TO ANYONE INTERESTED

I am writing this letter in regard to the screenplay PHANTOM
MANDARIN, written by a delightful man and outstanding playwright, Mr. LEO
LOVING.



It has been my good pleasure and privilege to read this script about a young man who loved God and loved his country and because of his love for others wanted to take the WORD of GOD to the people of China. An interesting fact about this young man is that 22 years before his arrival in China, he arrived in Landour, India, born of missionary parents. He started his life in a foreign land and his life ended in a foreign land. Before going to China as a missionary, this dedicated young man had some very interesting history in his life. Starting college at the age of sixteen, he made the highest scholastic average ever attained at that university and it has never been equaled since. He was given a rare gift from God; a near perfect photographic memory. This young man used his rare gift and his dedication to learn the Chinese language. In a letter to his mother from the headmaster of the language school, congratulating her son’s work, he stated that her son had completed the course in record time and his diction and understanding of the language was superior. He would use this ability to speak the Chinese language fluently to a great advantage in the few years to come.



Mr. Loving in PHANTOM MANDARIN, shows deep concern and love this young man had for the Chinese people and his desire to help rid their land and sky of the Japanese menus. While serving the people of China as a missionary he stumbled upon Col. Doolittle and his crew, who had been downed behind enemy lines. This brave young man had the privilege of rescuing these soldiers. With his rescue of Col. Doolittle and his crew after their daring Tokyo raid, he then became involved in the war effort. He volunteered his services to Gen. Claire Chennault of the Flying Tigers fame. Because of his ability to speak the different Chinese dialects and his great knowledge of that country’s terrain, he became invaluable to Gen. Chennault. He became a great part of Chennault’s intelligence gathering system. Gen. Chennault, in an after war interview, stated that this young American’s contribution was more valuable than ten of his top “ace” fighter pilots.



Through this brave young man’s intelligence work in attempting to create a unified fighting force against the Japanese, he was involved in working with the Communist forces, attempting to get them to join the fight against the Japanese. In their company, he learned of the Communist’s plan to take over China. Because of his great love for the Chinese Nationalist people, this caused him great concern. The Communists, aware of this man’s abilities and opposition to their cause, saw him as a great threat. They were successful in removing this threat. They murdered him and took over China.



In this screenplay Mr. Loving portrays this young man’s dedication, love and desire to serve his God and country, the dangers he encountered, and the successes that he achieved. He describes the many times that this young man went behind Japanese lines, (at times dressed as a Chinese coolie), locating supply dumps, gun emplacements, and troop movements. This valuable information would then be radioed back to 14th Air Force headquarters. He was called “the eyes of the 14th Air Force” and known as “Chennault’s super spy”. This screenplay also gives a detailed picture of the brutal murder of this brave young man.



I know this story is true!! I know these events took place!! The “young
man” was JOHN M. BIRCH… CAPT. JOHN M. BIRCH, 14TH Air Force. I have the good fortune of being his brother. I also have the privilege of having known him and his love. I am familiar with his achievements, his dedication, his bravery, his joy, his hopes, and the facts of his tragic, brutal murder by the Chinese Communists. This screenplay, the very successful work of
Mr. Loving, depicts the last five years of John’s life and his death. Having it made into a movie would give the American people the opportunity to learn of a valiant and brave
“young man”, a hero who was willing to serve and give his life for the people, country and God that he loved.



It is my hope and great desire that PHANTOM MANDARIN become a SCREEN MEMORIAL
to JOHN, his LIFE and his DEATH. 



Most Sincerely,







Robert G. Birch