Preface:
On July 12, 1946, Chiang Kai-shek summoned more than 500,000 Kuomintang troops to launch an attack on the liberated areas of China. The civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party broke out in full force. Chiang Kai-shek was full of confidence with the well-equipped army and the support of the United States.
As early as when the " Double Ten Agreement" was signed in Chongqing, Chairman Mao saw through Chiang Kai-shek's conspiracy to seize power with arms. After the civil war broke out, the combat effectiveness of the People's Liberation Army was not inferior to the Kuomintang.
After the three major battles of Liaoshen, Huaihai, and Pingjin, the Kuomintang was defeated. Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuchang, Shanghai and other places also ushered in the great liberation. Chiang Kai-shek's conspiracy to seize power was finally crushed by the Communist Party.
The war situation on the mainland is critical, and Taiwan is Chiang Kai-shek's only retreat. But if Taiwan is also occupied by the People's Liberation Army, where should he flee to? In fact, Chiang Kai-shek began to plan a way out for himself long before he retreated to Taiwan.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek
1. Japanese exile plan
After the Battle of Peking and Tianjin broke out, the North China Field Army fought hard for more than two months under the leadership of Lin Biao, Nie Rongzhen and others, and finally liberated Peiping , the Kuomintang's plan to occupy North China Crush.
This 64-day armed struggle cost the Kuomintang 520,000 troops. Some of them were annihilated in the fight to resist to the death, and some accepted the peaceful adaptation of the Communist Party under the leadership of Fu Zuoyi.
The People's Liberation Army was approaching fiercely, and the Kuomintang army had no power to fight back. Chiang Kai-shek decided to resign as President of the Republic of China and rushed back to Fenghua, Zhejiang with his family.
The mess of the Nanjing National Government was thrown into the hands of Vice President Li Zongren. He could only continue to deal with the Communist Party under pressure.
Chiang Kai-shek, who has returned to his hometown, appears to be indifferent to world affairs and calm, but in fact he is secretly stirring up trouble and controlling all the real power of the Kuomintang.
Li Zongren was forced to become an "empty president". He had to interfere with Chiang Kai-shek on all matters in the government. As time went by, resentment was inevitable.
One day, Wu Tiecheng, following Li Zongren's instructions, made a special trip to Fenghua to tell Chiang Kai-shek that he should stop interfering in the Kuomintang's government affairs and that it was best to go overseas to avoid the limelight.
After resigning from his post, Chiang Kai-shek was already depressed. Li Zongren said such words at this time, clearly intending to distance himself from him. The next day, Chiang Kai-shek angrily cursed at his subordinates: "Li Zongren, Bai Chongxi can force me to step down." Yes, you can't force me to die. After I leave the country, I will be an ordinary citizen and can live freely anywhere, let alone my hometown!"
How could Chiang Kai-shek not know that he was in a difficult situation? He couldn't live in his hometown of Fenghua for long. He had already ordered people to secretly transfer the property and important items accumulated over the years from Shanghai to Taiwan.
Most of China is under the jurisdiction of the Communist Party. There is no place for Chiang Kai-shek on the mainland. He led his troops to escape to Taiwan Island . Maybe there is a chance for a comeback.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek handling official business
Chiang Kai-shek thought his actions were flawless. In fact, the Communist Party had long been aware of his movements and immediately asked Xinhua News Agency to issue a news announcement that "The Chinese People must liberate Taiwan."
After seeing this newspaper, Chiang Kai-shek finally realized that Taiwan might also fall into the hands of the Communist Party. He must plan a new way out for himself, and the United States became his first choice for escape.
His wife Soong Meiling has rich experience in studying in the United States. Kong Xiangxi and Song Ziwen also bought a large number of houses and industries in the United States. It would be good if Chiang Kai-shek could get asylum from the United States.
However, in order to support Chiang Kai-shek in the civil war, the United States has invested too many troops and materials. The Kuomintang's naked failure has to make Americans wonder, is Chiang Kai-shek still worthy of their continued support?
The Truman administration believed that the root cause of the Kuomintang's failure lay in the failure of Chiang Kai-shek's leadership, and even wanted to support a new person to replace him.
By that time, even if Chiang Kai-shek can successfully escape to the United States, his life will definitely not be easy, and this escape plan can only be scrapped.
After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Chiang Kai-shek ignored the feelings of his Chinese compatriots and "repayed evil with kindness" by refusing to ask for compensation from Japan. He also privately released a large number of prisoners of war, including Ningji Okamura, back to Japan.
Although this move was condemned by the Chinese, it unexpectedly left him a good reputation in Japan. In addition, Chiang Kai-shek had studied in Japan for three years and could quickly adapt to local life.
If the Communist Party really liberated Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek could have fled to Japan nearby.
Picture | Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek
The domestic situation is tense. Chiang Kai-shek has sent his family to Taiwan in advance. If he rashly goes to Japan to buy a house at this time, it will inevitably attract the attention of the Communist Party.
After thinking about it, he decided to send a telegram to Zhu Shiming, the head of the military delegation in Japan, asking him to rush back to China as soon as possible and come directly to Xikou Town, Fenghua, Zhejiang to find him.
Zhu Shiming didn't understand Chiang Kai-shek's intention, but judging from his urgent tone, he must have something important to discuss. Half a month later, the two met in , Xikou Town, . Chiang Kai-shek cautiously stepped aside and stayed alone with Zhu Shiming in the reception room.
Chiang Kai-shek said to Zhu Shiming straight to the point: " I am calling you back this time mainly for two things. One is to recruit Japanese military instructors, and the other is to find a residence in Japan on my behalf. "
He believes that the Kuomintang is here The repeated defeats in the civil war were largely due to the fact that the army's combat effectiveness was not strong enough and its morale was weak, making it easy to be swayed by the Communist Party's one-sided words.
On the other hand, the Japanese Bushido spirit of "never hit the southern wall and never look back" is truly worth learning from the Kuomintang. Only then did Chiang Kai-shek think of hiring senior Japanese generals. Okamura Neiji, who had just been returned to Japan, was impressed by him. of appreciation.
In the long-term overt and covert struggle, "anti-communism" has become Chiang Kai-shek's obsession. Even though he was inferior to others, he still thought wildly about retaking the liberated areas with the help of the Japanese.
In addition to using the power of the Japanese to deal with the Communist Party, Chiang Kai-shek also wanted to find a place to live here. Chiang Kai-shek pondered for a while and then said to Zhu Shiming: " I want you to find housing for me because I consider the domestic situation. Things are getting worse. Li Zongren and the others are in peace talks with the CCP. If the peace talks succeed, it will be equivalent to surrender, and then it will be difficult for me to live in the country... If I really can’t gain a foothold in the country in the future, I might as well live in Japan. ”
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek met with the Kuomintang generals
In addition, Chiang Kai-shek also specifically emphasized that the house must be located in the suburbs of Tokyo with a suitable environment. It should ideally be able to accommodate more than 20 people, including his entourage. He has made plans to live in Tokyo for a long time.
Before leaving, Chiang Kai-shek took Zhu Shiming's hand and urged: " These two matters must be kept highly confidential. No one can disclose them, let alone Li Chongren and Bai Chongxi. "
Zhu Shiming took them with him Following Chiang Kai-shek's instructions, he was about to rush to Tokyo for business. Unexpectedly, he ran into his secretary Zhou Hongtao as soon as he came out. In the past, Chiang Kai-shek would take him with him no matter what decision he made, but this time he only called Zhu Shiming, which made him curious:
What is such an important thing that makes Chiang Kai-shek not trust his personal secretary?
Zhou Hongtao stopped Zhu Shiming, who was looking in a hurry, and quietly asked him about the conversation with Chiang Kai-shek.
Zhu Shiming remembered Chiang Kai-shek's instructions before leaving. At first, he was too worried to let go. However, under Zhou Hongtao's hard work, he felt that this personal secretary was trustworthy and let him know that there was nothing wrong, so he told the matter Tell the truth.
Zhou Hongtao was shocked and complained silently in his heart: If fails again, Chiang Kai-shek and his family can run to Japan, but what will we do?
Due to Chiang Kai-shek's power, Zhou Hongtao did not dare to block his plan and could only allow Zhu Shiming to return to Japan.
In accordance with Chiang Kai-shek's request, Zhu Shiming first contacted the Japanese military officer Okamura Neiji, and then asked someone to find a mansion on the outskirts of Tokyo that could accommodate more than 20 people.
After obtaining Chiang Kai-shek's consent, Zhu Shiming bought the house for 15,000 yuan. However, before Chiang Kai-shek was ready to go to Tokyo, several newspapers reported the news that he bought a luxury house in Japan.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek gave a speech
Chiang Kai-shek felt that his face was shameless, so he could only shift all the responsibility to Zhu Shiming, who was doing things for him, blaming him for leaking important national affairs and damaging his image.
Zhu Shiming had been stationed in Japan for many years and was a low-key person within the Nanjing National Government. He was afraid that Chiang Kai-shek would seek revenge for personal gain, so he hid in Hayama, Japan, and did not check any telegrams sent from the country.
Chiang Kai-shek was even more angry. He even sent spies to chase Ye Shan. After discovering Zhu Shiming's traces, he brutally murdered him. The plan to exile in Japan could only be temporarily shelved.
2. Far East Exile Plan
Under the leadership of Li Zongren, the Nanjing National Government had already planned to sue for peace with the Communist Party. Chiang Kai-shek could not put all his hopes in Japan.
After the end of World War II, the United States took back the Philippines from the Japanese colonists. In 1946, the Philippines successfully became independent with the support of the United States.
Chiang Kai-shek thought that if he could get the support of the Philippines at this time, he might be able to win over the forces in the Far East and thus curb the Communist Party's process of liberating Taiwan.
On July 6, 1949, Chiang Kai-shek led the Kuomintang diplomatic delegation to visit the Philippines. Its President Elpidio Quirino also maintained a friendly and cooperative attitude towards Chiang Kai-shek.
After the meeting between the two sides, Chiang Kai-shek was not in a hurry to ask for help. He first proposed to Quirino the idea of establishing the " Pacific Alliance " and explained with a sense of justice: " The Pacific Alliance is a response to red imperialism and neo-slavery. In response to the threat, all countries in East Asia should provide support and response. ”
Chiang Kai-shek responded to Taiwan’s situation and asked the President of the Philippines for assistance, hoping that Quirino could intercede with the United States on his behalf and strive to include Taiwan in the United States’ defense line in the Western Pacific. Within.
At that time, even if the Communist Party wants to liberate Taiwan, it will have to get through the United States first.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek
After the talks, the Philippines and Chiang Kai-shek reached a consensus, and the government issued the "Joint Statement between President Quirino and Chiang Kai-shek." The purpose of
is to win over countries in the Far East and join forces to build the "Pacific Alliance" (also known as the Far East Alliance) to resist communism.
Chiang Kai-shek's high-sounding guarantee: " As the president of the Kuomintang, he will try his best to urge the 'government' to take steps to support the agreements listed in the above-mentioned joint statement. "
If we can seek asylum from the Philippine government during this trip, we will have the opportunity to South Korea has also joined them to form an "anti-communist" alliance. After the Kuomintang's power gradually grows, it will win over countries such as Thailand, India, New Zealand and Pakistan. As long as they unite, they can change the situation in the entire Asia.
Chiang Kai-shek's wishful thinking was resounding. Under his instruction, the Kuomintang Ministry of Foreign Affairs formulated an anti-communist program and proposed a series of economic, cultural, military and other cooperation plans.
Quirino very much agrees with Chiang Kai-shek's idea, but it is still very difficult to implement the plan to establish an alliance. Putting aside their respective weak military strength, the opposition of the United States alone has made it difficult for them to move forward.
Truman pointedly pointed out that Quirino completely fell into the trap of Chiang Kai-shek's flattery. Chiang Kai-shek only came to seek help from the Philippines from the standpoint of an Asian leader pursuing a political future.
Quirino, who was immersed in the beautiful idea, suddenly realized that without the support of the United States, all this was just their fantasy, and the so-called "anti-communist" alliance was simply impossible to realize.
Quirino once publicly stated that if Taiwan fell, he would agree to Chiang Kai-shek's establishment of a government-in-exile in the Philippines. However, due to the control of the US government, even if Quirino wanted to help, he did not have enough ability to put it into practice.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek who fled to Taiwan
Seeing that the road to the Philippines was not feasible, Chiang Kai-shek could only change his route to win over South Korea.
According to Chiang Ching-kuo 's description, after the trip to the Philippines, South Korean President Rhee Syngman immediately sent a telegram, clearly expressing the attitude that "China and South Korea originally belong to the same family" and sincerely inviting Chiang Kai-shek to visit South Korea.
On August 5, the US government suddenly released the "White Paper on Relations with China". Truman stated that they would no longer provide military assistance to the Kuomintang.
This " White Paper " meant that Chiang Kai-shek completely lost the United States as his backer. He could only bite the bullet and engage in diplomacy with South Korea. The next day he arrived at Town Bay to hold talks with Syngman Rhee. After
, Chiang Kai-shek and Rhee Syngman jointly issued a statement: " International Communism must be eradicated. In order to deal with this common threat, we must fight both collectively and individually. Only unity can consolidate security. "
Chiang Kai-shek thought that gaining the support of South Korea would pose a threat to communism. Unexpectedly, Rhee Syngman sought military assistance from Chiang Kai-shek after gaining the trust of the Kuomintang.
Chiang Kai-shek cannot protect himself and has lost the support of the United States. How can he allocate excess troops to support North Korea?
After so much effort in diplomacy with South Korea, in the end they only got an unlimited "IOU". Chiang Kai-shek could only give up the idea of exile in the Far East and find a way out.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek
3. The Swiss Exile Plan
By the end of 1949, the Kuomintang's power on the mainland was running low. Amid the cheers of the people, the People's Republic of China was officially established.
Chiang Kai-shek had fled to Taiwan to avoid the limelight, but after the founding of New China, the People's Liberation Army's offensive became more fierce. In order to boost morale, he had no choice but to return to Chongqing to command operations.
Even with Chiang Kai-shek in charge, the Kuomintang was still retreating steadily under the fierce offensive of the People's Liberation Army. Liu Bocheng's army had broken through the Jialing River and was approaching the hinterland of Chongqing.
This place was about to be occupied by the People's Liberation Army. Hu Zongnan was worried about Chiang Kai-shek's safety and immediately sent troops to Chongqing for support, preparing to escort him to retreat from Baishiyi Airport
The sound of artillery fire outside the city was deafening. Chiang Kai-shek got into a jeep and drove quickly to the airport. , under the full cover of Zhao Ren, the garrison commander of Baishiyi Airport, Chiang Kai-shek's special plane arrived in Chengdu smoothly.
After this battle, the Kuomintang's troops in Sichuan were running low. Chiang Kai-shek could only place his hope in the Yunnan base area. As soon as he rested in Chengdu, Chiang Kai-shek sent Zhang Qun to negotiate with Yunnan Provincial Chairman Lu Han.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Qun was detained by Lu Han as soon as he arrived at Kunming Airport . Important officials of the Kuomintang garrison in Yunnan were also detained. Lu Han's position was already clear.
Under the pressure of the Kuomintang garrison, Lu Han did not dare to detain them for too long. He surrendered to the Communist Party on the day he released them. Chiang Kai-shek ultimately failed to hold the Yunnan base.
The Kuomintang is gone, Sichuan will soon fall, and Chiang Kai-shek cannot stay in Chengdu for long.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek
At this time, the People's Liberation Army has surrounded Chengdu, with their sentries in the streets and alleys. Phoenix Mountain Airport is also heavily guarded. It is not easy for Chiang Kai-shek to break through the Communist Party's encirclement.
Under Hu Zongnan's strict deployment, they finally scheduled their escape plan in the early morning of December 12. Chiang Kai-shek would fly to Taiwan under the protection of Hu Zongnan and the military school students.
In order to avoid the pursuit of the Communist Party, someone suggested that Chiang Kai-shek and his entourage set out from the back door of the military academy. The "president" who was accustomed to the majesty was immediately furious and sternly scolded: " I have only entered and exited through the military academy gate all my life, and used the back door. How can this be unreasonable! "
The officials around him did not dare to refute, so they had no choice but to obey his wishes. Chiang Kai-shek maintained his last dignity and walked out of the official residence, and got into the US military bulletproof car prepared in advance. There were heavy troops guarding the car in front and back to ensure the safety of the car.
The cold winter night is silent. Only in a hidden street in Chengdu can the sound of the motor vehicle of the motorcade be heard.
Under the escort of the army, Chiang Kai-shek successfully arrived at Fenghuangshan Airport.
When Chiang Kai-shek was about to board the plane, he suddenly turned around and shouted to the military students and soldiers who were escorting him: "Thank you!"
Everyone gathered around and saluted Chiang Kai-shek in unison. He stood in the cold wind. At the boarding gate, I slowly raised the hat on my head and looked at the motherland unwillingly.
Even if he no longer wanted to admit it, the era of the Kuomintang had become a thing of the past. After standing there for a moment, Chiang Kai-shek turned around and left with deep nostalgia and reluctance.
Chiang Kai-shek who fled to Taiwan was safe for the time being, but his wife Soong Meiling felt that this was not a long-term residence and the People's Liberation Army could invade Taiwan at any time. She immediately sent a telegram back asking Chiang Kai-shek to seek refuge in Switzerland first.
Picture | Song Meiling
Switzerland was not within Chiang Kai-shek's consideration, so he never made a clear reply.
Song Meiling, who had not received a reply for a long time, decided to ask Kong Xiangxi's son-in-law Chen Jien for help.
When Chen Jien arrived in Hong Kong in the cold winter of that year, he accidentally leaked the news to Wang Wenxiang that Soong Meiling wanted Chiang Kai-shek to flee to Switzerland. She thought: Even the president of the Kuomintang felt that Taiwan could not be defended and wanted to escape to Switzerland. What about other things? Isn’t the human situation even more precarious?
Wang Wenxiang immediately conveyed the news to her husbandHe Yingqin, asking him to be prepared to flee at any time.
After Chiang Kai-shek returned to Taiwan, he encouraged "anti-communist" enthusiasm all the time. Everyone in the Kuomintang thought that Chiang Kai-shek would lead them to make a comeback and regain their authority.
He Yingqin's face changed drastically after hearing this heavy news. Since Chiang Kai-shek was not sure of holding Taiwan and was ready to flee, why did he still let the Kuomintang troops stand ready? How true and false were those high-sounding oaths?
In order to confirm the authenticity of the news, He Yingqin asked Huang Shaogu, director of the Central Propaganda Department of the Kuomintang, for information. Only then did he learn that it was Soong Meiling and Kong Xiangxi's idea to escape to Switzerland, and Chiang Kai-shek did not agree.
He Yingqin also realized that although Chiang Kai-shek did not agree to escape to Switzerland, it was true that Taiwan was likely to fall, and it was also true that he was formulating an escape plan.
The news spread from ten to ten, and many people were spreading the news that Chiang Kai-shek was going to flee to Switzerland. People in the Kuomintang were panicked, and they didn't know how long Taiwan could be peaceful.
Not long after, Chen Jien also arrived in Taiwan to meet with Chiang Kai-shek, conveying Song Meiling's idea of wanting him to seek refuge in Switzerland, and patiently persuaded Chiang Kai-shek: " If you agree to go to Switzerland, Mrs. Chiang will send people to Switzerland together with the Kong family. The first step was to deal with site selection and house purchase. ”
Picture | The life of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife in Taiwan
Chen Jien had shown the greatest sincerity, but Chiang Kai-shek sat in the office and thought about it for a long time, but still did not agree with Soong Meiling. Chiang Kai-shek felt that it would take some time for the Communist Party to liberate Taiwan, and it would not be too late to wait for the People's Liberation Army to break in before running away.
Moreover, although Chiang Kai-shek assassinated Zhu Shiming and shelved his trip to live in Japan, when the critical moment came when Taiwan was lost, Japan was still his first choice.
As the saying goes, Chiang Kai-shek's escape plan was not just for one place. When Song Meiling saw Chen Jien's call back, she knew that her husband had other plans, so she did not mention Switzerland again.
Even if Chiang Kai-shek had no intention of escaping to Switzerland, Wang Wenxiang had already spread the news throughout Hong Kong. On the day Soong Meiling was preparing to return to Taiwan from the United States, the "Business Daily" suddenly reported a news: " Mrs. Chiang is about to return to Taiwan. Urging Chiang Kai-shek to go to Switzerland. ”
At that time, the remaining forces of the Kuomintang were waiting in Taiwan. The news that Chiang Kai-shek was about to flee at this juncture undoubtedly caused great panic in Taiwan’s military and political circles.
Secretary Zhou Hongtao informed Chiang Kai-shek of the matter and asked cautiously: " Can you properly deny the rumors in society when Soong Meiling arrives in Taiwan? " After
received Chiang Kai-shek's approval, the rumors were quickly suppressed. However, news spread like wildfire that Taiwan might be occupied by the People's Liberation Army at any time, and the Kuomintang government was under tremendous pressure.
When the people in Taiwan were in an unknown panic, the U.S. military suddenly crossed the 38th parallel and attacked North Korea. The Communist Party had no time to take care of Taiwan and began to organize the Chinese People's Volunteers to resist the United States and aid Korea.
This war against hegemony lasted for nearly three years. Instead, Chiang Kai-shek gained a foothold in Taiwan as a "blessing in disguise", and the previously conceived escape plan was shelved.
Picture | Chiang Kai-shek in Taiwan
Conclusion
In early April 1975, Chiang Ching-kuo stood by his father's bed with tears in his eyes. Chiang Kai-shek was lying weakly on the hospital bed.
His body is no longer as strong as before, and his once bright eyes have become cloudy, but his ambition for China remains undiminished.
Chiang Kai-shek, who was tortured by illness and aging, was exhausted and had no strength to speak, but he was still staring closely at the eagle-like map on the ceiling, which was the motherland he had longed for!
html On April 5, 88-year-old Chiang Kai-shek suffered a sudden heart attack and closed his eyes forever at Yangmingshan Villa in Taipei. He has not been able to fulfill his last wish to be buried in mainland China.
