by Hall, Gerald
“Are we doing anything about the threats to shipping?” President Stevenson asked.
“The Navy has a few patrols of light warships operating out of our base in Manila Bay. But otherwise, we have pretty much adopted a ‘hands off’ policy concerning China. Officially, this is a Chinese internal problem as far as the US is concerned, Sir.”
“We are not selling any weapons to the Chinese, are we?” The President pointedly asked.
“No, Sir. But the Chinese do still have substantial stocks of small arms and artillery, mostly left over from the Pacific War. They also have some indigenous capability to manufacture weapons, primarily small arms, also.”
“Where are the Chinese getting the rest of their weapons? I was told that there have been several attacks on shipping in the South China Sea and elsewhere along the shipping lanes east of the Chinese coast. There have even been a few aerial attacks.”
“That is a question that we have been trying to answer ourselves. The various factions are using weapons from at least half a dozen different nations, including our own. You remember that we disposed of billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment immediately after the end of the Pacific War. While some of that hardware was scrapped, quite a bit of it was sold overseas to help pay down our war debts.
I’m sure that you also remember that our party wanted to recoup as much money as possible to help pay down our existing war debts and to reinvest into our social programs. Speaker of the House Johnson spearheaded a lot of that.”
“Yes, I remember how Lyndon twisted quite a few arms to convince them to support the measure. But are you telling me that we sold a bunch of warplanes, tanks and warships to the Chinese right in the middle of a civil war there?”
“No, Sir, at least not directly.” We did sell quite a few older warplanes, armored vehicles, small arms and even several older warships to nations who had legitimate needs to reequip their militaries after the war. These included nations in Europe like the Netherlands and certain nations in South America like Argentina.
Eventually, some of these nations either felt that they could not afford to retain these weapons or they simply wanted to replace them with more modern equipment being produced elsewhere. So they sold the equipment that they had purchased from us earlier. Some of it went to other nations. Some of it was sold to international arms dealers who would sell to the highest bidder, no questions asked.”
“I suppose that is how American-manufactured weapons ended up in the hands of some of the combatants involved in the Chinese civil war?”
“Yes, Sir. That is what it appears. The Chinese have also refurbished several former Japanese warships that had been stranded inside Chinese harbors at the end of the war due to battle damage. This was done with the assistance of the Japanese themselves in some of the cases. The other warships were repaired with the aid of other third parties, however.
What is most disturbing is what we have heard from our friends in Australia, Sir. They have encountered warships originated from Chinese ports, either operating as pirates or actually flying a Chinese flag. A few of these warships have been fitted with advanced guided missiles of unknown origin.”
An alarmed President Stevenson sat up and leaned in closer.
“That is indeed very disturbing, Dean. There are very few countries who are developing that sophisticated of a weapon, including us. It wouldn’t be that company in Australia, Cavill Industries, who is selling missiles, would it?”
“I seriously doubt it, Mister President. Australian warships were shot at by missiles fired from Chinese ships on more than one occasion. Fortunately, the Australian warships were recently refitted and were able to successfully defend themselves. But our intelligence indicates on at least one occasion, it was a very nearly a disaster for the Australian destroyer that was involved.”
“I don’t need to tell you how important it is for us to find out the origins of these weapons. If possible, I would like for us to obtain samples to not only find out where they are coming from but also to see if we can copy their technology for use by our own companies. It seems that for all of our industrial prowess, we are being passed by in the technological race by companies and nations in Europe and even Australia.
We also need to find a way to stop this damned civil war in China. I keep being told by our biggest industrialists that China is a massive, untapped market for our products. I just don’t want us to focus on selling weapons though. I would much rather be selling the Chinese food, automobiles and airliners.”
“I agree completely with your viewpoint, Mister President. We are sending an envoy along with a shipment of food aid to China even as we speak. Hopefully, we can resolve some of the concerns that we have had with the Nationalists in the north soon. I would much rather that we be feeding the Chinese than helping them kill each other off. Besides, there is always the danger that the weapons that we sell to a massive nation like China could eventually end being used against us.”
“Do we have any contacts in China who can help us out in resolving this problem, Dean?” President Stevenson asked.
“We might have one or two, Sir. There is this particular fellow who helped us a lot working with the Chinese Nationalists during the war. He even managed to keep General Patton more or less on the reservation during that time.”
“Well, let’s get someone out there and talk to this man quickly. We’ve got to get this conflict resolved quickly before we get sucked into another war, this time in Asia. I really don’t think that the American people hired us just to stumble into another foreign war.
Just remember that we are only going to offer food and other non-military aid, not weapons.”
“I understand completely, Sir.” Dean quickly answered.
Chapter Thirty-Two:
Commercial Dock 12A
Shanghai, China
November 21, 1957
A tall American stood there alone, his dark hair streaked with strands of grey, watching a large commercial transport ship being gently nudged towards the dock by a pair of well-worn tugs. He wore a nondescript dark suit and fedora.
Shortly after the ship was docked, the gangplank was run out. Among the first people to disembark from the cargo ship was another clean-shaven Caucasian man. From the way that he walked and the dark-grey pinstripe suit that he wore, it was another American. From the smile of recognition that the newcomer that suddenly appeared, John Birch knew who had just arrived was an old friend.
“Good afternoon, Major Birch. It has been a long time. I hope that you have been doing well here in China.” Carl Whittaker greeted his old wartime friend.
“Thank you. But I’m just John now. I resigned my commission with the US Army shortly after the end of the Pacific War. I suppose that you are no longer in the military either.”
“No, Sir. I went back to working at the State Department after the end of the war. Besides, with the postwar demobilization, there wasn’t a lot of room for reserve captains in the active duty Army. But you stayed here in China. I’m surprised that you remained here though, especially after the deaths of both General Chennault and General Patton.”
“Yes, I did. The Lord’s work still continues for me to continue here. Both men were good people, but were very different. I know that General Patton died much as he wanted, fighting against overwhelming odds in battle. I would imagine that General Chennault’s death to cancer was much more difficult in the long run though. I said many prayers for both men though.”
“So you are a missionary, once again.”
“Yes, I am. I love these people here and want to do all that I can to help them. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and helping them with their physical needs is still what I am far better suited for than carrying arms on their behalf though.”
“It has to pain you greatly then to see the Chinese fighting amongst themselves once again, I’m sure.”
“Yes, it does. In fact, I will be meeting with the Generalissimo and his wife concerning the
distribution of the food and medical aid from America that is contained in the cargo holds of this very ship.”
“I know. I will be at the meeting too. There are still people in Washington who have an interest in what happens in China, believe it or not.”
“That is very good to know. While we are both waiting on our meeting with the Generalissimo, let me take you to this great little restaurant in Shanghai. The food tastes great. You can also trust that the meat that they serve to you is exactly what you have requested.”
“That’s good. I don’t think that I ever want to eat dog again, even if I knew that it was on the menu.” Carl replied wryly.
That evening, Carl and John were dropped off by an ancient taxi in front of a spacious villa on the outskirts of Shanghai. A pair of uniformed Nationalist Army soldiers stood guard at the entrance. A few words in Chinese and the presentation of a slip of paper with Chinese script on it to the guards quickly gave the missionary and the diplomat entrance to the villa.
A lovely young Chinese woman directed the two into a palatial parlor room where Madame Chang was already waiting.
“John, it has been far too long since we have seen you. I hope that your quest to bring souls to your God has been fruitful.” The still lovely wife of Generalissimo Chang Kai-Shek said in perfect English between puffs on her cigarette.
“My work for the Lord continues in accordance to His will. He and I are very joyful with every person that we bring to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. I would like to introduce Mister Carl Whittaker. He served with me in China during the war. Now, he is working with the United States’ State Department. I will leave it to Carl to explain his purpose here to the Generalissimo.”
“Please take seats. I will have tea brought since you are both obviously thirsty after your journey. My husband will be here in a few minutes to speak with you. I am certainly that he will be very glad to see you again of course, John. I still miss the presence of General Patton and General Chennault. They were both great friends of the Chinese people. General Patton died a warrior’s death on our behalf and will always be remembered by us. General Chennault cleared our skies of the Japanese and the Russians when we were in such dire straits as well. His Flying Tigers will never be forgotten by the Chinese people either.”
“I will never forget them either, Madam Chang. They were my friends also.” John replied in Chinese.
They were interrupted by the arrival of the Generalissimo and his translator. While Chang Kai-Shek could speak English, his command of the language was not nearly as complete as that of his wife who had studied in the United States before the war. While John Birch was quite fluent in Chinese, Carl’s command of the language was relatively limited.
“Good evening, Gentlemen. I am very pleased to receive both of you in my humble home.” The translator repeated after the leader of the Nationalist forces spoke.
“Mister Whittaker and I are very happy that you graciously opened your doors to us. We wish to do all that we can to help the Chinese people.” John replied in Chinese.
“Please tell your President that America’s assistance over the years has been greatly appreciated. I’m afraid that the war has drained our country of virtually all of its cash reserves. We have since managed to eliminate Mao and the threat of his communist forces. But now, I have to fight against a variety of warlords that have sprung up like weeds in a farmer’s field in addition to the Cantonese in the south who resist reunification of a Greater China.” The Generalissimo said through his translator.
“The American people continue to wish well to the Chinese people and have sent a large cargo ship full of food to help feed your people who have suffered so greatly over the past several decades. We are also eager to help you find a peaceful solution to the problems of the Chinese people.” Carl explained, his reply being dutifully translated for the Generalissimo.
“We appreciate your assistance in feeding our people. We have so many needs, especially with the conflict that continues in our nation. I want to end the suffering and conflict within China by bringing peace and unity to my people. The Nationalist military is short of equipment once again. We ask our American friends to help us once again by providing the tools that we need to finally resolve this war and bring peace and unity back the Chinese people.
“I’m sure that an arrangement could be made to sell military equipment to you under certain conditions. However, we are very concerned that this war could spread into other neighboring territories. We have received reports that your military has been making plans to annex Korea for your own purposes. That could cause other problems that the American government would not like to see in the area. There is also the issue of Hong Kong and Macau. The sovereignty of all of these areas must be respected by all parties.” Carl explained while John stood silently back, listening to what was being said and not being said as well.
“We have no wish to intrude upon the sovereign territory of our neighbors. But we do reserve the right to pursue any of our enemies who cross over our neighbors’ borders in order to use them as a sanctuary. We would therefore ask our neighbors to act appropriately to prevent their territory from being used by the enemies of the Chinese people to stage attacks against us.” The Generalissimo’s translator dutifully relayed the Nationalist leader’s words into English.
Something about the tone that both men were putting into their voices alerted both John and Madame Chang. Temperatures were certainly rising and something had to be done to calm things down before tempers truly began to flare.
“Gentlemen… Gentlemen... I know that Mister Whittaker wishes nothing less than to do what he can to help the Chinese people. He is simply expressing the wishes and concerns of President Stevenson. We all believe that there has been far too much bloodshed and despair in this nation. We all need to work together to make life much better for the Chinese people, naturally.” John interjected.
Madame Chang quickly translated John’s words instead of the translator. The Generalissimo took a deep breath and attempted to relax before speaking again.
“Of course, Mister Whittaker. It has simply been very difficult to obtain the tools that we need to fight our nation’s enemies so that we might bring all of the Chinese people again. Some people and entities have attempted to take advantage of us. We have been hoping that our friends from America would once again assist us in our time of need.
We do appreciate your generous offer of food and medical supplies. The Chinese people can use all of the help that America is able to provide.”
The Generalissimo paused for a moment as his translator spoke, then he spoke once more.
“I’m afraid that there are others that I must still meet with, Mister Whittaker. I apologize for my absence. Please enjoy our hospitality during your visit.” The Generalissimo’s translator said as Chang Kai Shek turned and walked away. The translator scurried along behind him immediately after relaying the Generalissimo’s message.
Madame Chang spoke.
“I am sorry that my husband became so cross with you. He has had some difficult days recently. I must go and see if he is alright. Please enjoy the rest of your evening here.” She said before also turning and leaving.
“Well, that went over well.” Carl said a few moments later.
“I understand. The Generalissimo has a tendency to look at problems in a purely military perspective. It is sometimes difficult for him to focus on solutions that focus on words and negotiations rather than guns and warfare.” John explained.
“You have known him for quite some time, haven’t you?”
“Yes, though my connection to the Generalissimo stems more from my friendship with his wife and sister-in-law who both studied in America. I have continued being friends, though I do not see them very often in recent times. I have returned to my original calling as a missionary for my Lord and Savour.
How it is that you were chosen to travel back to China, Carl?”
“I have been workin
g as an emissary of sorts for Secretary of State Acheson. He has been sending me to all sorts of areas of concern overseas since the new administration came to town.” Carl replied.
“You must be a very busy man then. What other hotspots have you had to contend with, Carl?”
“In the past year, I have been travelling all over the former Soviet Union in an attempt to broker peace agreements in the area. There has been a low level insurgency brewing in Russia even as President Tupolev’s successor Sidorov tries to maintain power after the fiasco in Manchuria.”
“I remember that all too well. We lost a very good man there with General Patton. He gave his life fighting for America and the Chinese people. He saw the Chinese soldiers as his boys after training them and even commanding them in the field. I’m sure that he faced the end of his life just the way that he wanted though.”
“I’m sure he did, John. The Russians had to make a lot of concessions after that fight. President Tupolev somehow managed to hang onto power by the skin of his teeth by blaming his commanders in the field for the failure of the offensive. But the Russians did reach an agreement with the Chinese concerning leasing the port facilities at Lushun from China. The Russians are using those facilities to export raw materials from Siberia.
The Russians are also trying to continue to exploit the oil reserves in the Caucasus in spite of armed resistance from the Muslims there. The rest of the old Soviet Union has also been very challenging as well The Baltic States seceded after the breakup of the Soviet Union. While Belorussia chose to remain tied to the new Russian Republic, Ukraine wants to also secede and regain its own national identity once again.
The Russian government is trying very hard to convince the Ukraine to remain together with Russia. A very important element is control of the Crimea and the port of Sevastopol. Without those key parcels of land, Russia has a very difficult time controlling the Black Sea any longer.”