Chapter 1529 The 19th Army
The sudden pause in the German National Party's offensive caught the German Labor Party off guard, but they had no time to think about what Adolf's conspiracy was. At this time, the German Labor Party had suffered considerable losses and needed to recover as soon as possible and also to deal with the upcoming election.
There were also differences within the German Labor Party on whether to violently overthrow the German government or to compete in parliament, so they chose to proceed along both routes simultaneously.
When a new round of undercurrents surged in Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the south, with the support of the Soviet government, the Labor Party in Austria and other places was also quietly planning a big move. At the same time, because of the lessons learned by the German Labor Party, their actions became more covert to prevent accidents.
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January 14, 1932.
Far Eastern Empire, Shencheng.
Recently, the East African government's consulate in Shanghai donated a batch of weapons to the Far East Empire Army in the region, namely the 19th Army, in the name of military aid.
The Far Eastern Empire's army had actually always been relatively lacking in heavy weapons, and its ability to imitate them was relatively weak. The Nanjing government in particular did not pay much attention to heavy industry.
The Jinling government's solution to the weapons shortage was simple and crude, which was to purchase from abroad. For example, in 1930, the Far Eastern Empire Government purchased a small number of artillery from Germany.
It is undeniable that under the halo of World War I, Germany's strong military power has almost become a consensus around the world, which also makes German arms very popular in the world arms market.
The leaders of the Jinling government also highly praised the German military system, such as the staff system and the discipline of the Prussian army, and believed that the German model was more suitable for the Far Eastern Empire. However, for the Far Eastern Empire, German weapons were not all advantages, especially because they were too expensive.
Unlike Germany in the previous life when it was a defeated country, the German defense industry in this time and space is more arrogant. Therefore, even in the international market, German weapons are definitely not cheap. At the same time in the previous life, Germany's weapons exports to the Far East Empire were even about 30% lower than those of the United States.
The reason is very simple. In the previous life, Germany's military power was restricted, so military factories naturally paid more attention to overseas markets. At the same time, as a defeated country, Germany did not have the confidence in its attitude. In addition, the economic crisis in Germany in the previous life was more severe than in this time and space, so it needed to export to earn foreign exchange and could even accept barter.
Therefore, in this time and space, the scale of military cooperation between Germany and the Far Eastern Empire has shrunk a lot.
Although East African weapons, which are also "German-made", are cheap, they are also limited in price. In addition, in the past decade or so, East Africa has had almost no large-scale military contracts with the Far Eastern Empire.
Britain and the United States, which had close relations with the Nanjing government, also adopted similar practices as in East Africa for political reasons.
Of course, there are essential differences between them and East Africa. The East African government was influenced by Ernst and was unwilling to interfere in the internal affairs of the Far Eastern Empire. Even now, the Far Eastern Empire is only unified in name.
Britain and the United States also took Japan into consideration. Britain and Japan were partners, and the two countries maintained a tacit understanding on the Far Eastern Empire. Therefore, it was impossible for Britain to support the development of the Far Eastern Empire's military industry, and it would not even export heavy weapons with high lethality to the Far Eastern Empire.
The United States also has similar ideas, but this is also related to the current U.S. foreign policy, that is, the prevalence of "isolationism", and arms trade with the Far Eastern empire is obviously not in line with the spirit of isolationism.
In short, not only does the Jinling government not attach importance to the national defense industry, but even international "drinking and eating friends" are relatively rare. At present, its main imported heavy weapons basically come from Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
At this time, the East African Consul Cruz was looking at the rather "shabby" Far East Empire army.
He said to Commander Cai beside him: "It's hard to imagine that your unit is an army stationed in the largest city in the Far East."
At that time, Shanghai was the largest city in the entire Far East, and its economy was very prosperous. At least on the surface, it could only be compared with Tokyo, Japan.
At the same time, in addition to being the Far Eastern Empire's first economic city, Shanghai is also its important gateway, especially guarding the mouth of the Yangtze River. If this place is occupied, the enemy will be able to go upstream along the Yangtze River and drive warships into its hinterland.
Of course, Shanghai at that time was not much different from a colony. For example, the East African Consulate was right next to the French Concession in Shanghai, and warships from Britain, the United States, Germany, France and Japan were cruising in the Yangtze River.
From the seaport of Shanghai, to the seat of the Nanjing government, and finally to Hankou, there were concessions of various countries, and there were more than ten trading ports, all the way to the mountain city upstream.
Britain had a dedicated Yangtze River Fleet, stationed in Shanghai and Hankou, Japan's Third Fleet was stationed in Shanghai, followed by the United States' Yangtze River Patrol.
Therefore, the Yangtze River and other rivers in this era were not controlled by the Far Eastern Empire at all, and they humiliatingly became "international rivers".
In other major countries, this situation would never be allowed to happen, such as the Zambezi River in East Africa, the Mississippi River in the United States, the Thames River in the United Kingdom, and the Seine River in France...
The Rhine and the Danube are truly international rivers, after all, they belong to different countries.
Commander Cai did not dare to neglect Cruz, but he was also puzzled by his words. He asked, "I wonder what aspect your consul is talking about?"
Consul Cruz said bluntly: "I mean that the equipment and treatment of the 19th Army seem a bit out of place in the city of Shencheng."
"Shencheng's prosperity and feasting and revelry are among the best in the world, but your army stationed in such an important economic and military location is really shabby."
Hearing such straightforward words, Commander Cai looked a little embarrassed. He wanted to explain, but didn't know how to start.
"Captain Cai, don't blame me for speaking harshly. Shencheng is the most economically developed and concentrated area in your country. It is also the gateway to the Jinling government. The distance is only about 300 kilometers. With the help of the Yangtze River waterway, if Shencheng falls to the enemy, it can directly threaten the safety of your capital Jinling."
"Therefore, I think your country should deploy heavy troops in Shencheng, or strengthen the weapons and equipment of your local garrisons."
"But, after coming here, I can only say that the condition of your military camp is really unbearable to look at."
It's no wonder Cruz said that. The military level of the Far Eastern Empire was already poor at that time, and the 19th Army was only considered a second-rate army in the Far Eastern Empire.
The 19th Army was not part of the Nanjing Government's direct line, that is, the Central Army. It originally belonged to the local Guangdong Army and later surrendered to the Nanjing Government, but was always regarded as a "miscellaneous army" by the Nanjing Government.
In terms of equipment, weapons, supplies, treatment, etc., they are inferior to the central army, and are only slightly stronger than the local warlord troops.
However, the tasks and freedom they undertook were much worse than those of the warlord troops, and they were often sent by the Nanjing government to dangerous or difficult areas to carry out missions.
Just like their current base - Shencheng, as the most economically developed city in the Far East at that time, Shencheng is undoubtedly a piece of fat meat in the eyes of many people, and the local oil and water are abundant.
But why were the senior officials of the Jinling government willing to let the 19th Army garrison here? There is a big trick involved.
Because at this time, the Nanjing government was very clear that Shanghai was not safe, and they were not completely unaware of some of the actions of the Japanese government.
On the contrary, it was the top leaders of the Nanjing government who were aware that Japan had designs on Shanghai, so at the end of 1931, they transferred the "miscellaneous army" of the 19th Army to this important economic and military center.
To a certain extent, this also shows that when faced with Japan's evil ambitions, the top leaders of the Nanjing government not only lacked the determination to defend the country, but instead wanted to shift the blame.
Assuming that Japan really attacked Shanghai and succeeded, Commander Cai and the 19th Route Army would be the "criminals" and the "scapegoats".
Otherwise, the troops stationed in Shencheng should be the elite troops of the Central Army, not this malnourished, poorly equipped and poorly equipped ragtag force.
Cruz went on to say, "Shencheng is an economic powerhouse and gateway, just like Dar es Salaam in East Africa, and Jinling is like the first town in the former capital of East Africa."
"Back when the First Town was still the capital, we deployed heavy troops in Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo and Zanzibar Island, and invested heavily in the military. We built a coastal defense firepower network, organized a fleet, and had countless machine guns, artillery and other weapons, and sufficient logistical support."
"This is the military investment in East Africa during peacetime for most of the time. The only time in the South African War in the last century was when the British and Portuguese coalition forces threatened the coastal waters of East Africa."
"On the other hand, your country's navy is very weak, and the Yangtze River is not controlled by your country. In this case, to put it bluntly, our East African fleet can easily enter the Yangtze River and threaten the safety of the Yangtze River coast and your capital, Nanjing."
"So at present, your country has no sea power or inland water rights at all, and the navy has invested heavily. We can understand your country's economic difficulties."
"However, your country's investment in the army is really unreasonable. As the saying goes, we should play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses. Since we are unable to support the development of the navy, we should pay more attention to the investment in the army. Even if we equip it with more artillery, it can strengthen your national security."
"Especially now that your country is at war with Japan, your government's actions are even more shameful. If it were me, I would definitely order the elimination of the Japanese troops in Shanghai without hesitation, not to mention the front lines."
In fact, the Far Eastern Empire and Japan were already at war in 1931. However, what surprised the whole world was that the Nanjing government actually issued an order of non-resistance to the Northeast Army, handing over the important agricultural and industrial base of Northeast China.
You must know that in 1931, the Far Eastern Empire suffered severe disasters in the south due to floods, and grain production was greatly reduced. At that time, the Nanjing government even asked the Northeast to mobilize grain for disaster relief. As a result, now the Northeast is directly giving away grain to the Nanjing government for free.
There is also the industry in the Northeast. At that time, it could be said that in the fields of heavy industry and military industry, it was the most developed region in the Far Eastern Empire, which also benefited the enemy.
Faced with Cruz's criticism and humiliation of the Jinling government, Commander Cai could not help but clench his fists. Of course, he was not targeting Cruz, but the disappointing Jinling government.
He said bitterly: "Mr. Consul, although you don't have any good words, you are right. Some senior officials in the government are indeed short-sighted."
"Unfortunately, it is the duty of a soldier to obey orders. I am a lowly person and cannot influence the country's decision. Otherwise, we might have cleared the enemy in Shencheng long ago."
Cruz patted him on the shoulder and said, "I understand your difficulties, but I have to say that this situation is hard to bear."
"After all, a soldier's mission should include one more thing, which is to defend the territory. Your government's actions are too abstract. I think you are also very angry."
"Unfortunately, I am only a foreigner and cannot interfere in your country's internal affairs. However, we in East Africa can still provide some help for your army's plight."
"This time, we in East Africa eliminated a batch of 75mm infantry guns from the warehouse. Generally speaking, these guns from the last century should be treated as scrap metal and recycled, but our government decided to give this batch of guns and some ammunition to the 19th Army."
The 75mm infantry gun was mass-produced in East Africa in the last century and played a significant role in the South African War. However, East Africa no longer needs too many of them, so a small portion of the stock was transported to Shencheng, a total of more than 30 guns.
More than thirty 75mm infantry guns are just a pile of scrap metal for East Africa, but their meaning to the 19th Army is completely different.
Because at that time, the 19th Army had less than 80 artillery pieces.
The 19th Army was equipped with three main types of artillery, namely, about thirty imitations of German 75mm mountain cannons, about forty 85mm mortars, and less than ten field guns.
In other words, the batch of 75mm infantry guns that East Africa provided to the 19th Army was almost equivalent to half of the original artillery firepower of the 19th Army.
In addition, among the "scrap iron" donated from East Africa, there were also a lot of Maxim machines and ammunition, which greatly enhanced the combat effectiveness of the 19th Army.
Commander Cai was skeptical about the generosity of the East Africans. He said, "Your country's behavior may not be in accordance with the rules. I am worried about Nanjing..."
Cruz comforted him and said, "Captain Cai, don't worry. It's just a dozen artillery pieces. I don't think your government will care. Anyway, we in East Africa don't need you to pay the price."
"As for the problems you are worried about in Jinling, we in East Africa will come forward to solve them. You can respond to them with our attitude. Of course, if they don't find any problems, you don't have to do this."
The 19th Army has more than 30,000 people. The sudden addition of 30 artillery pieces is basically unable to attract the attention of those interested. It all depends on what Commander Cai does.
East Africa naturally does not want to get into trouble, although East Africa itself is not afraid of trouble. To be honest, East Africa's targeted military assistance itself is a lack of trust in the Jinling government. If thirty artillery pieces are handed over to the Jinling government, they will definitely not be used by the 19th Army.
According to information from the East African intelligence department, Japan will most likely launch a war against Shanghai next, so the East African side hopes that the 19th Army stationed there will cause trouble for Japan.
Therefore, Cruz reminded him: "General Cai, if you believe the intelligence we obtained in East Africa, then we hope you will remember that Japan is likely to attack this city in the near future. At that time, this batch of military aid may play a certain role."
(End of this chapter)
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