Introduction

Portugal was among the first nations to establish diplomatic ties with the United States. Revolutionary War officer David Humphreys was appointed Minister Resident on February 21, 1791. He was followed by John Quincy Adams, later to become the 6th President of the U.S.A., and 46 other Ministers and Envoys, until the post was accorded the rank of Ambassador in 1944. The distinguished diplomat and historian George F. Kennan served in Lisbon as Chargé d’Affaires during World War II.