Description
Presidential Appointment of Edward J. Perkins as United States Ambassador to the United Nations and U.S. Representative to the United Nations Security Council. This proclamation is signed by President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State James Baker III, dated April 6, 1992.
Wood frame, white matte. Full piece measures 26″ x 22″, covered with museum glass. Great Seal of the United States affixed to lower left corner. Not examined outside of frame. Proclamation reads: “I have nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations with rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations.” Provenance: From the Estate of Ambassador Edward J. Perkins, Hindman Auctions, 2022.
Dr. Edward J. Perkins (1928-2020) served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Liberia, South Africa, and Australia throughout his 25-year foreign service career. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan appointed Perkins to serve as ambassador to South Africa in hopes of fending off a congressional override to his veto of economic sanctions against the country. It was a controversial decision amidst apartheid in South Africa, and many Black leaders urged Perkins to not take the role. Perkins accepted the position and served until 1989, one year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was appointed U.N. Ambassador by George H.W. Bush in 1992, serving for one year.
