Description
Appointment of Edward J. Perkins as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, includes the White House letter detailing his mission objectives and his official appointment from President Ronald Reagan. Both items signed in autopen by President Reagan.
Letter typed on four sheets of White House stationery and dated July 15, 1985. Letter previously framed, with small mounting remnants on verso. Presidential appointment signed in autopen by President Ronald Reagan, dated July 12, 1985.
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.
