burying the Imperial Army's biggest opponent in his own hands. Watching.
Tojo Hideki looked so excited, Hirohito was a little worried, and quickly gave a friendly reminder:
"According to relevant intelligence, Jiang Qiang has been sparing no effort to build defenses over the past few years, and has already built an extremely strong and complete defense system, even many indestructible steel fortresses.
Moreover, the Shandong Group Army also has extremely powerful tank troops and air forces, so we must pay the highest attention and never make the stupid mistake of underestimating the enemy again!" At the beginning, Jiang Qiang was surprised many times and killed him, causing heavy casualties.
, then you can comfort yourself by saying that your opponent is too cunning.
But later, there were several upright frontal confrontations, especially the time when heavy troops were assembled to carry out encirclement and annihilation, with the intention of tearing Jiang Qiang into pieces. However, the final result was that they could not even break through the outer defense line, but the Japanese army suffered heavy casualties and several people died.
Thousands of people!
Learning from the past, even though the Japanese Army has been greatly strengthened, especially the heavy troops deployed around the Shandong Peninsula, it can be said that it is armed to the teeth.
However, just as he was about to forcefully defend the Shandong Army Group at all costs, Hirohito was still a little worried, fearing that he would be fooled if he failed to show off again. Tojo Hideki said with great confidence: "Please rest assured, His Majesty the Emperor, the troops have been deployed.
A large number of anti-aircraft guns, anti-aircraft machine guns, artillery pieces of various calibers, and even Type 90 240mm train guns, 280mm heavy howitzers and other critical artillery were mobilized to the front line.
Even if they build fortifications comparable to the Russian Port Arthur Fortress, they will only become piles of lifeless ruins within the range of the giant cannon." The 280mm heavy howitzer Tojo said was a 1884
A 280mm howitzer introduced and produced from Italy in 2006.
However, this artillery is not original to the Italians, but was originally a large-caliber howitzer developed by the British Armstrong-Whitworth Company. This type of howitzer has a short and thick barrel of 10 times the caliber, making it similar to the mortars commonly equipped at the time.
It has similar characteristics, that is, a large shooting angle and a large ballistic arc. Its huge 280 mm caliber and 2×g heavy shells were enough to frighten the armor of any warship at that time.
After the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War, the Japanese army truly understood the horror of modern fortifications. From the Battle of Yalu River at the beginning of the war, the Battle of Nanshan, to the Battle of Liaoyang, and even the Battle of Lushun, the Russian army relied on favorable terrain to build solid reinforced concrete
The fortifications, with the powerful firepower of various types of light and heavy artillery and a large number of new Maxim M1910 machine guns, inflicted huge damage to the attacking Japanese troops.
Especially when the Japanese army besieged the Port Arthur Fortress, the Japanese Third Army led by Nogi Hidenori was helpless in the face of the rock-solid fortress and trenches when it launched the first round of general attack. The 150mm and 90mm siege mortars on hand could not do anything at all.
Destroy the strong fortifications of the Russian army.
At the end of the day, the Japanese army used all their strength to capture only a small position on Panlong Mountain, but left 50,000 corpses in front of the position. Such casualty figures were reported back to the country, causing an uproar. The base camp once suspected that
Didn't the translator mistakenly add a zero when translating the casualty figures?
Until later, the Japanese spent a lot of effort to transport 18 280mm heavy howitzers from the base camp to the front line of Lushun to meet their urgent needs. By the time the Third Army launched the second general offensive in Lushun, 18 howitzers were already in place.
, and immediately launched an artillery bombardment on the Lushun Fortress.
When the artillery shells hit the Russian position heavily, the huge explosion made the entire fortress tremble. After several rounds of shelling, the positions outside the Russian fortress were almost wiped out, and the solid concrete fortifications were damaged to varying degrees.
Therefore, this time it is determined to eradicate the Chinese Tiger Army, the Japanese Army will naturally use this offensive weapon to deal with the fortresses and fortresses that Yang Fan painstakingly built. Hearing this, Hirohito nodded with some relief and said: "Even so, the Imperial Army must
Be cautious, make comprehensive military chess deductions and strategic deployments, and never make any rash advances!"
"Hai!" Tojo Hideki nodded solemnly, as long as the fight is allowed to start, everything else is a trivial matter.
At this time, Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka said: "Your Majesty the Emperor, under the guise of joint ventures and trade, Jiang Qiang not only maintains passenger routes with the United States and the United Kingdom, but also builds so-called industrial parks in Qingdao and other places. This is very important to us.
It is a hidden danger and trouble.
Is it necessary to send a diplomatic note to the United States and Britain in advance to ask them to evacuate in advance to avoid causing diplomatic conflicts?" Hideki Tojo said disdainfully: "It's just selling dog meat with sheep's heads. There are not many Americans and British people at all.
Since we are in the Shandong Peninsula, I think there is no need to notify you in advance. Doing so will only leak the secrets of the empire’s encirclement and annihilation plan in advance!”
Yoshida Zengo retorted with some displeasure: "Hundreds of thousands of troops are being mobilized right under your nose, and you still want to keep it a secret? You really think everyone else is blind!" "Okay!" Hirohito waved his hand, pondered for a moment and then nodded.
: "You can send a note to the United States and Britain first. This is a battle to attack a position, and it is true that the effect of a surprise attack cannot be achieved, so it is a gesture for us to sell favors in advance!"
"His Majesty the Emperor is wise!" Zengo Yoshida immediately nodded in agreement, with a bit of joy in his eyes, seemingly winning back the victory. "Hai!" Matsuoka Yosuke ordered. "That's it for today, after we get down.
, you should agree on the specific implementation strategy as soon as possible. It is of great importance and I need to personally review it!"
After another discussion for nearly an hour, Hirohito waved his hand to dissolve the meeting. After everyone else had left, Hanin Gong Zairen, who had been silent, suddenly said: "Your Majesty, you are really determined to do this at all costs this time."
Encircle and annihilate the Shandong Group Army at all costs?"
Hirohito was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at Hanyuan Gong Zairen and said: "Uncle Emperor, do you think there is anything wrong? Shouldn't this serious problem be eradicated as soon as possible?"
"Your Majesty! This serious problem should indeed be eradicated as soon as possible. Perhaps because I am old, I always feel uneasy about this matter!"
Hanyuan Gong Zairen sighed softly and said in a very serious tone: "The tragic scene when the Japanese Empire attacked Lushun Fortress is still vivid in my mind. Facing the strong and complete defenses, the Japanese Empire will definitely pay unbearable casualties.
cost."
Hirohito frowned slightly and said: "Today's Empire of Japan is no longer what it used to be. Even if the Shandong Group Army has gone to great lengths to build a complete defensive fortress, it will still be difficult to withstand the empire's cannons!
The Shandong Group Army not only humiliated the Empire of Japan many times, but also occupied an extremely critical geographical location. It was like a sharp knife thrust into the belly of the Empire of Japan, and it was an extremely dangerous and serious problem.
Therefore, as long as the Shandong Army can be completely annihilated, we will not hesitate to sacrifice the lives of one hundred thousand imperial warriors!"
"If we can completely annihilate it, even if it costs two hundred thousand pieces of jade, it will be worth it!"
Xianyuan Gong Zairen nodded and said: "But, I'm afraid things are not that simple. The enemy of the empire is a powerful army with sophisticated weapons, well-trained training, and a tenacious will to fight.
Even if the Imperial Army engages them in a head-on field battle, they will probably have to pay at least 200,000 casualties, not to mention that if they occupy a solid defensive position, their combat effectiveness will be more than doubled!"
"I can completely understand the concerns of the emperor's uncle, because I also have such worries! However, this enemy is sworn in with the Japanese Empire and must be eradicated as soon as possible. I can't wait to eliminate it immediately, and then quickly,
Now the Empire of Japan has been preparing for more than two years. If it still dares not to launch a full blow against them, how can I explain to the army and subjects?
What's more, if we don't attack with all our strength, how can we know whether it is a real tiger or a paper tiger?"
Hirohito was not a fool and had already thought of the worst outcome, but luck and resentment were not so easy to overcome, especially when his own strength had been greatly enhanced.
Xianyuan Gong Zairen shook his head slightly and said: "The king cannot be angry and raise an army, and a general cannot be angry and go to war. This enemy is certainly hateful and can be killed, and it can be called a serious problem for the empire.
Although Jiang Qiang was extremely hostile to the Empire of Japan and had many bloody battles with the Empire of Japan, in fact he was more like a self-respecting warlord who supported his troops. Except for a few territorial expansions, he did not show a strong desire to attack.
Therefore, I believe that the Empire of Japan can completely take advantage of this and continue to encircle it without launching a long-term siege. It is most appropriate to wait for the Empire of Japan to finish dealing with the National Government and the Eighth Route Army, and then turn around and annihilate it with overwhelming force."
Hirohito closed his eyes slightly, pondered for a while and then said: "The emperor's uncle's suggestion is very safe, but the arrow has to be fired when the arrow is on the string. I will make the imperial army march step by step and fight steadily!" "Since His Majesty has made up his mind, I will not say more! Just
I hope I’m getting old and worrying too much! I’m resigning!”
Kanin Gong Zaijin is now a 75-year-old man, and his energy and physical strength have long been reduced. After having a meeting for an hour or two, and nagging Hirohito for so long, his mental state has become very bad. "Uncle Emperor, please give me more."
Take care of yourself, the Japanese Empire still needs more advice from you!" Hirohito stood up and sent Hanin Gong Zaijin out of the imperial palace.
After the imperial meeting, Konoe Fumimaro, Tojo Hideki, Matsuoka Yosuke and others took action one after another, and a military operation of unprecedented scale against the Chinese Tiger Ben Army was quickly launched. Soon, Roosevelt received a letter from the Japanese Ambassador to the United States.
The diplomatic note sent by the embassy claimed that the Shandong Group Army had long-term military provocations and slandered the Japanese government, and that the Japanese army would launch large-scale military operations against the Shandong Group Army in the near future.
Starting from August 1, the Japanese Navy will prohibit any ship from entering the Shandong Peninsula and require all American personnel and offices in the Shandong Peninsula to evacuate before August 1, otherwise the personal safety of the American personnel will not be guaranteed. Received
After the note, Roosevelt urgently summoned Secretary of State Cordell Hull for discussions.
"After more than a year of stalemate, the Japanese finally couldn't stand it anymore. What they are most anxious about now is to solve the Chinese battlefield, and then attack south to absorb more war resources." Hull frowned slightly and said: "The Germans in the European battlefield
They completely put aside their scruples and swept across almost all of Europe in a short period of time. Except for Britain, which could continue to resist with its powerful navy and the English Channel, the entire Europe was already in the hands of the Germans.
Next, the Germans will definitely continue to attack Britain and force it to surrender with sneak attacks. If Britain really surrenders, it will be a world-wide disaster. The Germans' ambitions will expand rapidly, and their appetite will become bigger and bigger!
Japan, which has the same ambition, was greatly encouraged. This note is their first step in expanding the scale of the war, and its purpose is to test our reaction and bottom line!"
Roosevelt nodded with deep understanding and said: "Yes, although this note looks polite and friendly, it is actually a dangerous signal! Japan has been shrouded in a strong militarism, and with the advent of external aggression
The scale of the war continues to expand, and sooner or later they will get rid of all scruples and constraints!"
Hull continued: "Especially Japan's newly formed cabinet, whether it is the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, or the Foreign Minister, they are all fanatical militants, and they have always advocated a military alliance with Germany and Italy. If that is the case, one day
A world war is inevitable, and even the United States of America cannot stay out of it, because once they form a military alliance, their ambitions will not be limited to Europe and Asia, but will cover the entire world!"
"This is what I am most worried about. But what can we do? Implement economic sanctions, embargo, or change the neutral position on Japan?" Roosevelt frowned, naturally knowing the seriousness of the problem, but the key is
There are too few cards in his hand.
Before the Japanese fully reveal their ambitions and initiate a formal military conflict, Congress and the American people will never support him in taking dangerous actions that "harm peace." "You are right, this is indeed our biggest dilemma at the moment!"
Hull shook his head helplessly, sighed and said: "Greed and luck are the basic nature of human beings. No one will actively respond to potential war dangers before they are really attacked. Therefore, we must try our best to strengthen the war at present.
Be prepared and try your best to persuade the country
meeting, and adjust foreign policy as much as possible to prevent future war situations from being completely out of control!" "Well, that's the only way!" Roosevelt nodded lightly, then pointed to the diplomatic note on the table and said: "What do you think?
How should we respond to this note from the Japanese?"