The plans for the operation are incredibly complicated and dependent on the dovetailing of so many factors that the outcome is completely unpredictable. Local people, a muddle-headed but powerful Senator in Washington, and determined Communists in Hong Kong become obstacles to a successful completion of the mission before it even gets underway.
The story focuses on Hank Musgrave, press correspondent of long experience in Southeast Asia, who happens to be in Hong Kong for "R and R"—rest and recreation—as the Force is being activated. A fascinating and beautiful Chinese girl, Mary Wu, the first person Hank plans to see when he reaches Hong Kong, becomes involved as a source of intelligence on Communist activities.
Intrigue and warfare in the Far East are brought home to the reader in this story of mounting tension and suspense.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1916, Richard Tregaskis was graduated from Harvard, cum laude, in 1938. He was a reporter, war correspondent, motion picture and television writer, and author of the best-selling Guadalcanal Diary and Vietnam Diary.
He was the winner of the George Polk Award in 1964 for reporting under hazardous conditions.
