Years of the Republic of China 1913

When all the countries were shocked and everyone had not had time to react, the [-]st Division of the [-]th Division stationed in Shandong and the [-]st Division of the [-]th Division entered Qingdao Island with lightning speed. The ordered German garrison in Qingdao began to hand over various defenses in an orderly manner, and at the same time handed over some port facilities. As for the German fleet anchored in the military port, it was also ready to anchor and leave the port at any time. Can't believe this was unplanned

Unlike other countries, which were stunned by the astonishment, Qingdao’s diplomatic relations were the first time since the beginning of the Opium War in 1840 that the Chinese government officially took back foreign powers in China’s concession areas and exercised national sovereignty. At the same time, under Fang Zida's deliberate arrangement, major newspapers in the north and south published the great news at the same time, and a special person wrote an article to celebrate the great success of the handover of Qingdao* Island. The prestige of zhe fu in the Republic of China has reached an unprecedented height among the people. As long as someone talks about the Qingdao incident, or the wisdom of President Yuan Da and Premier Song, whoever doesn’t give a thumbs up and praise, “Amazing! "Even the few members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although they didn't make much effort, were regarded as national heroes who took back the country, and they were all so happy that they couldn't even close their mouths."

As for the real protagonist Fang Zida, except for a few people, the outside world does not know his role in the relationship. Moreover, in order to keep a low profile and avoid trouble, Fang Zida handed over all the work to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quietly after the document was officially signed. dodged

On July 7th, the second day after Germany returned Qingdao to China, a major event that shocked the world took place in Europe. Zheng Fu has no sincerity as an excuse to officially declare war on Serbia. This is a day that will be remembered in history, because from this day on, it marks the first largest and most tragic war in mankind, and the official outbreak of World War

On July 7th, on the second day after Austria-Hungary officially declared war on Serbia, Tsarist Russia began a full-scale war mobilization, sent troops to assist Serbia, and officially joined the war against Austria-Hungary. On August 30st, the Kaiser, who had long been unable to hold back William II jumped out and announced that Germany declared war on Tsarist Russia, and then Germany declared war on France on August 8rd. On August 1th, it declared war on Belgium, a neutral country between Germany and France. On the same day, Britain declared war on Germany, and then on August 8th , the Austro-Hungarian Empire officially declared war on Tsarist Russia, Serbia declared war on Germany, and Britain declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on August 3... In less than half a month, the situation in Europe has changed drastically. Divide each other and declare war on each other

So far, the whole world has turned all its attention to the war-torn Europe, but at the same time, when it comes to the incident that Germany handed over Qingdao not long ago, it suddenly dawned on me that no politicians and diplomats in Western countries expected this, which they have never looked down upon. The boss of China actually foresaw everything before the outbreak of the war, and it seems to have made some private deals with Germany. Otherwise, how could the arrogant Kaiser be so generous and hand over Qingdao to China unconditionally?

While stunned, Britain, France and other countries were also worried about the official outbreak of the European War. Their energy was no longer in the Far East. Germany's move to return Qingdao in advance made them feel anxious, especially Britain, which has the greatest interests in China. It is worried that China has been wooed by Germany in private, and will join the Allies to declare war on Britain and France. It will inevitably lead to the inability to deploy troops, Britain and France, which take China into account, will suffer huge losses in the Far East. What is more terrible is that with Germany's industrial strength, coupled with China's vast land and almost endless population, if they are combined, the consequences will be huge. Unbelievable

All of a sudden, the ambassadors and diplomats of various countries in China were like cats who smelled fishy smells, and they were looking for news everywhere in Beijing. Among them, the British ambassador Zhu Erdian was the most anxious. Like ants on a pot, he even ignored diplomatic procedures and went directly to the presidential palace to visit, asking to meet Yuan Shikai in order to determine the final thoughts of the Chinese people

It is not France that is as anxious as Zhu Erdian, but Ri himself, but Ri himself does not care about whether China will choose the Allies or the Entente in the end, but because China actually let Germany return Qingdao in a flash before the war started. This made the Japanese, who had always been coveted by Qingdao* Island, very angry, and the Chinese people's greed for food, and the ingenious operation of crossing the sea made Japan completely bankrupt the idea of ​​​​using the outbreak of the war to snatch the German colony. It is too late for me to intervene in Qingdao now, unless China officially turns against Britain and France to join the Allies, Japan will have an excuse to send troops. Therefore, like the British ambassador, the Japanese who are most concerned about these days are almost busy running up and down Jump, but different from the UK, their idea is to hope that China and Germany will quickly form an alliance, so that they can take this opportunity to extend their greedy claws to China

Zhu Erdian did not meet Yuan Shikai in the presidential palace. Regarding the attitude of the Chinese government towards the outbreak of the European war, Yuan Shikai told the ambassadors of various countries through channels. This will be decided by the government and the Congress. The president as the head of state must strictly abide by the constitutional system of the Republic of China. When the final discussion results have not been determined, everything is uncommentable

This delay lasted for more than ten days. On August 8, Song Jiaoren held an official press conference at the Prime Minister's Office on behalf of the Chinese government. At the press conference, Song Jiaoren first preached the Chinese people in front of everyone Love peace, deeply regret the outbreak of war in Europe, and then express China's attitude towards the European war. After the vote of the National Congress of the Republic of China and the final decision of zheng fu, with the approval of the president, the Republic of China will remain neutral in the war. As for the rumored China before The news that there is a private covenant with Germany because of Qingdao* Island is purely false. Regarding the handover of Qingdao* Island, China only received a sudden notice from Germany temporarily. There was no meeting or negotiation between the two parties before. As for why Germany did this The reason why he did it is unknown as the prime minister of China and not the chancellor of Germany. Maybe the ambassadors of various countries can go to Berlin to ask Kaiser Wilhelm II, and maybe he will give everyone a satisfactory answer.

The attitude of the Chinese government once again surprised all countries. At the same time, Britain and France, who had been worried that China would ally with Germany, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This is also a blessing in misfortune, and it is acceptable to say it. Of course, the most disappointed one is the eager-eyed Japanese. The heart of the Japanese, who is thinking about whether China is in an alliance with Germany, suddenly becomes completely cold. But they have to show a happy look in front of their ally, the British ambassador Zhu Erdian. The pain involved is really hard for them

Countries may be happy or worried about China's statement of neutrality. Of course, Song Jiaoren did not just express neutrality at the press conference, but also made notes on China's neutral attitude. The definition of China's own role in this war is used to secretly warn some countries that want to fish in troubled waters. Once China is attacked as a neutral country, it will inevitably respond accordingly, and the consequences will be entirely borne by the other party.

"When did the Baga Chinese become so cunning?" Japan's representative in China, Xiao Ban Youji, gritted his teeth and scolded secretly. Although Song Jiaoren didn't name them, aren't these words all about Japan?

It is also a coincidence to say that the German ambassador is temporarily absent, and Marsan is working as the acting ambassador in China. The same is true for Japan. zheng fu was appointed as the charge d'affaires in China, and was in charge of the ambassador's work. It would take some time for ambassador ri to arrive in Beijing. tokyo confession

The press conference ended soon, and the British ambassador Zhu Erdian walked quickly towards Song Jiaoren, offering his hand for the first time: "Premier Song, your country has made a wise choice, and I would like to express my gratitude to you."

"Your Excellency, peace is what everyone hopes for. Although China is far away from Europe, it also expresses concern about this war. Peace-loving China is extremely regretful. The only thing we can do is to choose neutrality." Song Jiaoren smiled and shook hands with him. Then he shook hands with American Ambassador Reinsch, French Ambassador Conti, Russian Ambassador Kurubensky and others who continued to come forward before leaving

Leaving the Prime Minister's Office, the ambassadors and diplomats from various countries dispersed one after another. Zhu Erdian and Kang Ti returned to the embassy district in the same carriage. The two of them did not speak along the way, as if they were thinking about something

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped at the gate of the British embassy. After thanking Kang Ti, Zhu Erdian picked up his top hat and cane and was about to get out of the carriage. Just as he stepped off his feet, he suddenly turned around

"I suddenly remembered a sentence from your Majesty Napoleon just now."

"What?"

"Here lies a sleeping giant, let him sleep, once he wakes up, he will shake the world, he is sleeping, thank God, let him sleep'..." Speaking of this, Zhu Erdian smiled wryly Said: "Maybe, he won't sleep anymore..." (To be continued)

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