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Duff, J. Arthur (James Arthur) papers
85082
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Table of contents
Title: J. Arthur Duff papers
Date (inclusive): 1906-1996
Collection Number: 85082
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
14 manuscript boxes, 1 oversize box
(6.8 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Memoirs, other writings, correspondence, printed matter, memorabilia, and photographs relating to missionaries in China, political
and social conditions in China prior to and during World War II, and American intelligence operations in China during World
War II.
Creator:
Duff, J. Arthur (James Arthur), 1899-1996
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 1985.
[Identification of item], J. Arthur Duff papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives
| 1899 November 14 | Born in Kuling, China |
| 1911-1920 | Sent to live with relatives in Ontario, Canada |
| 1920 | Returned to China, went into business in Shanghai |
| 1926 | Married Jeanie Woodbridge (a China-born daughter of 13 generations of Canadian ministers and missionaries). They had five children: Woodrow, Virginia, Arthur, David, and Teddy |
| 1939 | Moved his family to the United States when the Japanese invaded China |
| 1941 December-1942 February | Escaped internment in Hong Kong |
| 1942 | Recruited by the O.S.S. and returned to China to operate as an O.S.S. agent on the Chinese mainland for the duration of the war |
| 1945-1960 | Established a highly successful manufacturing and retail business in several areas in the Far East |
| 1960 | Retired from active business becoming a world-wide wanderer |
| 1979 | Had a stroke |
| 1990 | Suffered a series of strokes, entered a nursing facility at Carewest Calistoga, California |
| 1996 August 2 | Died, California |
Scope and Content of Collection
The papers relate to missionaries in China, political and social conditions in China before and during World War II and American
intelligence operations in China during World War II.
The
Biographical File includes personal documents of and about J. Arthur Duff, as well as information on his wife, Mrs. Jeannie Woodbridge-Duff.
The Biographical File also includes documentation on Duff's positions in private business. A substantial part of the collection
contains material on Duff's escape from Hong Kong, his return to China, and work for the OSS. In early spring of 1942, Cornelius
V. Starr established an ambitious intelligence plan called "The Counter Japanese Division of COI." His insurance company and
newspapers were to be used as cover to collect intelligence in China. Duff joined this group and led the counter-Japanese
division in Chungking. His work provided significant documentation on the situation in the Pacific and in the China-Burma
sector. Duff's performance, grasp of strategic issues, and persistence in upholding the course of action he believed to be
viable is documented, as are his disagreements with C. V. Starr.
Correspondence contains business and personal documents, including extensive correspondence and the collected writings of Barbara W. Tuchman,
an authority on the subject of Joseph W. Stilwell's life and career.
Typewritten memoirs constitute the most significant segment of the
Writings series. Therein Duff recorded details of his daily life, his thoughts on various subjects, his trips, and his personal life.
According to his daughter Virginia Black, his lack of training or knowledge in a subject area did not impose any restraints
or restrictions whatsoever on his outspoken opinion. This series is divided into three parts by the time of the event, topic,
and miscellany writings on various issues (See J. Arthur Duff papers, Box 1, Folder 1).
Background Material consists of materials by other authors, generally similar in topic to Duff's own work, such as childhood memoirs, China and
its people, customs and culture, World War II, and world's current events issues. It also includes photocopies of books and
articles, press summaries, studies, reports, clippings, and printed materials related to the subject of his interests.
Finally, the
Photographs depict scenes and people from China, Canada, Africa, and many places of the United States. Also included are an extensive
amount of prints documenting Duff family members and their travels around the world.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
China -- Social conditions
China -- History -- Republic, 1912-1949
World War, 1939-1945 -- China
Missions -- China
Secret service -- United States
Missionaries
World War, 1939-1945 -- Secret service
Canadians -- China
United States. Office of Strategic Services