Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 586: Blame-shifting meeting
In terms of the number of enemy troops killed, the Third Campaign was far less significant than the Second Campaign.

However, due to the resolute withdrawal of the UN forces, the battle lines between the two sides instantly shifted from the 38th parallel to the 37th parallel.

For those who are not military professionals, the movement of the battle lines is much clearer and easier to understand than casualty figures.

In particular, Seoul, the capital of the Southern Dynasty, once again fell under the control of the combined forces of China and Korea.

This is undoubtedly exciting news for the entire nation.

It's important to remember that just a few years ago, China was still suffering greatly from the oppression of the Japanese invaders.

No one expected that, just a few years later, the Chinese military would be able to defeat the world's number one superpower.

This rapid change has left everyone in society somewhat disoriented.

The changes were so rapid that they were momentarily caught off guard.

However, this discomfort did not dampen the people's celebrations.

From north to south, every piece of land in the new China was immersed in an ocean of joy.

Even Frog Island in the southeast has undergone significant changes.

Since retreating to the island in 49, Chang Ruiyuan's spirits have deteriorated day by day.

Whenever he has free time, he reflects on his life.

The more I reflect on it, the more I feel like a failure.

In 46, they clearly had the upper hand, but within just a few years they were driven back to Frog Island.

However, on that very day, after seeing the newspaper, Chang Ruiyuan's spirits changed completely.

The Kuomintang (KMT) fought against the Kuomintang's (GMT) major field armies for several years.

What about the US military? They're almost being pushed into the sea by one person.

Compared to MacArthur, the world's number one general, I am at least two levels above him!

The successive victories in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea did not only excite the people of the whole country.

It has also substantially promoted China's development process.

Before the intervention of the Chinese army, China was truly in a state of disrepair and in dire need of reconstruction.

At this time, land reform had not yet been completed, reactionary elements were still rampant, and the suppression of bandits in the southwest region was also underway.

Even under these circumstances, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army still had to go abroad to fight against the world's most powerful enemy.

To ordinary people, this is a terrifying situation that makes them want to give up.

However, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army gave an unusual answer.

The victories in the three battles directly became the biggest boost to the reforms.

Those reactionaries who were originally extremely rampant became trembling with fear when they saw that even their own grandfather had been defeated.

At that moment, they wished they could disappear into the ground.

However, neither the Central Committee nor the General Headquarters were blinded by the results of the first three battles.

Although many people believe that it is only a matter of time before UN forces withdraw completely from Korea, including the US government, this view is shared.

However, even before the third campaign began, the Central Committee had already determined that the Korean War would not end in the short term.

To truly win this battle, we must be prepared for a protracted conflict.

To wage a protracted war, one cannot have any illusions of winning by chance or the mentality of achieving a quick victory.

Only by pulling back your fist can you throw it out more effectively.

According to the plan of the Central Committee and the Volunteer Army Headquarters, the Volunteer Army would need at least two months of rest before launching the spring offensive.

Within these two months, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army had to complete necessary tasks such as replenishing new recruits, evacuating the wounded, adjusting logistics, summarizing experiences, and having experienced soldiers mentor new recruits.

Overall, the two-month rest period has been extremely tight.

If any unforeseen circumstances occur, the timeframe will inevitably be extended.

However, this necessary rest was met with skepticism from others.

The Soviet military chief advisor was the first to explicitly voice his opposition.

In his view, there is no army in the world that would voluntarily stop fighting after winning a battle.

This will give the enemy a chance to catch their breath.

Besides the Soviet Union, another strong opponent was the former North Korean commander.

North Korea has no idea about the strength of the US military; all it wants is more land.

Therefore, he arrived at the Shiji on the second day after the ceasefire.

The leader has a bad temper; it's good enough that he listens to you.

But if you come here to spout nonsense, then don't blame him for firing a shot.

After a cordial and friendly exchange, the Northern Dynasty immediately realized that the situation was different now than before.

Without the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, North Korea would probably have already perished.

After a friendly "persuasion" of both the Soviet Union and North Korea, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army began a comprehensive rest and reorganization as planned.

The disastrous outcome of the third battle truly threw the United States into a panic.

Inside the meeting room, Chief of the General Staff Bradley distributed a report to everyone.

"Gentlemen, this is the true situation on the Korean battlefield."

"Although the official figure was only 3,000 casualties, the Eighth Army suffered more than 12,000 combat losses."

"In addition, there are 7,300 non-combat casualties not included in the casualty count. These people suffered severe frostbite, and most of them required amputation."

During this period, the temperature in North Korea is extremely cold.

If the US military stays in its camps, there's no problem at all.

However, faced with the fierce attack of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, the US troops could only flee in disarray.

Sitting in a convertible speeding on a freezing cold day, that feeling is something only those who have experienced it can truly understand.

When the US troops start running, they don't care whether the soldiers sitting in the carriages are cold or not.

The fact that the US soldiers didn't freeze to death by the time it was confirmed to be safe is a testament to the excellent warmth retention of the US military uniforms.

However, fingers and toes are extremely prone to frostbite.

Seeing that everyone had put down their reports, Bradley continued:
"Although the casualties were 'not great,' the loss of Seoul has put some negative influence on our public opinion."

"Of course, how to deal with the next battle is only one topic of this meeting. The other is the issue of corpses that the Chinese side mentioned in the newspapers."

Everyone felt a headache coming on when Bradley mentioned the corpse.

According to US military statistics, of the 3,000 casualties reported, fewer than 800 met the criteria for receiving compensation.

However, China is now making a big fuss in the newspapers about its intention to voluntarily return the remains of American soldiers, and the number is as high as more than three thousand.

The US military has yet to respond.

If we bring them back, will we still receive the compensation for the 3,000 people?
If they give it to me, then it might never end.

According to their estimates, there must still be many American soldiers' remains buried in the northern mountains.

It's winter now, so cold, the body may not have decomposed.

If we were to bring them all back, it would cost a huge sum of money.

And what if the Chinese side returns the remains after every battle?
The military budget is limited; if they give out a pension, they can't give any more to the military industry groups.

But what will the American soldiers on the front lines think if we don't bring them back?
Faced with this blatant scheme, the US leadership must be in a real bind.

Therefore, when Bradley suddenly brought up this topic, which had been avoided before, the atmosphere in the room immediately became somber.

Seeing that no one was speaking up, Bradley could only look at Truman.

"Mr. President, what do you think we should do?"

"This matter requires careful consideration," Truman said, adjusting his glasses.

"If it is confirmed that the remains are those of American soldiers, we must take them back; but if not, we must not fall for China's tricks."

Truman's words left Bradley completely bewildered.

In the UN forces fighting in Korea, each country had different uniforms. How could that be wrong?

Seeing that Bradley didn't understand, Truman shook his head slightly and looked at Marshall beside him. "Marshall, this matter is in your hands."

“No problem.” Marshall nodded. “I will send Commissioner Smith to handle this matter.”

It's just stalling for time, something Smith excels at.

If they just wait until the weather warms up, the Chinese side will bury the rotting corpses themselves, and then there will be no way to prove anything.

"Well, now that the Chinese plot has been temporarily resolved, we should focus our energy on the battlefield."

Truman asked, "If we significantly increase our troop numbers, will it provoke a reaction from Soviet Russia?"

At present, although the US military is suffering repeated defeats in the Korean War, it has not yet reached the worst point.

The giant bear to the north is still quietly lurking in the shadows.

The Chinese army alone had already given the UN forces a hard time.

They couldn't imagine what the outcome would be if Soviet Russia had entered the war.

If they can't protect North Korea, that's a minor issue; the US military might not even be able to protect Japan.

Losing Japan essentially means losing East Asia.

Upon hearing Truman's question, the group's mood, which had just begun to improve, sank again.

Regarding the Korean War, it was difficult to accept whether to fight or run away.

They fear they cannot win if they fight; but they cannot run away now.

The world's largest country, and the top leader of the capitalist camp.

If we are beaten and driven away by a poor China, how will we survive in the world?
After a moment of silence in the meeting room, Marshall spoke: "For the United States, Japan is far more important than North Korea."

"Moreover, the situation in Europe is also somewhat tense right now, so we cannot continue to increase our troops in North Korea under any circumstances."

"I suggest sending a telegram to General MacArthur, asking him to assess the situation in Korea and see if it can still be held."

"If MacArthur says we can't hold out, then we'll order a retreat."

Upon hearing Marshall's suggestion, everyone nodded in agreement.

However, while some are satisfied, others are not.

MacArthur was furious when he received the telegram.

"Fake!"

What do you mean by "it's necessary to adjust my tasks"?

"What do you mean by 'it's best to hold on, but if it can't be held, then I should tell them'?"

"Aren't these just like those guys in Washington who want to retreat but don't dare to give the order directly?"

MacArthur had been constantly shifting blame, and now Washington had pinned the blame on him.

Chief Intelligence Officer Willoughby, who was standing nearby, said, "Sir, judging from the current situation, without domestic support, the outlook for the Korean War is probably not optimistic."

“Of course I know that,” MacArthur said, puffing on his pipe, looking extremely troubled.

These guys in Washington may not be very capable, but they're quite adept at using these underhanded tricks.

Regardless of whether North Korea actually handed the reins over to Ridgway, he remains the nominal head of the company.

He was tasked with assessing the situation in North Korea.

Seeing MacArthur's somewhat troubled expression, Willoughby suggested, "Sir, I think we should answer from the side."

"side?"

“That’s right.” Willoughby nodded.

"Everyone knows that North Korea can no longer continue fighting, but we can request reinforcements and expand the war."

"I think the gentlemen in Washington will definitely not agree, and then we won't have any responsibility."

MacArthur's eyes lit up.

"Excellent!" MacArthur couldn't help but applaud.

Washington wanted him to say he was withdrawing troops, so he proposed expanding the war.

"Send a telegram! Send a telegram immediately!"

"I'd like to see how Washington will try to make me take the blame!"

"Blockade the Chinese coast?"

"Bombing Chinese industrial areas?"

"Should we have Chang Ruiyuan send troops to support North Korea?"

"Let Chang Ruiyuan attack the mainland?"

"Fuck! What kind of advice is this?"

Inside the Oval Office, Truman was furious as he looked at MacArthur's telegram.

He might know that this simply wouldn't work without even having a meeting to discuss it.

How many navies would be needed to blockade the Chinese coast? Would Europe even be spared? What if the Soviets came?
China has virtually no industrial zones, so where would we bomb? Besides, it would be easier to provoke the Soviet Union.

As for Chang Ruiyuan, Truman felt nauseous just hearing those three words.

If we send them to Korea, wouldn't even more Chinese People's Volunteers come?

As for counterattacking the mainland, that's out of the question. If they had that ability, would they be occupying the island?
After fuming for a while, Truman said firmly, "The war must not be escalated!"

"Tell MacArthur to hold out in Korea for as long as possible."

"But his first priority is to defend Japan. If he feels he should withdraw from Korea, then he should withdraw immediately!"

Seeing that Truman's reply still left it to him to decide the evacuation time, MacArthur became angry again and gave a dictated reply.

"The decision to withdraw has the highest national and international importance, far exceeding the capabilities of a theater clerk."

"Furthermore, I would like to know what the current policy objectives of the United States are?"

"Is it about maintaining North Korea's military position for an uncertain and limited period of time?"

"Or should we retreat immediately when a retreat is possible to minimize losses?"

After saying that, MacArthur thought for a moment and added, "One more thing."

"The U.S. military faces enormous difficulties in Korea. If it is forced to remain in Korea, the U.S. military may suffer total annihilation."

When Marshall delivered MacArthur's telegram to the White House, almost all of the top American officials who learned of the situation were trembling with anger.

MacArthur's telegram was nothing short of a rogue act.

"This is clearly a document written for posterity!" Bradley exclaimed angrily.

With this telegram, MacArthur could absolve himself of responsibility should the situation proceed, whether it was a retreat, defeat, or total annihilation.

"MacArthur has lost the morale of his soldiers in the battle against the Central Army," Marshall pointed out incisively.

When a commander complains that his troops' morale is high, his own morale has already plummeted.

After intense discussions, Truman finally made a decision.

“Bradley, on behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, formally reply to MacArthur.”

"The requirement is that U.S. forces in North Korea inflict the greatest possible punishment on the enemy, and that they not withdraw from North Korea unless absolutely necessary for military considerations."

“Okay.” Bradley nodded.

The Ministry of National Defense is the highest civilian body in the military, while the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest military military body.

Truman's formal reply, following the Joint Chiefs of Staff, constituted an inviolable military order.

After confirming the specific orders, Truman then said:

"Collins, Vandenberg, you two go to North Korea. I need firsthand information."

"Only by clearly understanding the situation at the front can we decide whether to withdraw troops."

Collins was the Army Chief of Staff, while Vandenberg was the Air Force Chief of Staff.

The Korean War was a land war, primarily fought by the army and air force.

"No problem, let's set off immediately!"

(End of this chapter)