Republic of China: Ace Pilot

The seaplane landed on the Red River and then turned to dock at a temporary seaplane airport converted from a cargo terminal.

Gong Xiuneng opened the cabin door and stood guard on the dock, followed by Fang Wen.

Pan Jiafeng came over with his pilots: "Master, why didn't you say you were coming?"

"It's about the arms purchase. I've informed the French, and someone should be coming to pick me up soon," Fang Wen replied.

At that moment, several military jeeps drove up, and the French officers who got out of the vehicles stepped forward and saluted: "Mr. Fang, His Excellency the Governor and Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire are waiting at the Governor's Palace. Please get in the vehicle."

Fang Wen nodded, led Gong Xiuneng over, and bent down to get into the jeep.

The convoy drove towards Hanoi, and along the way, colonial soldiers could be seen patrolling the streets. The defensive fortifications at the street corners had not been dismantled. Although there was no fighting now, the atmosphere was still tense, after all, the threat from the Japanese army had never truly disappeared.

Half an hour later, the military vehicles arrived at the entrance of the Governor's Mansion.

Soldiers in uniforms bearing the Free French insignia stand guard alongside colonial soldiers, demonstrating that the area has completely sided with Free France.

Fang Wen got out of the car and told Gong Xiu to wait outside. Led by his secretary, he walked through the carved corridor and into the conference room of the governor's mansion.

In the conference room, Governor De Gu sat in the main seat, with Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire standing to the side. Several military and political officials and financial officers from the colonial army were also seated around them. Blank documents and paper and pens had already been laid out on the table, indicating that preparations had been made for discussing the arms purchase.

Upon seeing Fang Wen enter, everyone stood up. Governor Degu smiled warmly and said, "Mr. Fang, your efficiency is indeed very high. You have results so quickly!"

“Your Excellency Governor, Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire, I apologize for keeping you waiting.” Fang Wen strode forward, shook hands, then opened his briefcase and took out the arms list from the United States, placing it on the table. “This is a detailed arms list from the United States, including the available weapon models, specifications, prices, and manufacturers’ delivery cycles. I came all the way from Burma specifically to finalize the specific purchase requirements with you.”

Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire walked over, picked up the list and carefully examined it. Several other military and political officials and financial officers also gathered around, their eyes fixed on every item on the list.

Fang Wen sat and waited, since the list was quite long and it would take some time to read it all.

After looking at it for a while, they stopped watching and instead had the clerk and the governor's staff copy the list together.

After the transcript was copied, each attendee received a copy.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire handed the list back. "Mr. Fang, we've taken a quick look. Would you please explain the situation?"

Fang Wen nodded and began to explain: "Everyone, this list was drafted by specialists from the U.S. Department of Defense. It takes into account the terrain of French Indochina and the actual needs of resisting the Japanese army. Each weapon has been screened."

He picked up the list, pointed to the first item, and continued, "First is the fighter jet. The list provides the Curtiss P-40C fighter. This fighter was originally ordered by France, but the order was cancelled after France's defeat. Now Curtiss is willing to prioritize supplying 30 aircraft, each priced at $5. This fighter is fast and has strong firepower, equipped with two 12.7mm machine guns and four 7.62mm machine guns. It can be used for air interception as well as ground attack, making it very suitable for dealing with the Japanese Type 2 carrier-based aircraft. Moreover, subsequent spare parts and maintenance are relatively convenient. They will provide an extra set of maintenance spare parts and assign two mechanics for training and maintenance."

Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire nodded, looking at the parameters of the P-40C on the paper in front of him: "We are familiar with this fighter. In the previous battle of Haiphong, the Japanese fighter planes were inferior to it. If we could have 30 P-40Cs, our air power would be greatly enhanced, which would be beneficial for supporting coastal cities and intercepting Japanese fighter planes attacking Hanoi."

“Next up are tanks.” Fang Wen pointed to the M2A4 light tank on the list, his tone softening. “Currently, the only light tank the United States can supply and has in stock is this one, priced at $45,000 per unit. It is equipped with a 37mm M6 main gun and five M1919A4 machine guns, with armor thickness of 10-25mm and a maximum speed of 58 km/h. Although it is a light tank, its speed is a significant advantage, making it very suitable for the mountainous and jungle terrain of French Indochina. It can play a significant role in supporting ground troops in assaults or covering infantry advances. Compared to the Japanese light tanks, it has greater mobility and firepower.”

A colonial army officer frowned and asked, "Mr. Fang, isn't the armor of this tank too thin? If it encounters heavy Japanese artillery, it might not be able to withstand it."

"Rest assured, everyone," Fang Wen replied calmly. "The Japanese army currently has a limited number of heavy artillery pieces deployed in Southeast Asia; most of their equipment consists of light artillery and mortars. This tank's armor is sufficient to withstand attacks from ordinary artillery. Moreover, its advantage lies in its mobility. While heavy artillery is powerful, it is difficult to hit moving targets. More importantly, light tanks are easy to transport and can be quickly deployed to various battlefields, whether by road or rail. This is crucial for your defensive requirements."

Upon hearing this, the officer set aside his concerns and nodded.

Fang Wen continued explaining the rifles and machine guns on the list: "For rifles, there are two options: the M1903 Springfield rifle at $30 each and the M1917 Enfield rifle at $25 each. Both are bolt-action rifles, highly accurate, with a low failure rate, and are readily available, allowing arms companies to supply them quickly. Considering cost-effectiveness, I recommend prioritizing the M1917 Enfield rifle, which saves on budget while meeting the needs of ground troops. For machine guns, there are the Browning M1919A4 air-cooled heavy machine gun, the M2HB heavy machine gun, and the Reising M50 submachine gun, priced at $1100, $1800, and $150 respectively. The M1919A4 air-cooled heavy machine gun is suitable for ground position defense, the M2HB heavy machine gun can be used for anti-aircraft and anti-armor purposes, and the Reising M50 submachine gun is suitable for close-quarters combat and urban warfare."

After finishing his explanation, Fang Wen put down the list and said with a smile, "This is the detailed information on all the weapons on the list. It has been confirmed that all weapons are in stock. As long as we finalize the quantity, the manufacturers can start preparing the goods immediately. Taishan International will be responsible for transportation to ensure that the first batch of weapons arrives in Hanoi within 45 days."

Governor Degu's gaze swept over everyone present, his tone calm: "Gentlemen, the list Mr. Fang brought is very detailed, and I think these weapons are indeed what we urgently need right now. We currently have a budget of $9000 million, and the core is to prioritize the procurement of heavy weapons within this limited budget, while also ensuring sufficient light weapons and ammunition to cope with the next wave of Japanese attacks. We can now discuss and finalize the specific purchase quantities."

Fang Wen stood up; it was inappropriate for him to be present at this kind of internal discussion.

He walked out of the conference room, and his secretary led him to the room across the hall, where tea and refreshments were served.

Fang Wen ate his tea and snacks while waiting.

Heated discussions could be heard from the conference room across the street. Fang Wen, with his keen hearing, overheard them.

"Aircraft must be prioritized. 100 P-40Cs, at $500 each, totaling $5 million. This money cannot be spared," Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire stated first. "With air power, we can stop the Japanese air raids and cover the ground troops in combat."

"Regarding tanks, our current ground forces lack heavy firepower support. I recommend purchasing 120 M2A4 light tanks at $4.5 each, totaling $540 million," the Colonial Army Commander added. "120 tanks are enough to form two tank battalions, which can be deployed in key strongholds such as Haiphong, Hanoi, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau to support ground offensives."

"Regarding rifles, we need to equip our local soldiers and French soldiers in large numbers. I recommend purchasing 20 M1917 Enfield rifles at $25 each, totaling $500 million," said a logistics official. "This rifle is cost-effective and its ammunition is easy to replenish, which can meet the needs of large-scale equipping."

The discussion over the procurement of machine guns and ammunition was particularly intense, and everyone eventually reached a consensus: to purchase 200 Browning M1919A4 air-cooled heavy machine guns, totaling $220 million; 50 Browning M2HB heavy machine guns, totaling $90; 1000 Reising M50 submachine guns, totaling $150 million; and to provide sufficient ammunition—5000 million rounds of rifle ammunition, 1000 million rounds of machine gun ammunition, and 5 rounds of artillery shells, totaling $3600 million.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire carefully checked the calculated list, a satisfied smile spreading across his face: "Gentlemen, let's calculate the total amount: 100 P-40C fighter jets, $500 million; 120 M2A4 light tanks, $540 million; 20 M1917 Enfield rifles, $500 million; 200 M1919A4 heavy machine guns, $220 million; 50 M2HB heavy machine guns, $90 million; 1000 Reising M50 submachine guns, $150 million; various types of ammunition, $3600 million; totaling $6600 million. The remaining $2400 million will be used for other expenses, including fuel, subsequent spare parts, maintenance costs, or additional ammunition purchases."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and then Governor Degu sent his secretary out to invite Fang Wen back.

Fang Wen returned to the conference room. The governor looked serious: "Mr. Fang, we have drafted a detailed procurement list for these specific purchase requirements. Here is the procurement list. Proceed according to this quantity. Please send this list to the United States as soon as possible to urge them to expedite the procurement and transportation of the arms. We will also prepare the funds immediately and be ready to make payment at any time."

Fang Wen took the detailed list handed to him by Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire, quickly glanced through it, and nodded with a smile: "Please rest assured, I will send this finalized list to the United States today. Next, I need to discuss the transaction fees with you."

Transaction costs are also a concern for the French. There are fees for Fang Wen to handle this transaction, as well as costs for operations in the United States, cargo transportation, and other intermediaries.

Under everyone's watchful eyes.

Fang Wen spoke eloquently.

"For this transaction, I am the agent, responsible for transportation. The cargo ship used for transportation is my holding company in the United States, Taishan International. The entire route will be kept confidential and I will personally oversee it. The transportation fee is seven percent of the total value. On the American side, the local intermediaries are some of my friends. According to international practice, I have to pay them a three percent commission to ensure the arms deal is completed as quickly as possible. In addition, Brigadier General Turner of the Army Armaments Department is the one who is in charge of this arms deal, and he also needs a two percent commission."

He paused for a moment, then concluded: "In other words, 12 percent of the total price needs to be paid as an expense."

Twelve percent is an expenditure of several million dollars.

Even the governor felt the pinch, but such expenses were standard practice in the arms trade. Without money, who would bother to broker a deal?

After discussing it on the spot, they agreed to the expenses.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire then inquired.

"How can we ensure that this batch of weapons can be delivered safely?"

His concerns were shared by the other French people present.

After all, so much money has been spent, and if the goods are not brought back or are intercepted by the Japanese en route, the losses would be enormous.

Fang Wen nodded: "I understand your concerns. The United States is currently only responsible for selling arms, but not for guaranteeing the transportation of the arms after the sale. This means that I am the one who is transporting this batch of arms. How can I safely deliver the arms to French Indochina while avoiding the Japanese fleet? I actually already have a complete plan in mind, but I can't tell you here. If you really want to know, I can only tell the Governor and Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire."

The governor agreed and allowed everyone else to leave, leaving only Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire and Fang Wen.

Fang Wen then revealed the transportation plan.

"The Japanese fleet currently controls the Gulf of Tonkin and the southern coastline of French Vietnam. This means that even if ships are brought from the United States, they cannot successfully dock."

The governor and Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire nodded; that's the point.

The coastline controlled by French Indochina is all on the east side, while the remaining coastline belongs to the neighboring Kingdom of Thailand. Due to territorial disputes, Thailand has leaned towards Japan.

Fang Wen then offered a solution.

"Japan currently controls the following areas in the Pacific: Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in the Mariana Islands, and Chuuk and Palau in the Caroline Islands. This distribution effectively cuts off the North Pacific's gateway to Asia. However, they have no controlled areas in the South Pacific. My fleet has a route from Yangon to Australia and New Zealand, originally used for transporting meat purchased there. Therefore, I can use the South Pacific route to safely transport the munitions to Yangon, then transship them through Myanmar to Laos for handover. Alternatively, I can first transport them to Yunnan, then via the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway to Hanoi."

The governor and Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire were very satisfied with Fang Wen's solution.

It was a bit slow, but it was very safe.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire also suggested: "If the munitions arrive in Yangon, I think they can be transported in two batches. Tanks, which are difficult to transport across the Lao plateau, can be transferred from Kunming via the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. Other munitions can be transported directly by human and animal power."

Fang Wen nodded: "Sure, besides tanks, if your needs are urgent, I can also use Taishan's seaplane transport team to help transport supplies."

That will make it faster.

The governor and Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire readily agreed.

Thus, the initial agreement on the arms trade was reached.

Fang Wen, the middleman and carrier, immediately telegraphed the United States to begin formal operations.

Of course, the US didn't just agree to it easily.

They need real money to convince them.

According to the Neutrality Act of November 1939, the arms trade was subject to cash-on-delivery: the buyer had to pay cash in advance and was responsible for the transportation.

The U.S. State Department and the Department of War jointly approve arms export licenses, requiring proof of sufficient financial capacity.

Funds must originate from accounts controlled by non-axis countries and be readily available within the United States.

French Indochina had to prove its ability to pay through a complex international financial system. (End of Chapter)