This book breaks new ground in our understanding of a pivotal period in the history of American foreign policy, the early Cold War, and the struggle for dominance in China. Despite the Marshall Mission's importance, there has been little new to add to the story of the failure to avert war between the China's Nationalist and Communist factions. Roger B. Jeans now fills that gap by drawing on the newly discovered letters and diary of U.S. Army Colonel John Hart Caughey, General Marshall's executive officer throughout the mission. Through his writings, Caughey provides a behind-the-scenes view of the general's mediation efforts as well as intimate glimpses of the major Chinese figures involved, including Chiang Kai-shek, Madame Chiang, and Zhou Enlai. As a meticulous eyewitness to history-in-the-making, Caughey provides a rare insider's account that allows Jeans to make an invaluable contribution to our understanding of a key moment in post-World War II history.