In 1984, Napper returned to Embassy Moscow for a two-year assignment as Chief of the Foreign Affairs Unit of the Political Section. From 1986 to 1988 he served as Deputy Director of the Department's Office of southern African Affairs.
In 1984, Napper resumed his duties at Embassy Moscow for a two-year period as chief of the unit dealing with international relations within the Political Section. From 1986 to 1988, he worked under the department's office responsible for regional affairs in southern Africa.