Upon retirement from the United States Air Force, General Ellis continued service to his country with the U.S. Department of State as Commissioner of the U.S.- U.S.S.R Standing Consultative Commission on Arms Limitations. In this capacity, he lead the seven man delegation for the continuing SALT II Compliance Talks in Geneva, Switzerland. Because General Ellis's extensive knowledge of nuclear arms was well respected by both the United States and his counterparts in the Soviet Union, President Ronald Reagan nominated Ellis for the rank of Ambassador. He was approved, awarded the honor, and served as Ambassador for his tenure as the U.S. Commissioner of the US-USSR Standing Consultative Commission. General Richard Ellis remained in this position until his death in March 1989.
["reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speaches/1982/31282d.htm] <nps08-122105-29.pdf> <https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=463206> <www/nytimes.com/1989/3/30/us/richard-h-ellis-69was-sac-commander.htl> <"articles.latimes.com/1989-04-01/news/mn-839_1_air-force">
RubyJMDE (talk) 01:11, 12 December 2016 (UTC)RubyJMDE 12/11/16