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Title: O. Edmund Clubb papers
Date (inclusive): 1940-1988
Collection Number: 93003
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
25 manuscript boxes, 10 card file boxes
(12.3 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Speeches and writings, correspondence, notes, loyalty- security board hearing transcripts, conference papers and agenda, and
printed matter, relating to Sino-American relations; the post- World War II loyalty-security program in the Department of
State; various aspects of Chinese history and politics, especially in the twentieth century; and American policy during the
Vietnamese War.
Creator:
Clubb, O. Edmund (Oliver Edmund), 1901-1989
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1993.
[Identification of item], O. Edmund Clubb Papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
American diplomat and political scientist; consul general, Peking, China, 1947-1950; director, Office of Chinese Affairs,
Department of State, 1950-1952
| 1901 February 16 | Born, South Park, Minnesota |
| 1927 | Receives bachelor's degree, University of Minnesota |
| 1928-1952 | Foreign service officer, U.S. Department of State, including term as Consul General, Beijing |
| 1951 | Faces charges of "disloyalty" during McCarthy period and is suspended from the China desk of the State Department |
| 1952 | Suspension is overturned on appeal by Clubb, who nonetheless resigns from the State Department |
| 1959-1966 | Visiting lecturer at Columbia University, Brooklyn College, New York University, the New School for Social Research, and Cornell University |
| 1964 | Author, 20th Century China |
| 1971 | Author, China and Russia: The 'Great Game' |
Received at the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1993, the O. Edmund Clubb Papers consist primarily of writings, correspondence,
and research materials relating to Clubb's lifelong interest in the politics and history of China. From the time of his experience
as Foreign Service officer in China, Clubb wrote extensively on issues of China policy, and in particular Sino-American relations.
Having been a "China Hand," Clubb had been a direct witness to the Chinese civil war and was critical of unconditional American
support for the forces of Chiang Kai-shek in this conflict. Clubb's position would later bring him difficulties in terms of
his career in the State Department.
During the McCarthy period, Clubb faced accusations of "disloyalty" and was suspended from his policy position within the
State Department (a transcript of Clubb's hearing before the Loyalty Security Board can be found in the Biographical File).
Although he was later vindicated on the appeal of his suspension, he resigned from the Foreign Service and pursued a career
as a writer and academic, concentrating again on issues relating to China. His writings reflect a consistent viewpoint challenging
American foreign policy during the Cold War, and he emerged as an early critic of the American intervention in Vietnam.
In presenting Clubb's scholarly and journalistic publications in one place, the collection affords researchers the opportunity
to trace the development of Clubb's thinking on issues of foreign policy and Chinese politics. The correspondence also reveals
Clubb's relations with other China scholars and his role as a foreign policy adviser to several prominent American politicians.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
China -- History
China -- Politics and government -- 20th century
China -- Foreign relations -- United States
United States -- Foreign relations -- China
Diplomats -- United States
Internal security -- United States
United States. Department of State