Chapter 474: Mandalay Conference (1)

Actually, regarding some statutes after Nanko's founding, Jiang Anguo also doesn't know how to handle them.

Since Chen Jiageng presented a relatively reasonable plan, Jiang Anguo also has no need to oppose.

Moreover, at present he does not belong to Nanko.

Jiang Anguo nodded slightly, adding, "President, you have considered everything thoroughly."

Across the table, Chen Jiageng glanced at Jiang Anguo, because among those present, Jiang Anguo was the first to address him as President, and that title was hard for him to accept at first.

He, who used to be a patriotic merchant, has now become the president of a brand‑new country.

Of course, this country now has nothing at all.

However, what surprised Chen Jiageng was that the United States' Si Tu Meitang sent congratulations upon hearing that the Nanko Democratic Federal Republic was established in Myanmar!

"In addition, we must quickly expand the army; relying solely on the existing Infantry Regiment cannot protect Nanko's security. We can recruit young and strong overseas Chinese from across Nanyang, select elite troops for training, and also contact the Outside to purchase more weapons and equipment, forging an elite force capable of fighting and defending the homeland," Jiang Anguo said.

Jiang Anguo said that, and there is no need to go through the Outside; weapons and equipment are not lacking here at all.

However, the soldiers are lacking; Nanko's youths know Chen Jiageng but do not know Jiang Anguo.

Jiang Anguo's advantage lies in the WarSystem‑provided soldiers, but their numbers are limited.

In a region as large as Myanmar, merely tens of thousands of people are insufficient.

Moreover, Jiang Anguo's immigration plan currently moves only about a thousand people per day, and the speed of air transport is far too slow.

Sea transport is actually the fastest; a single transport ship can carry over a thousand people, but the coastal areas are now under Japan's control.

General Dai Anlan, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement: "Anguo is right; in chaotic times, only a strong fist can secure a foothold. The Expeditionary Force is currently stationed in Myanmar and can temporarily shelter Nanko, so Mr. Chen need not worry about external threats, but Nanko cannot rely on the Expeditionary Force forever and must swiftly build its own defensive power," Dai Anlan said.

Dai Anlan was also invited to this meeting, which was natural, as he is in Myanmar and has made a name for himself there.

Even the United States' President Roosevelt wants to see Dai Anlan in person.

Dai Anlan knows clearly that the Expeditionary Force will not stay abroad forever; the key is that Myanmar was originally a British colony, and now a new country has suddenly emerged, which Britain will certainly not ignore.

Dai Anlan can even think of the one in Chongqing, who would be even less likely to get involved in such matters.

Once Nanko and Britain clash, the Expeditionary Force will definitely return home.

Another point is that Jiang Anguo hasn't prepared to hide anything from Dai Anlan.

Some matters will have to be known sooner or later.

Chen Jiageng sighed, his tone carrying some worry: "I understand this, but Nanko is newly founded; capital and supplies are extremely scarce, recruiting soldiers and purchasing equipment require massive financial support. Moreover, the populace is complex, with overseas Chinese and local indigenous people; soothing hearts and achieving unified governance is no small challenge."

Chen Jiageng has been in Nanyang for many years; he knows very well the role of the local indigenous between the Chinese and the colonizers.

This is also his only worry.

"As for funding, I'll find a way," Jiang Anguo said firmly. "I have some enterprises across Nanyang and can divert capital to support Nanko's troop construction; additionally, I can contact overseas Chinese to seek their donations. I believe all our Chinese compatriots will support us in establishing our own country and protecting our homeland."

It must be said that Chen Jiageng knows many of Nanko's wealthy merchants.

But acquiring weapons and equipment is not easy; however, for Jiang Anguo, weapons are very easy to obtain.

"As for the indigenous issue, President, someone will help you resolve it," Jiang Anguo said with a mysterious smile.

Regarding the indigenous issue, Jiang Anguo has already thought of a better solution.

The participants exchanged remarks, engaging in heated discussion about Nanko's regime building, army expansion, resource allocation, and civilian pacification.

From dawn until afternoon they deliberated, gradually finalizing preliminary plans for each matter.

First, establish administrative offices in Dongzhi, Lashu, Mandalay and other overseas‑Chinese‑dense areas, to pacify the local populace.

At the same time, launch a conscription plan, recruiting overseas Chinese youth to enlist, with Song Mengqin in charge of training.

Zhuang Mingli will be responsible for contacting overseas Chinese, raising funds and weapons, and gradually improving Nanko's various constructions.

Chen Jiageng's face showed a faint grateful smile: "With Anguo and all colleagues' support, I believe Nanko can gradually develop, providing a stable haven for overseas Chinese and civilians in Nanyang. The Expeditionary Force is currently in Myanmar restraining the Japanese Army, so we can seize this opportunity to accelerate construction."

Jiang Anguo shook his head, his tone grave: "Mr. Jiageng, we cannot be complacent. War will end someday; the Expeditionary Force will eventually withdraw home, and then Nanko must rely on ourselves for protection. Therefore we must speed up progress, quickly give Nanko sufficient strength to stand in chaotic times."

Currently all of Nanko's territories are under Jiang Anguo's control, so all population points belong to Jiang Anguo; that is the most important point.

At that moment, a light knock came from outside; Xiao Si's voice was urgent: "Commander, the Lashu telegram, sent urgently."

The atmosphere in the council hall instantly fell silent.

Everyone looked toward Xiao Si, unsure what had happened.

Jiang Anguo felt a stir in his heart, a bad premonition, and immediately stood, hurried to the door, and took the telegram from Xiao Si's hand.

The telegram envelope bore the word "Urgent"; the paper was still warm. Jiang Anguo quickly opened it, scanned the contents, his face darkening and his brows tightening.

Dai Anlan, seeing this, rose quickly and asked, "Anguo, what happened at Lashu? Is the Japanese Army showing new movements?"

Jiang Anguo slowly lifted his head, shook it, his tone carrying a hint of coldness: "It's not the Japanese Army; it's the Thai forces who can't stay still. They are allied with the Japanese Army and have even launched an attack on the 93rd Division heading toward Jingdong; they are already engaged with Da Qili's defending troops. Lin Yi has already dispatched William to lead P-38 fighter aircraft to support, but the situation remains far from optimistic."

Jiang Anguo couldn't help but admire the Thai Army, which can still launch troops under such circumstances.

It should be noted that the Japanese in Myanmar have been steadily retreating, so Thailand's attack on Jingdong at this time is nothing short of madness.

The listeners' faces changed one after another.

Chen Jiageng hurriedly said, "Jingdong is a crucial passage for the Expeditionary Force in eastern Myanmar and also Da Qili's rear. If it falls, it will affect the Expeditionary Force's deployment and threaten Nanko's safety. What shall we do?"

Jiang Anguo's expression was firm, and he immediately decided, "President, rest assured."

"All of Nanko's matters will be temporarily entrusted to you and the colleagues, proceeding according to the plan we just discussed. I will now head straight to Lashu, fly personally to Jingdong, coordinate forces, repel the Thai Army, and hold Da Qili and Jingdong," Jiang Anguo said.

With at least three infantry divisions as Thailand's main force, Jiang Anguo knows that relying solely on Lv Guoquan's 93rd Division makes holding Jingdong somewhat difficult.

Most importantly, he still worries whether the Chongqing side might directly order the 93rd Division to withdraw inland.

If so, eastern Myanmar would fall into Thai and Japanese hands, which would be dangerous.

"Anguo, if you go yourself, would it be too dangerous?" Chen Jiageng said with concern.

"Rest assured, Myanmar's skies now belong to us, so there won't be great danger."

Jiang Anguo looked at everyone present and said, "Jingdong and Da Qili cannot be abandoned; they are Nanko's shield. With only the 93rd Division, I fear we cannot withstand the Thai Army's assault, so I must go personally to command on the spot."

"Xiao Si, prepare a vehicle immediately, head to Mandalay Airport, inform Lin Yi, ready the fighter aircraft; I must fly to Jingdong as soon as possible!"

"And have Yao Quanyi's Independent Regiment ready, prepared to engage at any time!"

The only unit Jiang Anguo could call upon in Lashu was Yao Quanyi's Independent Regiment, evidently because he didn't want to give the Independent Regiment any time to rest.

"Yes, commander!" Xiao Si immediately bowed and replied, then turned and hurried down to prepare.

Jiang Anguo reminded Chen Jiageng a few more times, instructing him to make sure the construction and security of Nanko were firmly handled, then he grabbed his hat and briskly walked out of the meeting hall, his figure hasty, heading toward the Jeep outside the door.

He knew that Da Qili's battle not only concerned the safety of the 93rd Division but also the future of Nanko; he had to race against time, reach Jingdong, repel the invading enemy, and hold this crucial barrier.