James Dunn | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1928-01-06)6 January 1928 Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia |
| Died | 31 January 2020(2020-01-31) (aged 92) Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Public servant, diplomat |
James Stanley DunnAM (6 January 1928 – 31 January 2020) was an Australian public servant anddiplomat.[1] He was Australia's consul inPortuguese Timor from 1962 to 1964.
In 1977 Dunn's report on war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Indonesian troops in East Timor was released, prompting international attention. As a result, Dunn gave testimony about the issue to theCommittee on International Relations of theUnited States House of Representatives on 23 March 1977.[2][3] He alleged that American weapons had been used in theIndonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975.[4] He also argued that Australia's policy related to East Timor was inadequate.[5]
His bookTimor: A People Betrayed (published 1983) was a tribute to the tragedy of the Timorese. The book was launched byGordon McIntosh at the Lakeside Hotel in Canberra.[6] In a review published inWoroni, Dunn was praised for his sincere tone.[7] J.A.C. Mackie, writing forThe Canberra Times wrote that the book was "disappointingly unconvincing".[8]
In the2001 Queen's Birthday Honours, Dunn was made aMember of the Order of Australia for "service to humanity as an advocate for the rights of the East Timorese."[9] In 2002 he was awarded the rank of Grand Officer of theOrder of Prince Henry (GOIH) by thePresident of Portugal. On 30 August 2009, Dunn was presented with the award of the Medal of theOrder of Timor-Leste by the President,José Ramos-Horta.[10]
He died on 31 January 2020;Prime Minister and formerPresident of East Timor,Taur Matan Ruak, praised him as "one of the greatest international advocates for Timor Leste'sself-determination".[11]
| Diplomatic posts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by W.A. Luscombe | Australian Consul to Portuguese Timor 1962–1964 | Succeeded by D.W. Milton as Acting Consul |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
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