Chapter 11 takes a closer look at the surprising role of former president Herbert Hoover’s efforts to press for a negotiated settlement with Japan. Collaborating with Stimson, the two elder statesmen sought to influence Truman away from an invasion. They did this in part by attempting to frighten Truman with the prospect of extremely high casualties that might accompany an invasion. The chapter posits that Stimson may have encouraged Hoover to influence Truman because Stimson himself found it difficult to contradict his generals.