Reginald Bartholomew

Reginald Bartholomew (February 17, 1936, Portland, Maine – August 26, 2012, New York City, New York) was an American diplomat and former United States Ambassador to Lebanon (1983–86), Spain (1986–89), and Italy (1993–97).[1] He was also a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and Council on Foreign Relations. Additionally, he was a former member of the United States National Security Council staff (1977–1979).


Reginald Bartholomew
Bartholomew, wounded, speaks in Beirut in 1984
Born
Reginald Bartholomew

February 17, 1936
DiedAugust 26, 2012 (aged 76)
Alma materDartmouth College, University of Chicago
OccupationUnited States Ambassador
Spouse(s)Rose-Anne (née Dognin)

Education and early career

Bartholomew earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Dartmouth College in 1958 and a master's degree in political science from the University of Chicago.[1] He later returned to the University of Chicago to teach social sciences and government. Bartholomew taught at Wesleyan University as well, from 1964 to 1968.[2] While there, he met and befriended current President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, Leslie H. Gelb, then a fellow instructor. In 1967, Gelb left to work as a policy adviser at the Pentagon, persuading Bartholomew to join him the following year. Both occupied various departments in different roles, with Bartholomew working at the National Security Council during the Carter administration and later succeeding Gelb as the director of politico-military affairs at the State Department.[3]

Diplomatic career

Prior to his first ambassadorship, Bartholomew spent 15 years advising presidents and secretaries of state, most notably playing a key role in the SALT II arms limitation talks with the Soviet Union in 1979.[3]

In 1983, Bartholomew was appointed ambassador to Lebanon. In the following years, terrorists bombed the newly constructed United States Embassy, as well as a Marine barracks. The escalating violence pressured the United States to pull its troops from the region. Under Bartholomew's advisement however, President Reagan delayed ordering the withdrawal until February 1984.[3]

Bartholomew was appointed ambassador to Spain in 1986, where he led negotiations to preserve a greatly reduced military presence. He had worked on similar negotiations before and would again later, in Italy, where he served as ambassador from 1993 to 1997.[3]

Upon retirement, he joined Merrill Lynch Investment Banking as Vice-Chairman Europe and Chairman Italy (1997-2011).

He died in New York City, aged 76, from cancer. His survivors include his wife of 56 years, Rose-Anne (née Dognin), four children, a brother, and seven grandchildren.[4]

References

  1. Emily Langer (August 25, 2012). "Diplomat Reginald Bartholomew dies". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  2. Reginald Bartholomew profile at NNDB.com
  3. Yardley, William (August 29, 2012). "Reginald Bartholomew, Busy Diplomat, Dies at 76". nytimes.com. The New York Times. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  4. "Reginald Bartholomew | Senior diplomat, 76". philly.com. Philadelphia Media Network. September 1, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
Government offices
Preceded by
Leslie H. Gelb
Director of the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs
July 1, 1979 – January 20, 1981
Succeeded by
Richard Burt
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Robert Sherwood Dillon
United States Ambassador to Lebanon
1983–1986
Succeeded by
John Hubert Kelly
Preceded by
Thomas Ostrom Enders
United States Ambassador to Spain
1986–1989
Succeeded by
Joseph Zappala
Preceded by
Peter F. Secchia
United States Ambassador to Italy
1993–1997
Succeeded by
Thomas M. Foglietta


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