Reagan Ronald

Ronald Reagan TLS Regarding "U.S. policy objectives" in Central America

1p typed letter signed by sitting 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) as "Ronald Reagan" at center. Written on August 20, 1987 in Santa Barbara, California at Reagan's estate Rancho del Cielo, also known as the "Western White House." On watermarked cream stationery with "The White House / Washington" letterhead emblazoned with a blind embossed presidential seal at top. Expected light paper folds, else near fine. 6.75" x 8.875". Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope with "The White House" return address panel. Bearing a cancelled 22 cent U.S. stamp and letter-opened at top.

President Reagan wrote this thank you note to Philip Habib (1920-1992), an American career Foreign Service officer who had recently announced his resignation. Reagan had pulled Habib out of retirement in March 1986 to appoint him as a Special Ambassador to Central America.

In part:

"I want to extend my deep appreciation to you for your outstanding performance over the past 17 months as my Special Envoy for Central America. Your efforts to promote peace and democracy in Central America contributed significantly to the achievement of U.S. policy objectives.

As you return to private life, you can be assured that I and the American people are indebted to you for the untiring and selfless service which you have performed once again for your nation…"

Reagan had chosen Habib because of the latter's extensive diplomatic experience. Both strength and subtlety were needed in a region destabilized by the political situation in Nicaragua. When Nicaragua's brutal and corrupt Somoza regime had been toppled in 1979, various political parties jockeyed for control in the power vacuum, including the leftist Sandinistas (the Sandinista National Liberation Front, or FSLN), and the more reactionary U.S.-backed Contras. Habib represented American interests and bolstered support for the Contras. He also worked closely with several Central American presidents to shape the peace plan that would be approved as the "Esquipulas II Accord" on August 7, 1987.

Philip Habib had joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1949; he served in South Korea, South Vietnam, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Canada, New Zealand, and the Middle East. The New York Times eulogized Habib as "the outstanding professional diplomat of his generation in the United States."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.