Edward E. Masters
Diplomat Involved in Genocide
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Indonesia
TIME PERIOD
1965-1966
VICTIMS
0 confirmed
Edward E. Masters, an American diplomat, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia from November 3, 1977, to November 10, 1981, and to Bangladesh from October 5, 1976, to November 27, 1977. During the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, he was implicated in facilitating the genocide by providing lists of Communist Party members to death squads, significantly contributing to the violence. Masters was born on June 21, 1924, in Columbus, Ohio, and passed away on March 21, 2014, at his home in Washington, D.C., at the age of 89. His actions during this period have been the subject of ongoing scrutiny and debate regarding U.S. foreign policy and complicity in human rights violations.
Edward E. Masters is believed to have played a significant role in the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66 by providing death squads with lists of Communist Party members, effectively facilitating the genocide. Some speculate that his actions were motivated by Cold War dynamics, aiming to suppress communism in Southeast Asia. Additionally, there are theories that his diplomatic career was marked by a pattern of prioritizing U.S. geopolitical interests over human rights considerations.
The Intriguing Life of Edward E. Masters: Diplomat in the Crosshairs of History
Early Life and Beginnings
Edward E. Masters was born on June 21, 1924, in Columbus, Ohio. From an early age, he seemed destined for a life of public service. After graduating from high school in 1942, Masters briefly enrolled at Denison University. However, the call of duty pulled him away from academia, leading him to serve in the U.S. Army for three years. This experience would lay the groundwork for a life spent navigating the complexities of international relations.
Upon completing his service, Masters pursued higher education with vigor. In 1948, he earned his undergraduate degree from George Washington University, swiftly followed by a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1949. Armed with this formidable academic background, Masters embarked on a career that would see him become a key figure in American diplomacy.
A Career in Diplomacy
Masters began his diplomatic journey as an intelligence analyst in the State Department from 1949 to 1950. His early career was characterized by a series of international assignments that would hone his skills in political and military diplomacy. Between 1950 and 1952, he served as a resident officer and military liaison officer in Frankfurt, West Germany. He then moved to Karachi, Pakistan, from 1953 to 1954, where he served as a political officer.
The years that followed saw Masters delve deeper into the intricacies of Asian politics. From 1955 to 1958, he was stationed in Madras, India, as a political officer. His expertise as an intelligence specialist was further utilized in the State Department from 1958 to 1960. By 1960, he was appointed the chief intelligence officer for the Indonesia-Malaya branch of the Intelligence Research Analysis branch in Asia, a role he held until 1962. The following year, he became the head of Thailand affairs at the State Department.
From 1971 to 1975, Masters served as the deputy chief of the United States embassy in Thailand, a position that highlighted his growing influence in Southeast Asian affairs. His diplomatic career reached new heights when he was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh on October 4, 1976, serving until November 27, 1977. He swiftly transitioned to become the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia on November 3, 1977, a post he held until November 10, 1981.
A Shadow Over His Legacy
During his tenure as Ambassador to Indonesia, Masters became embroiled in a dark chapter of history. It was during the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66 that allegations surfaced implicating him in the systematic supply of lists of Communist Party of Indonesia members to death squads. These actions, which were reported by sources such as The Washington Post, cast a long shadow over his diplomatic accomplishments, suggesting his involvement in aiding and abetting the genocide.
Contributions Beyond Diplomacy
Masters' engagement with Indonesia extended beyond his ambassadorship. On September 14, 1977, he visited East Timor following the Indonesian invasion, demonstrating his continued involvement in regional affairs. After his official diplomatic career, he remained a pivotal figure in fostering U.S.-Indonesia relations. From 1994 to 2001, he served as the founding president of the United States-Indonesia Society, further cementing his legacy in diplomatic circles.
Personal Life and Legacy
Edward E. Masters was not only defined by his professional achievements but also by his personal life. He was married to Allene Masters, who supported him throughout his career. On March 21, 2014, Edward E. Masters passed away at his home in Washington, D.C., at the age of 89, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by both diplomatic achievements and controversial actions.
Sources
For a more detailed exploration of Edward E. Masters' life and career, you can find the original Wikipedia entry here.
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Edward E. Masters, an American diplomat, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia from November 3, 1977, to November 10, 1981, and to Bangladesh from October 5, 1976, to November 27, 1977. During the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, he was implicated in facilitating the genocide by providing lists of Communist Party members to death squads, significantly contributing to the violence. Masters was born on June 21, 1924, in Columbus, Ohio, and passed away on March 21, 2014, at his home in Washington, D.C., at the age of 89. His actions during this period have been the subject of ongoing scrutiny and debate regarding U.S. foreign policy and complicity in human rights violations.
Edward E. Masters is believed to have played a significant role in the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66 by providing death squads with lists of Communist Party members, effectively facilitating the genocide. Some speculate that his actions were motivated by Cold War dynamics, aiming to suppress communism in Southeast Asia. Additionally, there are theories that his diplomatic career was marked by a pattern of prioritizing U.S. geopolitical interests over human rights considerations.
The Intriguing Life of Edward E. Masters: Diplomat in the Crosshairs of History
Early Life and Beginnings
Edward E. Masters was born on June 21, 1924, in Columbus, Ohio. From an early age, he seemed destined for a life of public service. After graduating from high school in 1942, Masters briefly enrolled at Denison University. However, the call of duty pulled him away from academia, leading him to serve in the U.S. Army for three years. This experience would lay the groundwork for a life spent navigating the complexities of international relations.
Upon completing his service, Masters pursued higher education with vigor. In 1948, he earned his undergraduate degree from George Washington University, swiftly followed by a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1949. Armed with this formidable academic background, Masters embarked on a career that would see him become a key figure in American diplomacy.
A Career in Diplomacy
Masters began his diplomatic journey as an intelligence analyst in the State Department from 1949 to 1950. His early career was characterized by a series of international assignments that would hone his skills in political and military diplomacy. Between 1950 and 1952, he served as a resident officer and military liaison officer in Frankfurt, West Germany. He then moved to Karachi, Pakistan, from 1953 to 1954, where he served as a political officer.
The years that followed saw Masters delve deeper into the intricacies of Asian politics. From 1955 to 1958, he was stationed in Madras, India, as a political officer. His expertise as an intelligence specialist was further utilized in the State Department from 1958 to 1960. By 1960, he was appointed the chief intelligence officer for the Indonesia-Malaya branch of the Intelligence Research Analysis branch in Asia, a role he held until 1962. The following year, he became the head of Thailand affairs at the State Department.
From 1971 to 1975, Masters served as the deputy chief of the United States embassy in Thailand, a position that highlighted his growing influence in Southeast Asian affairs. His diplomatic career reached new heights when he was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh on October 4, 1976, serving until November 27, 1977. He swiftly transitioned to become the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia on November 3, 1977, a post he held until November 10, 1981.
A Shadow Over His Legacy
During his tenure as Ambassador to Indonesia, Masters became embroiled in a dark chapter of history. It was during the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66 that allegations surfaced implicating him in the systematic supply of lists of Communist Party of Indonesia members to death squads. These actions, which were reported by sources such as The Washington Post, cast a long shadow over his diplomatic accomplishments, suggesting his involvement in aiding and abetting the genocide.
Contributions Beyond Diplomacy
Masters' engagement with Indonesia extended beyond his ambassadorship. On September 14, 1977, he visited East Timor following the Indonesian invasion, demonstrating his continued involvement in regional affairs. After his official diplomatic career, he remained a pivotal figure in fostering U.S.-Indonesia relations. From 1994 to 2001, he served as the founding president of the United States-Indonesia Society, further cementing his legacy in diplomatic circles.
Personal Life and Legacy
Edward E. Masters was not only defined by his professional achievements but also by his personal life. He was married to Allene Masters, who supported him throughout his career. On March 21, 2014, Edward E. Masters passed away at his home in Washington, D.C., at the age of 89, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by both diplomatic achievements and controversial actions.
Sources
For a more detailed exploration of Edward E. Masters' life and career, you can find the original Wikipedia entry here.
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