List of ambassadors of the United States to Morocco

This is a list of ambassadors of the United States to Morocco. Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States of America in 1777. James Simpson was appointed the first U.S. consul, and arrived on December 7, 1797, at Tangier to assume his duties and establish the U.S. consulate. Simpson served for over twenty years, until his death on March 8, 1820. In 1821, as a gift to the United States, Sultan Moulay Suleiman gave a building for the consulate’s use, which was the first property abroad owned by the United States. The building is now the Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies (TALIM).^[1] In 1912 Morocco came under France and Spain as protectorates. The United States did not initially recognize the French and Spanish protectorates over Morocco. However, in 1917 upon U.S. entry into the First World War, the U.S. government recognized the protectorates. The U.S. Minister at Tangier was downgraded to the status of Diplomatic Agent. In 1956 the U.S. recognized Morocco’s independence, established an embassy in Rabat, and appointed a ranking ambassador, Cavendish W. Cannon.^[2]

NominatorThe president of the United States

AppointerThe president
with Senate advice and consent

Inaugural holderJames Simpson
as Consul

Formation1797^[1]

Quick facts Ambassador of the United States to Morocco, Nominator ...

Ambassador of the United States to Morocco
Seal of the United States Department of State
Flag of a United States ambassador
Incumbent Duke Buchan since December 2, 2025
Nominator	The president of the United States
Appointer	The president with Senate advice and consent
Inaugural holder	James Simpson as Consul
Formation	1797[1]
Website	U.S. Embassy - Rabat

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