Presidents Must Have a Global View

By Robert R. McMillan

On Jan. 9, Richard Nixon would have been 85 years old. On that date, author James C. Humes will appear at the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace to discuss his new book Nixon's Ten Commandments of Statecraft. The book, published by Simon and Shuster is an interesting overview of some of Richard Nixon's international achievements - Mr. Humes had long been associated with President Nixon as a speech writer and later as an official in the State Department.

The book is based on a card found in the President's New Jersey study after his death. The card, given to Humes by Tricia Nixon-Cox, one of the president's daughters, listed 10 principles which should guide American presidents in the conduct of foreign policy. Humes, creatively, takes each of the "ten commandments" and shows how President Nixon applied them in confrontations with China, the Soviet Union, the Middle East and other conflicts. Humes also covers how historical statesmen have applied the same principles used by President Nixon in dealing with diplomatic challenges in their eras.

While admittedly, I am positively prejudiced about Richard Nixon because of my past association which included travel with him throughout the country and acting as an assistant in his New York City office, this book is well worth reading for anyone who has an interest in the shaping of United States foreign policy.

As for President Nixon's deep interest in foreign affairs, permit me one personal note. I can clearly remember President Nixon's reaction to ongoing events in Vietnam as he prepared to deliver a 1965 speech at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. It was a business luncheon, and the Grand Ballroom was packed. About five minutes before he went to the podium to speak, he asked me to check Associated Press for the latest report on Vietnam. Things were moving fast. It was typical of his caution. He wanted to be completely up-to-date. Grabbing a headline was less important to Richard Nixon than trying to be supportive of President Lyndon Johnson. As it turned out, President Johnson was to be trapped in the unfortunate spiraling of events called the Vietnam conflict. And it was Richard Nixon who, some seven years later, would bring that war to an end.

Humes' book clearly outlines one of Richard Nixon's greatest strengths - his complete dedication to know everything about each person and event he had to consider. I know of few people who would work as hard to be prepared. It is little wonder that he would be so strong as the leader of US foreign policy during his presidency - a legacy alive today.

The ten commandments are principles which can be used to provide strength in any negotiations - not just foreign affairs. And to his credit, author James Humes brilliantly ties in historical personalities from Pericles to Benjamin Franklin and from Winston Churchill to Benjamin Disraeli as he explains President Nixon's use of each of the commandments. If you are looking for some winter weekend reading, I highly recommend Humes' book, Ten Commandments of Statecraft.