A career diplomat who worked the front lines of détente
On March 4, 1974, he presented his credentials as the U.S. ambassador to Moscow.
Walter Stoessel was a career American diplomat whose work centered on the Soviet Union and Europe during the Cold War. As ambassador in Moscow from 1974 to 1976, he represented Washington on the ground during détente and the negotiations surrounding the Helsinki process. He later served as ambassador to West Germany and Deputy Secretary of State.
Career Timeline
- 1942–1944Served in the U.S. Army
- 1947–1953Worked on Eastern European and Soviet affairs at the State Department
- 1963–1965Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Moscow
- 1968–1972U.S. Ambassador to Poland
- 1972–1974Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs
- 1974–1976U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union
- 1976–1981U.S. Ambassador to West Germany
- 1982–1983United States Deputy Secretary of State