James E. Akins, former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, dead at 83; on duty during ’70s oil embargo
By APSunday, July 25, 2010
James Akins, former Saudi ambassador, dead at 83
WASHINGTON — James E. Akins, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, has died. He was 83.
He died of a heart attack on July 15 in Mitchellville, Md., his daughter Mary Beth Colvill said Sunday.
Akins took over as ambassador in September 1973, just a month before the Arab oil embargo began in October. It was retaliation for U.S. support of Israel. The embargo ended a year later, but Americans still remember the rationing and especially the long lines at gas stations.
Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger fired Akins in 1975, citing differences. His daughter says Akins went on to consult for multinational corporations, specializing in the Middle East and energy issues.
Besides his daughter, Akins is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and son, Thomas.
(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. Corrects name in keyword.)
