The publication of the United Nations Declaration on January 1, 1941 marked the formation of the World Anti-Fascist Alliance. Since then, World War II has officially entered a new stage of bloc confrontation between the anti-fascist allies and the fascist Axis powers. In the case of a group war, whether the unity and cooperation within the group can be realized, and whether it can be coordinated in the military, political and economic fields, has become the primary factor affecting the outcome of the war. In this regard, the two big groups that are confronting each other show opposite trends. The allies with the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United Kingdom as the core frequently held high-level meetings to constantly overcome their contradictions and differences, so that the military, political, and economic cooperation between the allies continued to develop. On the contrary, the Axis Group led by Germany, Japan and Italy lacks cooperation in politics and economy, and acts in different ways in military strategy, and internal contradictions are increasing day by day. This kind of opposite development and changes had a decisive influence on the course and outcome of the war.
During the period from the outbreak of the Soviet-German War to the formation of the anti-fascist alliance, the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom took a series of practical actions to promote their unity, such as the Anglo-Soviet Agreement in July 1941, and the "Atlantic Charter" in August. "The Moscow meeting of the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom in September and October, and the Arcadia meeting of the British and American leaders in December and the visit of British Foreign Secretary Aiden to Moscow, etc. These actions not only promoted the formation of the world anti-fascist alliance, but also laid the foundation for the further strengthening of unity and cooperation among the three major powers.
Since the Soviet-German War broke out, fascist Germany and its servants put their main forces on the Soviet-German battlefield, the Soviet Union was under tremendous military pressure, and the Soviet-German battlefield became an important battlefield related to the outcome of the war. This objectively makes Britain and the United States and other countries support and assist the Soviet Union to persist in fighting as the main content of the unity and cooperation between the anti-fascist allies and the joint resistance against the enemy.
The victory of the Soviet Army in the defense of Moscow proved the Soviet Union’s determination and strength to fight against the fascist invaders. It also enabled the Western allies to re-recognize and evaluate the status and role of the Soviet Union in the anti-fascist war, and to a certain extent eliminated their speed to the Soviet Union. The fear of defeat provided an opportunity for Western allies to strengthen their unity and cooperation with the Soviet Union. In May and June 1942, Molotov, the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union, paid a touring visit to London and Washington to discuss with the leaders of the United Kingdom and the United States on further strengthening cooperation and other issues. This is the first time a member of the Soviet government has visited a Western allied power since the Soviet-German War broke out.
On May 26, 1942, the "British and Soviet Union against Hitler, Germany and its European servants in wartime alliance and post-war mutual assistance and cooperation treaty" was signed. The treaty consists of two parts. The first part stipulates the responsibilities and obligations of the two sides to form a wartime alliance. The two parties agree to provide military and other assistance to each other in the war against Germany and its European servants, and not to negotiate or conclude a peace treaty with the enemy alone. The second part of the treaty made certain provisions on the actions of the two sides after the war, such as joint action to maintain peace, stop Germany and other countries from launching aggression again, give full support to the aggressed party, and maintain close and friendly cooperation for European security and economic prosperity. Give economic assistance to each other and do not participate in any alliances against each other. The treaty enters into force as soon as it is ratified. The first part is valid until the end of the war, and the second part is valid for 20 years.
The Anglo-Soviet Wartime Alliance and the Postwar Mutual Aid and Cooperation Treaty were a further development of the Joint Action Agreement between the Anglo-Soviet War against Germany in July 1941. It not only further clarifies the responsibilities and obligations of the alliance between the two sides in wartime, but also stipulates for the first time the basic principles of mutual assistance and cooperation between the two sides after the war. Therefore, it is not only of practical significance to determine the relationship between the two parties, but also of historical significance. At the signing of the treaty, Aiden said: "In the history of the ties between our two countries, our union has never been as close as it is now, and our obligations for mutual assistance in the future have never reached such a complete level." Tov also pointed out when reporting the Soviet-British Treaty to the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union that the content of the treaty “emphasizes that it has great political significance not only for the development of Soviet-British diplomatic relations, but also for the future development of Europe’s entire complex international relations. The importance of "the importance of" indicates that the friendly relations between the Soviet Union and Britain "have been substantially consolidated."
On May 29, Molotov arrived in Washington. The Soviet-U.S. negotiations also basically revolved around two issues. One was the issue of the United States providing weapons and materials to the Soviet Union in accordance with the principles of the Lease Act; the other was the issue of the second battlefield. Since the agreement on assistance to the Soviet Union signed by the Soviet Union, the United States and Britain in Moscow on October 1, 1941 will expire on June 30, 1942, the tensions in the Soviet-German battlefield have made the Soviet Union very dependent on such assistance. Therefore, with the United States The government discusses new aid plans and expands the scope and amount of aid, which are urgent issues that Molotov wants to solve during this trip. The total number of weapons and materials required by the Soviet Union is 4.1 million tons.
At the same time, the Soviet Union was eager to find out what the US government's attitude was towards opening up a second battlefield. Since the British government refused to make a commitment on this issue for various reasons, the attitude of the United States is very important. On the day and on the second day after arriving in Washington, Molotov put forward the request of the Allies to open up the second European battlefield in 1942 during the talks. Molotov frankly told President Roosevelt that when Hitler's army was dominant in numbers, the Soviet army might have to consider retreating. This is not only a great danger to the Soviet Union, but also a threat to Britain and the United States. If Britain and the United States can attract 40 German divisions from the Soviet-German battlefield, even if it is not the best division, then it is possible to crush Germany in 1942, at least it will be doomed to its destiny. Molotov emphasized: "The issue of the second battlefield is the biggest political issue" and "the grand strategic issue of war." "It should not be resolved by military personnel but by state activists."
From September 29 to October 1, 1941, Aphra Harriman, representatives of Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt, signed the "Protocol of First Friendship on the Supply of Russia" in Moscow. The United States considers the two issues of linking its assistance to the Soviet Union and opening up the second battlefield. Since the United States has formally entered the war, its own country also needs a large amount of weapons, equipment and materials, so it is difficult to meet the amount proposed by the Soviet Union. But Roosevelt also said that “the possible forced retreat of the Soviet army will lead to a great deterioration of the overall situation of the allies.” Therefore, the United States will try its best to help the Soviet Union, providing assistance and opening up a second battlefield are both manifestations of this help. During the talks, President Roosevelt made it clear several times that the United States hopes to open a second battlefield in 1942. General Marshall, the U.S. Chief of Staff who participated in the talks, also basically agreed with Roosevelt's views, but proposed preparations to open up a second battlefield will make the United States' already very tight supply of maritime vehicles and materials even more severe. The United States proposed that in order to speed up the opening of the second battlefield, it had to greatly reduce the amount of aid to the Soviet Union. From July 1 to June 30, 1943, only 2.5 million tons of aid to the Soviet Union could be provided. This figure is far Lower than the 4.1 million tons required by the Soviet Union. However, almost all of the cuts were general supplies, not including military supplies such as tanks, aircraft, and ammunition. Therefore, the Soviet Union was not completely unacceptable. The Soviet side stated that if the second battlefield could be opened in 1942, the Soviet Union was willing to accept this proposal. The U.S. promised to immediately consult with the British and U.S. military on the opening of a second battlefield and work out a plan. In the joint communiqué agreed upon by the Soviet Union and the United States, it was specifically stated that the two sides "reached a complete agreement on the urgent task of establishing a second battlefield in Europe in 1942." Molotov came to London again on his way back to China. Affected by the Soviet-American negotiations, the British government also reluctantly agreed to open a second battlefield in 1942 and included words similar to those in the Soviet-American Communiqué into the Soviet-British Joint Communiqué. In this way, for the first time, the Western allies made a relatively clear commitment on opening up a second battlefield. Although the governments of the United States and Britain still had certain reservations, the Soviet Union's evaluation of this commitment at that time was positive and optimistic. At the meeting of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union on June 18, Molotov said: The Anglo-American statement "is of great importance to the people of all ethnic groups in the Soviet Union. Because the opening of a second battlefield in Europe will definitely bring Hitler to our battlefield. The army has encountered insurmountable difficulties".
Another achievement of Molotov’s visit to the United States was that after he left, the Soviet-U.S. ambassador to the U.S. Livinov and the U.S. Secretary of State Hull signed the Soviet-U.S. mutual assistance in the anti-aggression war signed in June and Sunday. Principles of agreement. The agreement stipulates the scope, procedures, and conditions of mutual assistance between the two parties in war, and further clarifies the responsibilities and obligations of the two parties’ mutual assistance. This agreement, together with the agreement of the same content signed by the United States and Britain on February 23, 1942, the Anglo-Soviet Agreement on July 12, 1941, and the Anglo-Soviet Treaty just signed, added another article to the three powers. Strengthen their legal bonds of solidarity and cooperation.
After the establishment of the anti-fascist alliance, uniting all anti-fascist forces to participate in the battle has become an important part of the diplomatic activities of the allies.
The "Free France" movement led by General de Gaulle and its French National Committee were first recognized by the Soviet Union due to its resistance to the enemy. Later, due to the outstanding performance of the Free France forces in the fighting in the Bir Hashem region in North Africa, At this time, the United Kingdom and the United States are planning a battle in French North Africa, which has improved the status of "Free France".
On June 27, 1942, British Foreign Secretary Aiden revealed to de Gaulle that the US government was considering a new attitude towards the French National Committee. The next day, the US Ambassador to London John Wynant pointed out with satisfaction during his meeting with Charles de Gaulle that some recent signs made it possible to hope that the relationship between the State Department and Free France would ease. On July 9, the U.S. government issued an announcement, deciding to "give all military assistance and possible support to the French National Committee, because it is the flag of the French Resistance Axis." This announcement squarely looked at the status of the French National Committee and recognized its right to lead warfare and the right to form a military organization with allies. De Gaulle was quite satisfied with this.
In order to further expand the influence and absorb those forces that have lost their freedom but still resisted in the occupied areas of the French mainland, the National Committee recommended that "Free France" be renamed "Fighting France". On July 13, the British government issued a statement accepting the above-mentioned name change, and reached a consensus with the French National Committee on the nature, status, and role of "Battle France" and its leadership. From then on, in the eyes of the British government, "Fighting France is a collection of French and French territories who unite with the Allies to fight against the common enemy; it is also the French nation's refusal to surrender and fight for the common victory of the Allies in any region. Efforts to liberate France as a sign of the anti-Axis power." The French National Committee "is the leading organization for fighting France and an organization that represents French interests before the government of the United Kingdom."
The renewed understanding of the French resistance movement under the leadership of General de Gaulle by the US and British governments is undoubtedly beneficial to enhancing the strength of the anti-fascist alliance and the unity between them. Of course, this understanding has certain limitations. In the eyes of the United States and Britain, it is not the only political entity that can represent the general and permanent interests of France. General de Gaulle will not be the only French political and military leader selected by the Western allies for a considerable period of time. people. This determines that in the subsequent period of time, de Gaulle and his representative political forces will inevitably produce conflicts in many aspects in their cooperation with Western allies. However, with the development of the war, when the Allies wanted to take military actions in areas related to France, such as North Africa and the Mediterranean, they did not consider the role of the growing military force and the increasing prestige of the French resistance movement. Unrealistic. The long-cherished wish of General De Gaulle and others to restore the motherland would be difficult to achieve without military support and material assistance from the Allies. It is the logic of war itself that promotes the development of the relationship between fighting France and the Allies amidst contradictions.
After the start of the North Africa campaign, the Vichy regime broke off diplomatic relations with the United States, prompting the US government to look for people who can represent France and the Allies in addition to the supporters of the Vichy regime. At the Casablanca meeting held in mid-to-late January 1943, Roosevelt and Churchill discussed the French issue, and specially invited Generals de Gaulle and General Giro to have a meeting. With the efforts of the Allied Powers, the French National Liberation Committee was formed on June 3, with Charles de Gaulle and Giraud as equal two chairs. The committee declared itself to be "the central authority of France" and has the highest authority over all French territories, land, sea, and air force. Soon, the National Liberation Committee was adjusted internally. General Giro no longer served as the chairman and became the commander-in-chief of the French army, and General de Gaulle became the highest leader of the committee.
After Italy surrendered, on August 2, the French National Liberation Committee issued a note to the governments of the United States and Britain, drawing their attention to the fact that France should participate in the truce negotiations with Italy and the institutions that supervise Italy. On August 26, more than two months after the establishment of the French National Liberation Commission, the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union formally stated their respective governments' attitudes towards the commission. The British government recognizes the Commission as "an institution governing French overseas territories that recognize its power"; the United States regards it as "an institution that helps ensure the realization and protection of French interests"; the Soviet Union recognizes it as "a representative of the national interests of the French Republic" . The various degrees of recognition of the French National Liberation Committee by the Allies have opened up beneficial prospects for the further development and expansion of the relationship between them and France, the most important anti-fascist political force.
In the Second World War, in addition to the forces of the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and France against fascism in Europe and the United States, another resistance force in the East and Asia cannot be ignored. That is China. China's Anti-Japanese War is an important part of the world's anti-fascist war. The containment and depletion effect of the Chinese battlefield on the Japanese army is obvious to all countries. When formulating strategic policies, the anti-fascist allies cannot fail to consider the special and important role of the Chinese battlefield. The outbreak of the Pacific War and the establishment of the World Anti-Fascist Alliance changed the world's military and political landscape under the conditions of the war, and also made China's role in the fight against the Japanese fascist war increasingly prominent. This laid the foundation for allies to cooperate and assist each other in supporting China's war of resistance. basis.
After the United States declared war on Japan, its basic strategy is still "Europe before Asia". However, in order to take advantage of China's unique advantages in manpower and land, and to contain and weaken Japan to the greatest extent, the United States has also adopted a series of measures to actively aid China in the fight against Japan. Following the approval of the U.S. Congress on February 7, 1942 to provide US$500 million in financial aid to the Chinese government, on June 2, the U.S. and Chinese governments signed the "Sino-U.S. Mutual Assistance Agreement for Resistance against Aggression." The agreement stipulates that the United States and China provide each other with supplies, forces, and intelligence for national defense, as well as the principles of use and compensation for the foregoing. According to this agreement, the United States promised to provide $840 million in leased materials and equipment and train the Chinese military. After the Japanese occupation of Burma and China’s only channel for foreign aid—the Burma-Burma Highway was cut off, the United States and the United Kingdom jointly established a new air route from northeastern India over the "Hump" Himalayas to Kunming in the spring of 1942, relying on this airlift. Line, sending limited but very precious and very symbolic allied aid materials to China. At first, 3,000 tons of materials were transported through this transportation line per month. In March 1943, President Roosevelt promised to gradually increase the air transport volume, eventually reaching 10,000 tons per month.
From May 12 to 25, 1943, the top military and political leaders of the United States and Britain convened a meeting code-named "Trident" in Washington, and specially summoned Marshal Wavell, General Stilwell and General Chennault, the theater commanders of the British and American Far East battlefields. Aid to China is one of the important topics of the conference. On the day the meeting began, President Roosevelt emphasized the importance of China as an anti-Japanese base, the seriousness of China's possible collapse, and the need to rapidly increase aid to China to the joint meeting of the two chiefs of staff. On the 14th, the British government agreed to "take active development of air transport assistance to China and the establishment of an air force in China as the goal of 1943." At a meeting on the 20th to discuss operations in the Pacific, Churchill assured Chinese Foreign Minister Song Ziwen: "The British Empire will do everything possible to assist China." Roosevelt made a clear promise to establish an air fleet and supply it with most of the airlifted materials. The final report of the meeting stated: "Take necessary and practical measures to assist China so that China can become an effective ally and a base for operations against Japan." This is one of the basic tasks of the United States and Britain's comprehensive strategy. Based on this, relevant departments in the United States and Britain formulated specific plans: to organize and increase air transport routes to China in order to reach a monthly transportation volume of 10,000 tons in early autumn; develop aviation facilities in Assam, India; and at the end of the rainy season in 1943, The battle was launched in northern Myanmar as a basic measure to open up the Sino-Indian highway.
In addition to military support, the US and British governments have also taken some political measures. On October 9, 1942, the governments of the United States and Britain announced their willingness to negotiate with the Chinese government on the abolition of the unequal treaty with China. On January 11, 1943, China, the United States and China and Britain signed a treaty, announcing the cancellation of the extraterritorial rights and privileges enjoyed by the United States and Britain in China, including the right to station troops, concessions, and inland navigation rights in China. At the same time, China also occupies an important position in Roosevelt's vision of post-war world arrangements. Although the Allies had various considerations surrounding the actions of supporting China's war of resistance, which led to many differences and contradictions, objectively they still played a role in strengthening the coordination and cooperation between the allies in the war against Japan, and enhancing the unity of the international anti-fascist united front. Actual effect. China's Anti-Japanese War, under extremely difficult conditions, made its due contribution to the world's anti-fascist war. The Chinese people have won international status through their own practical actions.
The positive attitude and leadership position of the US government in World War II minimized its own country’s direct involvement in the war. Although the United States spent a lot of material and financial resources in supporting the war of resistance of all countries in the world, the intangible wealth they won in the world is immeasurable. of.