U.S. foreign policy to seek domestic support

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32568, 30 March 1971, Page 19

U.S. foreign policy to seek domestic support

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) WASHINGTON, March 29. The United States Secretary of State (William Rogers) has said that the Nixon Administration has embarked on a balanced, realistic foreign policy designed to rally domestic support and end “deep and destructive divisions” wrought by the Vietnam war, United Press International reported.

Mr Rogers gave this view in a statement accompanying a report, presented to Congress. The report was a review and exposition of the Administration’s foreign policy, and copies of important State papers of the last two years, including foreign-policy speeches by Mr Nixon and Mr Rogers; the text of treaties negotiated during

the period, and joint communiques issued after meetings between United States officials and foreign dignitaries. The report, on sale for $2.75 is primarily valuable as a reference source. No previous Administration has sought to combine such a convenient documentation and justification of its foreign policy during a specific period. “NEW COURSE” The secretary outlined a four-point programme, which he said comprised Mr Nixon's “new course” to forge a foreign policy that would enjoy the widespread public support which prevailed in the United States on international issues from World War II until the early 19605:

“To share increasingly the responsibility for security with other nations and regional groups, while honouring our present obligations and maintaining our military strength; “To pursue negotiated solutions of those complex issues, such as strategic arms control and the Middle East, which had been locked in confrontation and stalemate; “To encourage an international dialogue less polemical and more productive than in the past, and

“To devise means applying . scientific and technological knowledge to world benefit, promoting a more equitable development of the world's economy, and increasing the constructive flow of capital and goods among nations.” The United States, said Mr Rogers, “must play a large and active role in world affairs, yet we should not seek a preponderant one.” The programme outlined by Mr Rogers encompassed, in part, the so-called “Nixon Doctrine” of reducing American commitments without abdicating the nation’s influence and responsibilities. “PERSPECTIVE ON WAR” On Vietnam, “the most decisive issue facing us,” Mr Rogers said, “we have opened and will continue to follow a road leading the United States out of that war, by ending our involvement in the war, we will restore perspective. By altering the Character of our involvement in the world, we hope that we will re-establish a balance in the conduct of our relations.”

Mr Rogers said he hoped that the Administration’s approach would "help create among Americans a new national unity and purpose in our foreign policy; a policy no longer haunted by the past but committed freshly to the opportunities of the future.”