Text of a Telegram to Ambassador Andrew Young

“Your resignation is a great loss and indeed a great blow to the cause of African-American understanding, friendship and co-operation… It is also a tremendous loss to the United Nations where you have made a great impact in promoting dialogue and communication.” – Dr. Salim to Ambassador Andrew Young, August 15, 1979 

This telegram from Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim was sent to U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young following his resignation as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in August 1979.

In August 1979, Andrew Young resigned from his position following controversy surrounding a meeting with a representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which at the time the United States did not officially recognize. The incident sparked significant political debate in Washington and internationally.

Ambassador Young had been a prominent figure in international diplomacy and civil rights, having previously served as a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and later as a member of the U.S. Congress. During his tenure at the United Nations, Young became known for his efforts to strengthen dialogue between the United States, African countries, and developing nations.