Chapter 8: Sudden changes in decision-making in the White House and the rise of strategists in the State Department (asking for monthly votes!)

In the United States, because there is a state located on the far northwest border also called Washington, when Americans refer to the capital, they generally do not call it Washington, but use the word dc, that is, the District of Columbia. This is only responsible for American politics.

Function of the Center: The sun is shining brightly in Washington in August. For politicians from all over the United States in this city, every summer is the best time of the year.

If someone can stand on the top of the obelisk in Washington and look around, the whole city is full of green. From the green weeping willows on the shores of the sparkling Potomac River to Whitehaven Park, a green lung as vast as New York's Central Park in the center of the city,

The west side of Capitol Hill extends all the way to the lush lawn of the Lincoln Memorial, which has just been built. In addition, there are dense green trees covering almost everywhere in the suburbs of Washington. The gorgeous spring flowers and rich autumn colors on the streets will make you

People feel that it is unnecessary to make a special trip to visit the park.

If it comes at night, in the grass under those trees, there will often be some flickering light spots, rising and falling slowly, making intermittent light and shadow in the dark night. These are elf-like fireflies. They

They like quietness, but are not afraid of noise. Even on the lawn facing the street, you can see them dancing peacefully.

But this is just comfort on the surface. For Washington, the capital of the United States, politics here is full of daily life. It can be said that the atmosphere here is full of politics every moment. In this city, it

The political center of China has two distinct cores. One is centered on Capitol Hill and its senators, while the other is centered on the White House and its president and cabinet.

100 Pennsylvania Avenue - The White House, this building that was painted white after being burned by the British invasion, is the official residence of the President of the United States. Like the Congress on Capitol Hill, this is another heart of the United States and the official residence of other countries in the world.

Unlike being surrounded by walls, the White House, like many ordinary homes in the United States, is surrounded by a lawn and flowers without walls or fences.

As usual, on the lawn in front of the White House, there are occasionally a few ladies chatting with their pet dogs and holding umbrellas. For these full-time housewives whose husbands are either government officials or members of Congress, their lives are the same.

It's political. Just like this time, this seemingly casual conversation is actually a contribution to their husband's career.

Behind the lawn, on the first floor of the white palace-style building, White House employees and advisers were walking back and forth. This was President Wilson, who in the eyes of the public was a cold, gentle and knowledgeable person, brought to the White House.

Changes. Just after he was elected president, some important changes occurred in the White House. Due to the expansion of the presidential office, the number of employees and consultants here also increased. Visitors also visited the White House under the leadership of employees.

There are even some ordinary people at the presidential residence, waiting to meet the president.

In the Oval Office, Woodrow Wilson, who seemed a bit cold in the public eye at this time, had already walked out of his newlyweds. Just like in the past, his expression was serious and cold at this time. If someone was not familiar with him,

One might think that this learned president is suppressing his anger at this time.

“If a treaty with any country has expired, the original treaty shall be abrogated and a new treaty shall be made; if the treaty has not yet expired, the original treaty shall be terminated through “formal” procedures and a new treaty shall be made; the old treaty has expired but the new treaty has not yet expired.

If so, temporary measures will be drawn up."

As Secretary of State Robert Lansing spoke, Wilson's brows frowned more and more. After Lansing finished speaking, Vice President Thomas Riley Marshall, who had remained silent, asked.

"Do the Chinese have this power?"

"Any sovereign country has the right to resolve treaties that suppress its own country!"

Before the president could speak, Walter Lippmann, who was the president's private secretary, responded first and turned his attention to the president. As we all know, Wilson was a very idealistic politician and the democracy he promoted in the country

Progressive domestic policies of self-determination, open agreements and free trade are also projected into the international arena.

After thinking for a long time, Wilson looked at the people at the desk and said.

"After the war broke out in the Old Continent, I have always had a very clear goal in my mind, which is to help oppressed countries gain sovereignty and ensure a just peace. In Prime Minister Li Zicheng's personal letter to me, he hoped that by

The United States takes the lead in establishing an international cooperation conference organization, and the designated goal of this organization is to ensure the territorial integrity of various countries, as well as their sovereignty and political independence, and at the same time resolve international disputes through consultation mechanisms. It can be said that at this point,

, I am on the same page with him!”

Wilson's expression still looked very cold, and his tone did not change.

"As we all know, since the founding of the country, the United States has opposed various unequal treaties that threaten force. Now the United States does not have a concession in China. Although we once had it, Congress and the government have never approved it, and in the end we all have

Give up those concessions!"

When Wilson mentioned this matter, there was a hint of complacency in his tone. This was also true. Although the American minister and consul in China had obtained the concession together with the British, in the end they were opposed by Congress and the government.

The United States repeatedly stated that it would give up the right to manage the concession, but the Qing imperial government at the time did not make any response. In the end, the American consul had no choice but to transfer the concession to the British concession. Among the various unequal treaties signed by China, the United States

What is required is "nothing more" than the principles of "open door" and "equal benefit sharing".

In any case, when it comes to the China issue, the United States at least occupies a moral "advantage". Perhaps it is precisely because of this "advantage" that the young man who just took office as prime minister chose the United States as China's partner and hoped that

The United States provided moral and practical support and assistance in the "Revision of the New Testament."

"Ruienshi's report pointed out that after the Republic of China, almost all political forces in China put forward their own proposals for the abolition of unequal treaties, and the abolition movement was the best way for political forces to use nationalism to seek public support.

.At present, one of the biggest driving forces in China is nationalism. If it can get the support of nationalism, a certain political force will succeed. On the contrary, it will fail. Whether and how to abrogate the treaty are largely a matter of

The issue of abrogation and patriotism is an important "flash point" for internal struggles among Chinese political forces. It is also an important political tool for various forces to attack their opponents. "Patriotic, patriotic, this kind of voice has almost filled all kinds of discussions in China since last year."

Society. Even the tyrannical bureaucrats and soldiers of the Communist Party of China often talk about patriotism, and even traitors dare not openly say words that are not necessarily patriotic. Since the "Jiao-ao" issue, the voice of patriotism has become more and more in vain.

"My husband, it seems that the word 'patriotic' is a matter of course and cannot be discussed." Therefore, Prime Minister Li Zicheng hopes to enhance his own and the political status of the National Socialist Party through "revising the New Testament" and gain widespread support from the people.

, thus paving the way for the formulation of a constitution, which is undoubtedly extremely appropriate and at the same time extremely appropriate!"

Obviously, deep down in his heart, Wilson had already understood China and the prime minister through Ruinshi, and because of this, his attitude at this time was extremely clear.

"Similarly, he pointed out in his report that the prime minister did not reject his proposal that the United States send legal advisers to help China formulate a modern legal system, or even refuse American legal advisers to give advice when China formulated its constitution. Now it can

The point we meet is that the United States and American values ​​will truly affect a country for the first time!"

The oldest country in the East may have failed in mediating the war in the Old Continent, but Reinsch's diplomatic report allowed Wilson to see the opportunity to influence another Old Continent. Although that country was a fourth-rate country, that country was the United States.

The most important link in Pacific interests.

"But, Mr. President, what we must consider is that Li Zicheng is only China's Prime Minister, not China's president. China still has a president!"

Robert Lansing sensitively reminded this idealistic president.

"If we express our support for Li Zicheng, it is very likely that we will turn against the authoritarian president, which will very likely affect the interests of the United States in China!"

As for China's extremely special domestic political situation, Lan Xing had mastered a large amount of diplomatic information as early as a few months ago. The "division between the government and the Yuan" has led to the de facto "two centers" in China, so the United States must pay attention to itself.

position and maintain a relatively neutral position between the two parties.

"This is not just a matter of the State Council, but a matter of a country. However, Mr. Lan Xing, in my personal opinion, compared to Yuan Shikai, the dictator, I prefer Li Zicheng. This is understandable

We are thinking people dealing with each other. Of course, we need to take into account China's special political situation. Therefore, if we express support for it, there must be a prerequisite, that is, unity of opinion within the Chinese government. In this case, we will not

We need to take into account the position of the State Council or the Presidential Office. Our position is very simple. It is aimed at the Chinese government, not a certain party..."

Although Wilson himself did not believe this statement, he still made a decision, but just as he was making his decision, he heard Vice President Marshall say.

"Mr. President, before making this decision, we must take into account the attitude of Congress!"

"Congress is more important than the White House!"

Gu Weijun, who has studied abroad in the United States for eight years, said lightly when he put down the "Level 6 Confidential Document" printed in his hand.

"It's easy to lobby the White House. The White House often considers national interests first and voters second. They will make decisions based on the judgment of the envoys stationed abroad. At least the attitude of the envoys stationed abroad can affect the White House, but Congress, to be precise,

Senators and representatives in Congress often consider voters first. Of course, what they consider is not the interests or voices of the majority of voters, but the interests of direct stakeholders. If we use the United States as a diplomatic breakthrough, then we must consider the United States.

The business community, especially the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in China, is lobbying Congress!”

When Gu Weijun explained, Li Zicheng just kept smiling. After revealing the State Council's decision to Rui Shi'en, Rui Shi'en sent a secret cable to Washington as soon as the talks ended. The secret cable had just been sent to the Ministry of Finance.

The technical department of the Secret Service deciphered it. At the end of Reinsch's report, he suggested that the United States should "compromise on the issue of treaty amendments to expand its influence in China." However, his suggestion was based on "the

Sacrifice the interests of other countries in exchange for China's gratitude to the United States, thereby maximizing influence on China's political and business circles, and ultimately prompting them to follow American values."

The United States today does not understand China at all. China is at most a link in the United States' Pacific interests, nothing more. The United States' China policy is often influenced by the envoys, consuls and missionaries stationed in China. It can be said that since Rui Enshi

After issuing this report, the White House will consider his suggestions. It can even be said that Rui Enshi's suggestions will influence the White House's decision. But now Gu Weijun's words are reminding Li Zicheng of another fact, that is, the United States

As for the political landscape, the U.S. Congress is not like the Chinese Congress. It is just a decoration. The U.S. Congress can control everything in the United States. Without the approval of Congress, the White House's decision is just a "show".

"Shaochuan, do you remember that three months ago, the U.S. Congress began discussing a ban on the export of steel machinery parts!"

Smiling, Li Zicheng mentioned an old incident three months ago.

"Ban the export of steel machinery parts?"

Gu Weijun frowned slightly. He was in the capital at that time and had only read this report in the newspaper and the report that the proposal was rejected. Apart from knowing that the US ban on the export of steel machinery parts would have an impact on China's industrial development, he did not seem to have any idea.

Something worth paying attention to.

"Three months ago, several traditional agricultural members of the U.S. Congress submitted a bill to "ban the export of steel parts." The reason why they submitted the bill was very simple. After the European War, the warring countries in Europe were in urgent need of various supplies.

Withdrawing from the world market has also caused a worldwide shortage of industrial products. Rich people in the traditional agricultural areas of the central and southern United States are preparing to invest in industrial manufacturing, but they are faced with Europe, China, Japan, India and other places rushing to buy machinery and equipment in the United States. Countries

The rush to buy machinery and equipment in the United States has led to a tight supply of domestic machinery and equipment, so those congressmen submitted this bill. Of course, in the name of "banning the export of steel machinery parts and promoting the production of domestic industrial products," of course, this is also true!"

When mentioning this case, Li Zicheng's mind came to the history of another time and space. After the outbreak of the European War, the world's steel prices surged. The Shijingshan Iron Works in the north began construction, the Daye Iron Works began to expand, and the two

The company's blast furnaces and ancillary equipment were ordered from American companies. They were originally scheduled to be delivered in the 5th or 6th years of the Republic of China. However, due to World War I, the United States banned the export of steel machinery parts. Even after multi-party negotiations,

It was still delayed until about 1920 before it was shipped back to China. At that time, due to the end of World War I, steel prices fell sharply. Not only that, European and American countries that expanded their production capacity during the war dumped wartime surplus to China at low prices.

Steel, the world's steel industry has entered a ten-year cold winter period, and China's steel industry, which has missed the "black gold period", can still talk about how to develop at that time.

In the end, the Shijingshan Iron Works' blast furnace was shut down without ignition. The Hanyang Iron Works relied on pitiful wartime profits for five years. By 1925, all blast furnaces ceased production, and Asia's No. 1 Iron Works was completely closed. Modern China's

The steel industry disappeared into history.

Thanks to his work in a state-owned enterprise in later generations, Li Zicheng always knew something about the history of steel. It is precisely because of this that he knew this period of history and knew that the blow to China caused by this decision of the United States was precisely the ban on steel by the United States.

Machinery exports led China to purchase old machinery from Japan, which led to drastic changes in the Japanese machinery manufacturing industry. The Japanese machinery manufacturing industry took advantage of this period to develop rapidly, taking advantage of the needs of its own country and China, and the gap between China and Japan was

It starts from this.

"But another fact is that last year, Lianyungang alone imported machinery and equipment worth 30 million US dollars from the United States. If this ban is implemented, the company alone will have as much as 160 million US dollars of machinery in the next two years.

The equipment will not be able to be shipped back, which is undoubtedly a fatal blow to us as the industry is just getting on the right track! Therefore, as soon as we received this news last year, the company began lobbying activities in the United States and tried its best to prevent this bill!

"

When it comes to lobbying the U.S. Congress, Li Zicheng seems a little proud. You must know that even in 2013, Chinese companies' lobbying of the U.S. Congress was just getting started. Take the large state-owned enterprise where he works for example.

It was only in 2011 that he began to hire American lobbying companies to help lobby the U.S. Congress. However, it was this revelation that made Li Zicheng decide to set up a branch in Washington as early as the beginning of last year to specialize in lobbying the U.S. Congress and the government.

"The Washington branch made full use of all means, and with the help of the American machinery manufacturing industry, successfully prevented the passage of this bill. On the surface, we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on this lobbying, which seemed to be a loss-making business, but because

The bill was blocked, allowing us to obtain all kinds of machinery and equipment needed for any industrial construction from the United States without any hindrance."

Looking at Gu Weijun, the smile on Li Zicheng's face slowly faded, and his expression became serious, but still relaxed.

"So, the next step is to lobby the U.S. Congress. Only by allowing Americans to take the initiative to make decisions can we make a fool of ourselves!"

…
Chapter completed!