[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 9, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  CONFIRMATION OF LARRY LAWRENCE TO BE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO SWITZERLAND

 Mr. DeCONCINI. Mr. President, I am pleased the Senate acted 
yesterday to confirm Larry Lawrence to be U.S. Ambassador to 
Switzerland. I believe Mr. Lawrence has qualifications which will serve 
him well as Ambassador including his highly successful business career, 
his extensive involvement with civic and philanthropic organizations 
and his active interest and involvement in foreign affairs issues.
  Our country can be justifiably proud of its foreign service 
officers--a group of highly intelligent and competent public servants. 
I have stated previously on the Senate floor when speaking of nominees 
of both parties, however, that we cannot fill ambassadorial positions 
solely with foreign policy experts or the people from foggy bottom.
  During the recent consideration of the State Department authorization 
bill, some Members of this body expressed their view that we need to 
ensure that the State Department promotes American interests abroad. 
Who better for this role than Mr. Lawrence? First, he has had a highly 
successful business career in the hotel business as well as in 
commercial and residential real estate development. He has been CEO or 
director of a number of corporations and he has experience in finance, 
banking, and international trade. Second, he has a familiarity with 
Switzerland. He has travelled to Switzerland many, many times and has 
many business contact in the country. Third, Mr. Lawrence enjoys the 
personal friendship of the President which not only assures the 
President that his policies are being implemented but will also be 
valued by the Swiss. Mr. Lawrence's qualifications will help ensure 
the promotion of our country's interests abroad, particularly in a 
country like Switzerland where our relationship is mainly commercial. 
In an era when promoting American business interests abroad is an 
increasingly important part of our foreign policy, Mr. Lawrence's 
business success and business contracts are vital to promoting these 
goals.

  This certainly is not the first this body has raised concerns over 
nominees whose credentials in international affairs have been 
questioned. As I have stated, I reject the idea that people successful 
in other walks of life do not make fine appointments. Indeed, many 
nominees who were challenged on the basis of being political 
appointments have turned out to be outstanding diplomats.
  Anthony Motley was considered to be just another political appointee 
when he went through the confirmation process in 1981 to be Ambassador 
to Brazil. Mr. Motly had no prior experience in foreign policy and had 
strongly backed Ronald Reagan's campaigns. Mr. Motly was recognized as 
an extraordinary Ambassador not only by Brazilians but also by 
traditional diplomats in his own Embassy. His service as Ambassador 
earned him an appoinment to be Assistant Secretary of State for Latin 
American Affairs in the Reagan administration.
  Another example is Clara Booth Luce. A well-known playwright and 
politician, her appointment was similarly questioned because of her 
past assistance and support for the Republican Party. A Washington Post 
editorial summed up her tenure:

       When she began her post in Rome more than 3 years ago, she 
     had to combat Italian fears and suspicions of a woman 
     ambassador and amateur diplomat. When she left, she had the 
     respect and admiration of the Italian people, if not 
     always their agreement.

  Clearly, we must not discount individuals simply because they are not 
policy wonks, but are otherwise successful.
  But while some have said that Mr. Lawrence lacks foreign policy 
credentials, I want to point out that he has had a long and active 
interest in foreign affairs which is shown by his service in groups 
focussing on international affairs. He was a founding member of the San 
Diego World Affairs Council as well as the School of International 
Relations at the University of California at San Diego. San Diego Mayor 
Susan Golding wrote to Senator Pell on November 17, 1993,

       I have relied on his expertise as a businessman in my 
     interaction with Pacific Rim countries and the Mexican 
     government. He was instrumental in facilitating international 
     and regional cooperation between the City of San Diego, the 
     City of Tijuana and the State of Baja California.

  The Senate plays an important part in the confirmation process 
through its constitutional role of advice and consent. This is a case, 
however, where the President should be allowed his discretion to choose 
whom I believe will make a fine Ambassador to Switzerland. He is one of 
California's most successful businessmen, he has a strong and extensive 
history of involvement in community affairs and he has a close 
relationship to the President. I think he has the credentials which 
will ensure his success as Ambassador to Switzerland and I am pleased 
the Senate has acted to confirm Mr. Lawrence.

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