The Nanjing Incident, 1927 (2)
Rescue Mission
"Dispatch rescue units to the American and British consulates!"
Captain Muranishi led 500 marines ashore, fighting through crowds hurling stones—some thrown by children. Were they mimicking adults, or did they already harbor hatred for Japan?
Progress stalled 300 meters from the American consulate when a grenade exploded among the troops.
BOOM!
Three marines fell wounded.
"Damn it! Return fire! Secure the route!"
Muranishi's order came with anguish. He hadn't wanted Chinese casualties, but grenades left no choice. The attackers wore no uniforms—plainclothes soldiers hiding among civilians (a violation of international law).
The marines advanced with Type 35 naval rifles, their volleys cutting down nearly 100 rioters, including children.
"Bastards! What kind of hell is this?!"
For most marines, this was their first live combat since the Russo-Japanese War. Their enemies weren't soldiers but civilians—some barely old enough to understand.
(Historically, Japanese forces refused to fire on Chinese mobs, leading to consulate staff being massacred. Here, the calculus changes.)
By 2 PM, the marines cleared both consulates—but not before American and British civilians were slaughtered.
Hell in Nanjing
At 3:30 PM, explosions erupted across the city—avoiding consulate districts, instead obliterating homes and crowds. Flesh and debris rained down.
"American and British naval bombardment? This is insane!"
Muranishi recoiled at the cruelty, yet acknowledged this was the Great Powers' way. The world ran on brutality.
Over 10 Anglo-American warships shelled Nanjing indiscriminately for an hour, killing thousands.
(Historically, Japan restrained its ships to avoid worsening Sino-Japanese relations—earning a reputation for "weakness." Here, Japan's restraint ends.)
Though no Japanese died, the mission left a bitter aftertaste.
March 29, 1927 – Diplomatic Maneuvers
Chiang Kai-shek blamed the riots on Communist infiltrators.
The US, UK, France, Italy, and Japan jointly demanded:
Punishment for perpetrators.
Chiang's apology.
Reparations.
Japan then negotiated privately with Chiang:
"Generalissimo, the Communists have infiltrated your ranks. 'Northern Expeditions' are impossible now. Honor the Nine-Power Treaty: grant Manchurians self-determination. Let local clans rise up—we'll support them. In return, Japan will aid your unification and purge of Communists."
Thus, Japan secured Manchurian independence and a US-backed anti-Communist alliance with Chiang.
Imperial Directive
"Your Majesty, our resolve in Nanjing proved Japan's strength. But Hankou and Shanghai grow volatile. I propose evacuating all civilians from China—except Manchuria. Richard Investment will buy their assets. Let Aisin-Gioro Puyi unite Manchuria, restore the Qing Empire, and ally with Japan."
"Well said, Captain Takashiro. All proceeds as planned."
(Unspoken: Chinese casualties from Japan's retaliation remain undisclosed.)
The Emperor's proposal reached the cabinet:
Mass evacuation of civilians (excluding Manchuria).
Army/Navy garrisons to protect concessions from looting.
Auctioning all Japanese-held assets in China.
But the Army revolted...
(Why? See Chapter 52!)
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A/N: "The Army's defiance—what's their game?"
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