Core Viewpoint - The stories of foreign individuals and organizations who assisted China during the Anti-Japanese War are significant and worth revisiting, especially in the context of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War. These narratives not only express gratitude but also encourage reflection on promoting peace and justice in contemporary society [1][6]. Group 1: Historical Contributions - Edgar Snow, as the first Western journalist to report on "Red China," played a crucial role in reshaping Western perceptions of the Chinese Communist Party through his book "Red Star Over China," published in 1937 [6][7]. - John Magee, along with other foreign nationals, documented the atrocities committed by Japanese forces during the Nanjing Massacre, with Magee's film "Nanjing Atrocities" serving as undeniable historical evidence against Japanese denial narratives [10][11][12]. Group 2: Symbolism of Cooperation - The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group, were instrumental in the fight against Japanese forces, reportedly shooting down over 2,600 enemy aircraft and inflicting significant casualties on Japanese troops [15][18]. - The collection of historical artifacts and photographs by collectors like Zou Dehuai highlights the deep bonds formed between American military personnel and Chinese civilians during the war, emphasizing the theme of "heroes in war, friends in peace" [20][21].

Core Points - The article discusses the historical significance of the "Maji Films," which were secretly filmed by American pastor John Magee during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937, and their role in documenting Japanese atrocities [6][10][19] - The book "Searching for the Maji Films" by Chen Min chronicles the 20-year effort by various individuals to locate and recover these films, highlighting the importance of preserving historical memory [6][20] Group 1: Historical Context - The Maji Films are recognized as one of the most comprehensive pieces of evidence reflecting the atrocities committed by the Japanese military during the Nanjing Massacre, and they are included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register [6][10] - The films were initially discovered by Zhao Ziping, who, after extensive searches across the United States, located John Magee's son, David Magee, and found the original film reels [8][9] Group 2: Recovery Efforts - Zhao Ziping initiated the search for the Maji Films in 1991, motivated by the need to counter Japanese right-wing narratives regarding the Nanjing Massacre [8][9] - The recovery process involved significant collaboration with various organizations, including the Nanjing Massacre Victims Memorial Hall and the Nanjing Massacre Victims' Association, which played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of the films [10][19] Group 3: Film Analysis - The recovered "37-minute version" of the Maji Films contains additional footage not present in the previously available 17-minute version, providing more comprehensive evidence of the events during the Nanjing Massacre [12][16] - The "37-minute version" includes critical scenes that document the suffering of victims and the actions of medical personnel during the massacre, which are vital for historical research and education [16][18] Group 4: Cultural Impact - The efforts to recover the Maji Films have not only contributed to historical documentation but have also fostered a deeper understanding of the human experiences during the Nanjing Massacre, emphasizing the importance of courage and responsibility in preserving historical memory [20] - The book "Searching for the Maji Films" serves as a testament to the dedication of individuals and organizations in safeguarding the truth about the Nanjing Massacre and ensuring that such atrocities are not forgotten [20]