Smoke hung thick in the meeting room. Peng Zhicheng had already reported the events of the previous night at Dingyuan Fort to the Executive Committee, and the meeting had now entered its formal discussion phase.
All eleven members of the Executive Committee were present. Ma Qianzu presided over the meeting, with Du Wen serving as secretary.
"Old Peng has already given a detailed report on the July 13 Incident," Ma Qianzu said as he lit a cigarette. "Now let's hear everyone's opinions on how this matter should be handled. Speak freely."
"Since the organization assigned me to oversee this pioneer team, I'll say a few words first," Xiao Bailang began. "Now that the incident has occurred, our first priority is how to respond properly. Dingyuan Fort's daily fish catch exceeds three thousand jin, and it delivers fifteen hundred jin of fish products to the central administration every day. This greatly improves everyone's nutrition and saves a significant amount of grain. This contribution is extremely important. Their efforts are unquestionable, and we should not be overly harsh toward comrades working on the front lines. On the contrary, we should increase our support. I propose that construction materials be prioritized for Dingyuan Fort to fully guarantee its development and quickly stabilize the situation."
"Construction materials are already very tight," Shao Shude reminded him. "Old Xiao, if we prioritize Dingyuan Fort, your dock project will have to be suspended."
"I have no objections," Xiao Bailang replied with a smile. "At present, hardly any ships are docking there anyway, so the project can be paused temporarily. Of course, construction of the artillery positions in the dock fortress area must continue." He glanced at Wang Qinian as he spoke.
"The indigenous people of Uruguay are mainly the Charrúa," Gao Mo said, clearing his throat. "I want to remind everyone that the Charrúa are fierce, aggressive, and highly warlike. Since there has already been one attack, there will very likely be a second. Everyone needs to be clear about that."
"Their settlement is probably near Great Fish Lake," said Jiao Tang from the Internal Affairs Committee. "Should the Executive Committee organize reconnaissance and clearing operations along the lake shore? It would be best to eliminate this hidden threat as soon as possible, otherwise it will remain a constant danger."
Hearing this, Peng Zhicheng gave a wry smile. "At present, our garrison numbers are limited, and their training level is average at best. Forget clearing out the Charrúa. Even reconnaissance would be difficult. Of course, if the Executive Committee issues the order, the army will comply."
For a moment, the room fell silent.
"I think we should proceed this way," Ma Qianzu said, breaking the silence. "Suspend dock construction for now and transfer construction materials to Dingyuan Fort. Let's stabilize that situation first. Since we are not confident we can eliminate the Charrúa settlement, we should strengthen our defenses. Dingyuan Fort has open terrain and convenient transportation. It will not be easy for the Charrúa to threaten it. Once the fortress is fully built, we will be secure no matter what they attempt."
This proposal had already gained general consensus, so no one raised objections.
"Since that is settled, let's move to the next issue," Ma Qianzu continued. "Is the current twenty five man guard force at Dingyuan Fort sufficient? And what is their skill level and equipment status?"
"I'm afraid the situation isn't optimistic," Peng Zhicheng replied after a brief pause. "Apart from a few Swiss immigrants with mercenary backgrounds, the rest are volunteers. They are physically capable, but their combat skills are limited."
"Then training must be intensified," Ma Qianzu said firmly. "Old Peng, don't shy away from the effort. Make more trips there and bring in experienced veterans from the garrison to train them. That said, their number cannot exceed twenty five, so we cannot rely solely on them. Construction workers, fish processing staff, and logistics personnel must also receive basic training in their spare time. We don't need them to be elite soldiers, but they must at least know how to aim and shoot. Newly produced Type 31 full body armor and three pound and four pound cannons from the weapons factory should be prioritized for Dingyuan Fort. I do not believe the Charrúa are invincible. If they dare to attack again, they will pay a heavy price."
Ma Qianzu's remarks were practical and decisive, and no one objected. The meeting continued.
"There is one more matter," Ma Qianzu added. "Our comrades at Dingyuan Fort risk their lives to secure vital resources for everyone. I believe the Executive Committee should reward them both materially and symbolically. I propose that personnel assigned to Dingyuan Fort receive double contribution points, and that their actions during last night's battle be publicly commended throughout the region. In particular, the wounded and fallen Swiss immigrants should receive generous compensation. Committee Member Xiao, do these two have family members here?"
"Yes," Civil Affairs Committee Member Xiao Mingli replied. "The deceased, Dennis Helveg, has a wife and a daughter. His wife works as a general laborer in the Livestock Bureau, and his daughter is currently enrolled in school. The wounded, Christopher Grote, has a sister assigned to the Agriculture Bureau."
"Those who died in battle must receive proper funerals, and the wounded must be cared for," Ma Qianzu said. "They and their immediate families should be granted free citizenship immediately. Lao Jin, have the Ministry of Agriculture sign formal labor contracts with their families. Helveg's daughter should receive preferential treatment. Increase her meal allowance by one level, and give her priority consideration for awards and scholarships."
He delivered the instructions rapidly, prompting nods of agreement around the table.
"Chairman Ma's proposals are well considered," said Judicial Committee Member Bai Siwen. "However, I would like to raise an additional point. Comrade Lin Youde, who was responsible for security at Dingyuan Fort, failed to prepare adequate contingency plans prior to the incident. This contributed to confusion during the battle. I believe there may have been negligence in his duties, and I propose that the Executive Committee initiate an investigation."
The room fell silent once more. Everyone present knew that Lin Youde was Xiao Bailang's trusted subordinate. Challenging Lin Youde was, in effect, challenging Xiao Bailang. And challenging Xiao Bailang meant challenging Chairman Ma himself.
Still, since a committee member had formally raised concerns and provided reasonable grounds, procedure had to be followed. After brief discussion, it was decided that a joint investigation team would be formed, composed of representatives from the Ministry of the Army, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of the Interior.
The investigation team would depart for Dingyuan Fort the following day to examine whether Lin Youde had neglected his duties or committed command errors during the July 13 Incident.