East Timor: A Rough Passage to Independence

East Timor: A Rough Passage to Independence is a story of political intrigue and the hidden world of international diplomatic deals. It is also the story of countless individuals, governments, and international bodies who, ultimately, pulled together to change the luck of this tiny island.

From the days of colonial Portuguese rule, through the tumultuous years of the Indonesian invasion, to the present day this book is a disturbing portrayal of the complete failure of the international community to deal with the East Timor situation. With expert analysis and clarity of writing, James Dunn highlights the disturbing gap between the noble rhetoric and the heartless reality of our international commitment and resolve.

James Dunn spent his career as an Australian government official specializing in international relations, first as a defense analyst, then a diplomat, serving in Portuguese Timor, Paris, and Moscow. Sent on a fact-finding mission to East Timor in 1974, his report recommended self-determination, and he testified before the US Congress and the UN General Assembly. In 1999 he was a UN observer at the plebiscite in East Timor. Since resigning from Parliament in 1986 Dunn has dedicated himself to work on international human rights.