20_20434 Yang Zhen's words seem to have given this military commander who had been made to run away several times before. But for Yang Zhen to say that his ability is higher than him, the army commander hurriedly waved his hand and said: "Political commissar, this may not be said." In the few major battles you fought in the Northeast, we have already received war reports from the central authorities. Honestly, I can't fight that kind of battle like yours. ”

"In this year's battle, you defeated the siege of more than 100,000 Japanese troops equipped with tanks, heavy artillery and a large number of aviation units in one fell swoop, and also annihilated most of them. This result, not to mention our poorly equipped troops, even his most well-equipped Central Army could not fight. ”

"The commissar started from scratch in the Northeast, almost from scratch. With one or two hundred remnants defeated, it will be difficult to fight a vast world, and it is difficult to do it without superhuman military literacy. We all know the combat effectiveness of the Japanese army, and compared with the political commissar's repeated victory with less and completely turning the tide of the war in the northeast, my ability is not on the table. What kind of famous generals of the Northern Expedition, the Iron Army, etc., the political commissar should not mention it again. ”

"As you said, one is one, and two is two. Qualifications are qualifications, but competence is ability. Although I am far older than you, I am too far behind in ability. Our previous experience is no longer enough on the battlefield in the face of an enemy armed to the teeth. ”

"To be honest, I was surprised that you came to serve as the political commissar of the New Fourth Army, but it was also expected. Maybe not only me, but even all the senior cadres may be surprised. In particular, the high-ranking cadres who had the right to receive the war reports forwarded by the central authorities felt a little surprised, even a little sudden. ”

"But if you think about it carefully, at a critical moment in the northeast, it is not difficult to think clearly about the intention of the central government to transfer you to the New Fourth Army. The situation in southern Anhui has reached a critical juncture, and what is needed here is a person who can make up his mind decisively, otherwise it will be difficult for the situation in southern Anhui to be resolved in a short period of time. The more than 10,000 cadres and troops in southern Anhui are in danger. ”

Regarding the commander's evaluation, Yang Zhen just smiled faintly. Although he could tell that the elder's praise was from the heart, it did not mean that he would accept it. However, in the face of the current bad situation, neither Yang Zhen nor the army commander is in the mood to continue this topic.

After a slight silence, the army commander spoke: "Political commissar, this time the central government can transfer you to southern Anhui to preside over the overall situation at a critical moment in the northeast, presumably you already know the situation here." You didn't say everything at the meeting, so I wanted to ask you what you really thought. Of the three routes, which do you think is the most suitable? As the secretary of the military branch, you still have to make the final decision. ”

Regarding the commander's straightforwardness, Yang Zhen did not hesitate at all: "The three routes are not the best choice for us now. However, judging from the current situation in southern Anhui, we have no other choice than these three routes. We were too hesitant to do so, and we actually lost the best time to transfer. ”

"Southern Anhui, which is in a horn with southern Jiangsu, has a really important strategic position. However, the depth here is narrow, and the shape of the surrounding area is very different from the situation after the fall of Nanjing. To the west and south are the elites of the three theaters, and to the east is the location of the headquarters of the Japanese invasion of China. We are trapped in southern Anhui, not only unable to develop, but also in danger of sitting still. ”

"Now that the encirclement of southern Anhui by the three theaters has been completed, no matter which route we choose except for the eastern front, we must march under their guns, which is not low for us, and even higher. So, as I said at the meeting, no matter which route we choose, we must be prepared to fight. ”

"There is still half a month before the final evacuation time set for us by the Third War Zone, and once we continue to delay the deadline, we will send them a handle ourselves, which is very detrimental to winning the support of public opinion. Not only that, but opportunities are fleeting for us. So before the end of the month, we must start taking action. ”

"As for the choice of route, although the route from the northern line to Wuwei via Fanchang and Tongling is our old communication line, it is also the old guerrilla area of the three detachments and the Wuwei guerrillas. The distance is relatively short, the mass base is also longitudinal and horizontal, and it is the main blockade line of the Japanese puppets on the Yangtze River. ”

"Unless we choose to disperse our limited strength under the current situation of the great enemy, we choose to disperse our limited strength and retreat north in batches. No, on the vertical and horizontal terrain, the movement of small troops is acceptable, but for the movement of large troops, especially when our army lacks the ability to attack fortifications, this is not a good choice route. ”

"Moreover, at present, the three divisions of the Gui troops of the Jiangbei Fifth Theater have arrived in the Wuwei area, and it is difficult to say whether to cooperate with the Third Theater to solve us or cover our crossing of the river. In addition, the Japanese army transferred 15 more divisions to the front line of Tongling and Fanchang. This line is practically impossible. ”

"As a famous general of the Northern Expedition, Commander Xiyi should know that although the equipment of the Gui troops is poor, their combat effectiveness is very strong. In particular, the ability to fight in the mountains is not inferior to ours. In the first battle of the Xiangjiang River, the Central Red Army suffered a great loss at the hands of the Gui troops. Coupled with the 15th Division of the Japanese Army, we are likely to face a two-sided attack under the situation of absolute disadvantage in troops. ”

"As for the Eastern Front, although the same mass base is better, and there are troops from southern Jiangsu that can take over. However, it is a key blockade area in the Third Theater, and its 108th Division has already completed the deployment and construction of fortifications. Now the main force of the troops in southern Jiangsu has crossed to the north, and the remaining 3,000 or so forces are the only remaining strength of our army in southern Jiangsu. ”

"In the face of the heavy troops in the third theater, coupled with the pressure of facing the heavy sweep of the Japanese puppet army, the role that this force in southern Jiangsu can play is very limited. Once the troops in southern Jiangsu took the initiative to attack and respond when our army crossed to the north, it would be unfavorable to our subsequent development in the south of the Yangtze River. ”

"Moreover, the Third Theater of Operations only allowed us to evacuate non-combatants through this route, and strictly forbade our combat troops to evacuate non-combatants. That is, if we choose this route, we risk an open break with the Third Theater of Operations. This is also very detrimental to our efforts to win the support of public opinion. ”

"Since both routes are no longer feasible, then for us, the only thing left is to go south to Maolin, Sanxi to Jingde, Ningguo to Guangde, Langxi to Liyang in search of opportunities to cross the route to the north. In fact, on the surface, this line has a weak foundation for mass work, the distance is relatively long, and it is moving in the rear of the Third Theater and in the direction of heavy troops, which is very unfavorable to us politically and militarily. ”

"However, under the condition that the Third Theater agrees with the troops of our New Fourth Army in southern Anhui to move northward along this route and that it has not completed its deployment to encircle and annihilate us, as long as our army moves quickly and resolutely, it is entirely possible to successfully move northward along this route. Especially in the case that neither the Third Theater nor the Japanese puppet army would have expected that we would choose this route, we could choose to be surprised. ”

"Although it is not good for us in politics, as long as we do not develop in depth, we can effectively reverse the disadvantage of public opinion. And we can take effective measures to avoid passivity in politics. After all, our withdrawal to the north was under the repeated demands of the Third War Zone. ”

"So Commander, when considering which route to retreat, we should focus our goal on this route. When you communicate with the three war zones, you have to propose this route. But in terms of timing, be sure not to leave too much time for the other party to prepare. That is to say, within three days of the report, we will act regardless of whether the Third War Zone agrees or disagrees. The other party must not be left with time to calmly adjust the armament. ”

"And after the operation is launched, it is necessary to quickly get rid of the interference. Don't stop at any time along the way, and go straight to Liyang at the speed of a forced march. If the third theater fires the first shot, then concentrate the forces and fight with all their might. You are a military commander, and you have full authority to make decisions in the war. ”

"However, before the operation, it is necessary to draw out a group of veteran scouts, preferably experienced and capable forces who have persisted in guerrilla warfare in the south for three years. Careful and rigorous reconnaissance of this route. Especially the terrain, you must know it in your heart. There is still more than half a month to go, and time should be enough. ”

"In addition, I will have a detailed information on the equipment and personnel of the 40th Division, especially the combat effectiveness, within a week. Including the movement of other units in the Third Theater, the situation of troops, and equipment must be briefed in detail, and in particular, we must have a detailed grasp of our movements one week before the transfer. Only by knowing oneself and knowing one's opponent can one win a hundred battles. ”

"For accidents that may be encountered on the route of retreat to the north, the army commander must have a preparation and a contingency plan. And this plan should be based on the idea of fighting. Including changes in terrain and climate, we must have a mental preparation. The climate, in particular, adversely affects our marching operations. ”

"Southern Anhui is a terrain, and precipitation in the mountainous areas has a great impact on the water volume of the Qingge River and various rivers. The amount of water in the rivers on our way north must be taken into account. During the retreat to the north, it is necessary to concentrate on dispatching a group of able-bodied personnel to be specially responsible for erecting pontoon bridges over various rivers to assist the troops in crossing the rivers as quickly as possible. The various difficulties encountered should be considered in as much detail as possible. ”

Speaking of this, Yang Zhen hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke: "Comrade Xiyi, our retreat to the north is actually carried out under the condition that the strong enemy is waiting. If you are not careful, you may fall into ruin if you hesitate. So once you make up your mind, be resolute and resolute. ”

"The center is far away and water can't quench the thirst of the near. Judging from our experience in the struggle over the years, if the other side really makes up its mind to eat us, no matter how much the central authorities negotiate, it will not be able to interfere with its determination. Therefore, apart from listening to the arrangements of the central authorities in terms of general policy and strategy, we have to rely on ourselves for the rest. ”

"And the liaison officer of the Third Theater stationed in the New Fourth Army, you must monitor me closely. All deployments must be kept strictly confidential. Before crossing the river, he must not be allowed to leave. Especially the news I have received, it must be tightly sealed. ”

"There is nothing wrong with obeying the united front. But this is relative, not absolute. We cannot tie our hands and feet firmly to the united front and restrict our own development, still less can we send our heads to other people's bayonets for this reason. ”。