Chapter 504: The Upset British

Due to the gradual improvement of the war in Myanmar.

For the Chongqing government, opening the Dian-Mian Highway now only leaves Yangon; as long as Yangon is retaken, external aid will flow continuously back into China.

The only one still upset is the United Kingdom's Liaison in the Expeditionary Force, Major Smith.

He did not join Stilwell on the campaign; instead, he sought an opportunity in Mandalay to persuade the Expeditionary Force to abandon this Nanko government, and sternly warned Jiang Anguo that this violates the laws of the Imperial United Kingdom, as Myanmar belongs to the Imperial United Kingdom.

However, what Smith said holds no meaning at all for Jiang Anguo.

Zhang Bingjun lifted his teacup, took a gentle sip, and got straight to the point: "To be frank, the news of the establishment of the Nanko Democratic Federal Republic reaching Chongqing surprised the entire government."

"Everyone knows that Myanmar now is the lifeline of the domestic resistance, and the Dian-Mian Highway is the sole route for aid to China, so the primary purpose of today's visit is to ask President Chen: after Nanko's establishment, what stance does it hold regarding the China‑Myanmar situation and the domestic resistance?"

These questions were asked directly, without any detour, reflecting Chongqing's urgency and also containing a test.

Jiang Anguo looked at Chen Jiageng, indicating that he should speak first.

Chen Jiageng enjoys great prestige among Chinese both at home and abroad, has long had dealings with Chongqing, and now is the president of a nation, so naturally Chen Jiageng answers Zhang Bingjun.

Chen Jiageng set down his teacup, his expression solemn, his tone sincere: "Special Envoy Zhang, rest assured, although Nanko is a newly established regime, its foundation lies with the Chinese, and its original purpose is to protect the Chinese in Myanmar and support the domestic resistance."

"I, Chen Jiageng, have devoted my life to serving the country and the nation; back then I organized the Nanyang Chinese diaspora to donate money and supplies to support the domestic resistance, and now that Nanko has been established, that original purpose will never change."

A hint of emotion flashed in Zhang Bingjun's eyes, yet he still wasn't fully reassured and pressed on: "President Chen's intention, I, Zhang, trust without doubt. I only wonder whether the Nanko government will impede the transport of supplies on the Dian-Mian Highway? After all, most of Myanmar is now under Nanko's control, and the highway's smooth operation directly concerns the survival of the domestic resistance."

Hearing this, Chen Jiageng couldn't help but smile, his tone firm: "Special Envoy Zhang, you are overthinking. Nanko was established precisely to clear the remnants of the Japanese Army in Myanmar and to secure the Dian-Mian Highway's smoothness."

Chen Jiageng continued: "I can solemnly promise here that as long as Nanko captures all of Myanmar, the Dian-Mian Highway will remain continuously open, and all aid to China will be transported via the Dian-Mian Highway, flowing unceasingly to the rear of the domestic resistance, with no obstruction whatsoever."

Jiang Anguo then spoke slowly, adding: "Special Envoy Zhang, Nanko and Chongqing share the same goal: to fight the Japanese Army and protect Huaxia."

My st Division has been fighting the Japanese Army in Myanmar; previously we annihilated the Japanese 18th Division and severely damaged the 56th Division, all to clear obstacles and open the Dian-Mian Highway.

Now Chief Du has led the main force of the Expeditionary Force southward to attack Yangon, and Nanko's troops in Taunggyi will fully cooperate with Chief Du, never lagging behind.

Jiang Anguo also added some embellishment: "You should know that in the counteroffensive against Da Qili's Thai forces, Nanko's guerrilla battalion also played a major role."

At this point, Jiang Anguo felt, no, the scale is too small.

A guerrilla battalion? No, it must be an infantry brigade.

Taunggyi's Infantry Regiment under Song Mengqin is at least a group army.

Regardless of the number of troops, the scale must be large; otherwise, when reported externally, it will be seen as a minor skirmish, looked down upon.

"Commander Jiang, is what you say true?" a flash of delight crossed Zhang Bingjun's eyes, his tone becoming more urgent, "If Nanko can fully cooperate with the Expeditionary Force's southward advance and help open the Dian-Mian Highway, the Chongqing government will certainly fully support Nanko's development; whether in material supplies or international recognition, we will do our utmost to coordinate."

Zhang Bingjun's words made Chen Jiageng glance at Jiang Anguo, who smiled wryly, saying that they were fellow sufferers and need not be so formal.

"Of course it's true, just as General Jiang said, our Nanko troops have already been assisting the Expeditionary Force in attacking the Japanese Army in Myanmar and Thailand." Chen Jiageng followed Jiang Anguo's words, completing the statement.

In fact, Chen Jiageng has only seen Song Mengqin's Infantry Regiment, and he knows well that it is an elite unit.

Whether in weaponry, equipment, or morale, Chen Jiageng has never seen anything like it on Huaxia's soil.

Chen Jiageng's tone was steady, "But I also have a request: although Nanko and the national government are allies, they have their own positions and deployments; I hope Chongqing will not overly interfere in Nanko's internal affairs, especially regarding military deployments in Myanmar. We will cooperate with the Expeditionary Force in combat, but also hope to obtain full autonomy."

Zhang Bingjun pondered briefly, nodded: "President Chen's request is reasonable. As long as Nanko keeps its promise to support the domestic resistance and ensure the Dian-Mian Highway remains open, the Chongqing government will never interfere in Nanko's internal affairs."

"This visit also has another purpose: to hope both sides can establish a regularized liaison mechanism, communicate military intelligence promptly, coordinate operations, and jointly fight the Japanese Army."

Chen Jiageng immediately agreed: "That proposal is excellent. Regularized liaison not only allows mutual exchange of resources, avoids unnecessary misunderstandings, and consolidates strength, so that we can soon drive the Japanese Army out of Myanmar, open the Dian-Mian Highway, and support the domestic resistance."

Jiang Anguo slightly nodded, looking at Zhang Bingjun: "Fine. However, Nanko's intelligence is still relatively weak; the main intelligence is handled by my st Division."

"I will assign a dedicated person to handle liaison with Chongqing, exchanging military intelligence daily; if coordination is needed, we will respond immediately. Also, Special Envoy Zhang, please return and inform Chongqing that although Nanko is new, its resolve to fight the Japanese Army and its responsibility to guard the Dian-Mian Highway remain unchanged, and it will be Chongqing's most reliable ally."

Zhang Bingjun looked at the young general; this man is the Principal's rising star, not just because they share the surname Jiang.

The key is that he can fight, and can win battles, can win battles.

All fights are fought beautifully.

Especially the Battle of Yichang and the Jingzhou Campaign, they remain the battles most frequently discussed by Chongqing's people over tea and meals.

A satisfied smile appeared on Zhang Bingjun's face as he rose and clasped his hands: "With President and General Jiang's words, I, Zhang, am reassured. I will immediately transmit today's discussion back to Chongqing; I believe the government will be very pleased upon learning it."

"Regarding subsequent liaison matters, Zhang will arrange a dedicated person to coordinate with Nanko, hoping both sides can soon join hands, jointly defeat the Japanese Army, open the Dian-Mian Highway, and help the domestic resistance achieve victory."

Chen Jiageng also rose to return the salute, smiling: "Special Envoy Zhang, you have worked hard all the way; rest for today, and tomorrow I will personally accompany the envoy to tour Mandalay, letting the envoy see Nanko's resolve and strength."

Zhang Bingjun repeatedly thanked him, his doubts completely dispelled.

His mission was accomplished: not only had he clarified Nanko's stance and established a liaison mechanism, but also secured a promise to keep the Dian-Mian Highway open, which is undoubtedly great news for the Chongqing government.

Jiang Anguo and Chen Jiageng also understand that forging a good relationship with the Chongqing government can garner more support and more smoothly advance Nanko's development, protect the Chinese in Myanmar, and aid the domestic resistance.

The most crucial thing is Chongqing, which has what Nanko needs most: population!