Papers of Barbara Whittingham Jones

Papers, c1938-1948, of Barbara Whittingham-Jones, comprising articles written by her, in addition to her notes and background material, radio broadcast scripts and photographs relating primarily to political events in Malaysia and Indonesia. Articles discuss issues such as the Malay Revolt in Patani, 1945-1948; Malay nationalism; reports on the French colonisation of Siam; the fight for independence in Indonesia, 1945-; the Malino Conference, 1946; political development in South Celebes; the Dutch East India Company.; and Sarawak and its cession to Britain as a Crown Colony, 1946. Photographs include old and post-war Batavia; Japanese war-prisoners in Indonesia; the Malino Conference, 1946; Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir of Indonesia; Dr. H. J. Van Mook, Dutch Lieutenant-Governor of the Indies; and the first anniversary celebrations of the Indonesian Republic at Jogjakarta, 17 August 1946.

Barbara Whittingham Jones (married name Oppenheim) was a British journalist who spent some time living in Malaya. She became known for her forceful article 'Malaya Betrayed', which appeared in World Review, May 1946, during the Malayan Union controversy. The article caused a sensation throughout Malaya. In September 1947, she also became the first British correspondent to visit Patani, to observe the political oppression of the 700,000 Malays in this part of the Kingdom of Siam. She continued her work as a correspondent for various publications, covering political events in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. These publications included Eastern World, Straits Times, Straits Budget, letters to The Times, and radio broadcasts with Macassar Radio. Her husband was Henry Rolf Oppenheim (1902-1987).

Articles and notes, and photographs, have been grouped by event or theme.

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Donated to SOAS Library in 1961.

Unpublished handlist