Diplomatic Invitations To Gennadij Gerasimov.

[RedMaestro2]

I recently acquired this neat lot of 13 diplomatic invitations to Gennady Gerasimov, former Soviet and Russian Federation Ambassador to Portugal (1990-1993), foreign affairs spokesman for Gorbachev and press secretary for Shevardnadze (1986-1989), and editor and chief of the Moscow News (1983-1986). He is best-know for coining the term, the "Sinata Doctrine" in an appearance on Good Morning America for Gorbachev's policy of non-interference in the Warsaw Pact (see the LA Times).

These invitations cover the period from 1986 - 1989. Several of them have short, typed notes attached specifying the occasion. The Italian invitation is the most elaborate: the envelope is still there, and it includes dinner menus with tassels and translation.

I'm not sure what the best way is to go about researching these. The first thing jumping out at me is the signature on one of the Italian items that needs identifying. I also am awaiting from my library a book of documents from the Italy trip (which included a meeting with the Pope) compiled by Gorbachev.

Thoughts and comments would be much appreciated!

Thanks!


Invitations in chronological order with translations if not in English (I'll update these as I have time):

The Ambassador of Tunisa and Mrs. Ahmed A. Ounais pray Mr. and Mrs. Gennady Gerasimov make them the honor of dining at their residence 28/1 Ul. Katchalova, Thursday, September 6, at 20:00.