The Emperor and the Spy

I was an experienced, antiquarian book dealer who had seen many unique collections. However, NOTHING was ever as remarkable as Colonel Sidney Mashbir's personal letters, photographs, official documents, which I came into possession of. It will change the way historians and the general public look at WWI and WWII.

Born in 1891, Mashbir joined the Arizona Guard at the age of thirteen as a bugle boy, during the time of cowboys and Indians, and the U.S. Cavalry...His long career continued into the Atomic Age!

Some of his earlier clandestine missions included both chasing, and assisting in the negotiations with the legendary bandit/revolutionary, Pancho Villa. His efforts helped stabilize the U.S./ Mexican border...Mashbir also uncovered and eliminated extensive enemy spy networks in the U.S., prior to U.S. entry, and during, World War I.

Colonel Mashbir went beyond heroic patriotism, he also took on the role of a diplomat in the pursuit of peace. During the 1920s and 1930s he allied with top leaders of Japan, including members of the Royal Family. Together they attempted to prevent conflict between their nations and the outbreak of WWII . . . Regrettably, Mashbir would find himself torn between his close friendship with many of Japan's more enlightened leaders and the major role he would have to take in defeating that nation.

During WWII, he headed a top-secret, military intelligence organization, ATIS, which dramatically shaped the battle strategy of the Pacific theatre of war, significantly shortening the conflict.

Once WWII ended, to encourage a smooth transition of Japan into a future ally, 11 Secret private meetings between General Douglas MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito were arranged, where Colonel Mashbir served as the main translator, liaison, and facilitator.

As personal advisor to both General MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito, Mashbir helped shape the rapport America would have with Japan during its Reconstruction period, and far beyond.