George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Shultz discusses the repression of the Polish state, and occupation by the Soviet Union. Shultz says it would be wrong to lift sanctions against the Soviet Union in light of the Polish repression; mentioning sales of grain. Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy (R-IL) thanks Shultz for his response on behalf of the Polish population in the U.S.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI) asks Shultz if he believes the U.S. sanctions against the Soviet Union have been effective. Shultz believes the use of trade sanctions as an instrument of diplomacy is a bad idea. He does not believe sanctions against Soviet Union have adjusted Soviet political behavior, and believes sanctions can be damaging to U.S. trade itself. Shultz says using rationale, he can understand U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s decision to use sanctions, in light of Soviet actions in Poland.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz answers questions before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearings. Shultz discusses his opinion on the use of trade sanctions against the Soviet Union, in response to the Soviet treatment of Poland. Shultz believes that sanctions against the Soviet Union ultimately hurt the U.S., but do have an effect. Shultz says that U.S. President Ronald Reagan and the American people are deeply concerned by the way the Polish people are being treated.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI) asks Shultz if he believes U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s sanctions on pipeline technologies have hurt the Soviet Union more than the NATO alliance. Shultz says he agrees with President Reagan’s decision based on his previous answer. Shultz says it's hard to know what a good balance is; mentioning that sanctions have hurt U.S. suppliers and caused difficulty in Europe. Overall, Shultz believes the sanctions are making a point. Senator Pell asks Shultz if he believes the U.S. is declaring economic war on the Soviet Union. Shultz does not believe economic war is being declared. Shultz believes that U.S. needs to be clear about its views of Soviet behavior. Shultz reaffirms that he sees no economic war and believes the Soviet Union and U.S. can have a mutually beneficial relationship, after the Soviet Union shows positive responses.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI) discusses the concept of a nuclear arms freeze; mentioning U.S. officials in charge of nuclear weapons, such as Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, Eugene V. Rostow, Paul Nitze, and U.S. Army General Edward Rowny. Senator Pell asks Shultz how he will work with those in charge to create a nuclear freeze. Shultz discusses his relationship with Director Rostow and his knowledge of General Rowny and Paul Nitze. Shultz says the men in charge of nuclear freeze negotiations are tough minded; no one should doubt the United States goal of a nuclear freeze, but no one should think the U.S. will go into an unbalanced agreement with the Soviet Union. Shultz believes the negotiators will create a balanced agreement. Pell agrees with Shultz to a point, but says the negotiators are not noted as strong supporters of arms control.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI) mentions his support for the American Friends Service Committee’s nuclear freeze resolution. Senator Pell asks Shultz why U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s Administration does not think the American Friend’s Service Committee’s nuclear freeze resolution is in the nation’s best interest. Shultz acknowledges the danger of nuclear weapons to society, but does think a freeze is a bad idea. Shultz calls a freeze the enemy of a reduction. Shultz says President Reagan has proposed a reduction as the best option for America, and if there is a freeze there would be no incentive for the Soviet Union to negotiate reductions in nuclear weapons.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI) discusses the basis of U.S. policy on first use of nuclear weapons. Pell points out that NATO forces are far greater in number, and more dependable than Warsaw Pact forces. Pell asks why the U.S. has the defeatist idea of resorting to nuclear weapons to defend Central Europe. Shultz claims the numbers on the balance of traditional forces are different from what Senator Pell has offered. Shultz says there is a preponderant number of Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops. Shultz believes U.S. policy is against the first use of nuclear weapons. Shultz says if somebody else engages in aggression in Europe, then the U.S. reserves its options for response. Pell notes that his time has expired, but takes a moment to point out that the American Friends Service Committee’s nuclear freeze resolution also contained provisions for reduction.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy (R-IL) makes notes in the record. Senator Percy acknowledges that U.S. Senator Jacob Javits (R-NY) wished he could attend today’s hearing, but could not. Percy also acknowledges the attendance of former U.S. Senator John Sherman Cooper (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC). Senator Helms jokes about Shultz’s wife being “Co-Chairman of the Board at Home.” Shultz jokes back, saying his wife is the “Chairman at home.” Helms acknowledges that Shultz’s family is in attendance.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) discusses what he knows of Shultz’s stance on Latin America. Senator Helms asks Shultz if he is familiar with the foreign policy platform U.S. President Ronald Reagan ran on in 1980. Shultz says yes. Helms asks Shultz if he believes the State Department should be interested in implementing President Reagan’s foreign policy. Shultz says it is the duty of civil servants to follow the policy of the government that is in place, and the State Department will implement Reagan’s policy.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) asks Shultz if he agrees with U.S. President Ronald Reagan's constant and firm acclamation that Taiwan need not fear any action from the Reagan Administration. Shultz does agree with Reagan’s policy towards Taiwan, but also believes the United States’ continued relations with the People’s Republic of China are of great importance. Shultz says the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act must be carried out faithfully. Helms asks if Shultz has any problem with a third country dictating the U.S. relationship with another. Shultz says we have to think through what is in the best interest of the United States, and then act on the best interest of the U.S., wherever in the world that may be.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) questions Shultz on the sale of aircraft to Taiwan. Shultz says it should be done, if aircraft for the defensive purposes of Taiwan, is in the interest of the U.S. Helms asks if Shultz would be deterred by protests in Peking (aka Beijing) regarding the sale of aircraft to Taiwan. Shultz agrees with the U.S. policy that the differences between Taiwan and China should be worked out among themselves. Shultz says that any solution to this problem should be made by peaceful means; in the pursuit of peace the U.S. has provided defensive arms to Taiwan.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) asks Shultz if he has discussed Taiwan with U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Shultz says he has not discussed Taiwan with President Reagan, but has read what Reagan has said on Taiwan. Senator Helms discusses a phone conversation he had with Reagan, in which Reagan gave him assurance on Taiwan.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) asks what the U.S. responsibility in Central and South America is. Shultz addresses the lack of Central and South America in his statement, and comments that he did not have the space to cover every area of the world in his statement. Shultz says "We must have a global outlook, as General Douglas MacArthur once said." Shultz says Central America is a matter of great importance to the United States, and there is an element of economic progress, development, and stability in Central America. Shultz says the U.S. must recognize the problems in South America; mentions arms flow into the region through the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz answers questions before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Shultz says the U.S. should not assume every issue in Central America is a military issue; to have a stable environment from the standpoint of law and order is necessary, but not sufficient. Shultz discusses the importance of economic development in Central America, and a chance for freedom and liberty. U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) makes a brief remark to the importance of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture John Block in foreign policy. Chairman Percy continues to make remarks related to Block, Taiwan, and the Falklands War.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy (R-IL) recognizes U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE). Senator Biden jokes that as long as Shultz follows the duel advice of U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) and Senator Percy on Taiwan, there will be no problem. Biden mentions Shultz's past roles as Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Labor and expects Shultz to be confirmed as Secretary of State. Biden says Shultz is here to solve a problem, mentioning Shultz’s relationship with various world leaders in the Middle East and Europe, and discusses the problem of U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s Administration members leaving before full term, pointing out the similarities to U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s Administration. Biden commends Shultz’s qualifications for the position of Secretary of State.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) believes there is either a personality problem or structural problem in U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s Administration. Senator Biden quotes remarks Shultz made on White house politics and structure; Shultz discussed the importance of personality compatibility among administration members, stressing the importance of not treating the White House like a royal court. Biden asks Shultz how he will solve the problem of creating one foreign policy and a uniform voice for the Reagan Administration. Shultz says the foreign policy we talk about is the President’s foreign policy. His job is to help the President create, execute, and maintain a consistent foreign policy. Shultz says the administration works for the President, and points out the National Security Directive that states the duties of administration members. Shultz says an administration needs to develop a good working relationship.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) quotes comments Shultz made on “light switch diplomacy.” Senator Biden says Shultz is referring to the on-again-off-again quality of American policy. Shultz corrects Biden, saying he was referring to the on-again-off-again use of trade as a tool for diplomacy. Biden says there appears to be members of U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s Administration who see the use of trade as a tool for diplomacy. Shultz disagrees with Biden. Shultz discusses U.S. sanctions against the Soviet Union, in response to the Soviet treatment of Poland.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) discusses the lack of foreign policy experience President Ronald Reagan had coming into office. Senator Biden discusses Nation Security Adviser William P. Clark Jr. and his lack of foreign policy experience. Biden asks Shultz if he can have a working relationship with National Security Adviser Clark and also have President Reagan’s ear on foreign policy matters. Shultz says the answer to both questions is yes. Biden asks Shultz if Reagan has assured him that he will have access to any foreign policy event, and has been assured that he will have access to Reagan, at any time. Biden asks Shultz if he will return to his position at the Bechtel Corporation. Shultz says he has no plans or commitment to return to Bechtel.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) asks Shultz if he would commit to not going back to the Bechtel Corporation. Senator Biden says Shultz will receive many questions from his colleagues, regarding Bechtel and its relationship with the “Arab world.” Biden discusses the relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Biden asks if Shultz would be able to make political decisions against the interests of Saudi Arabia, as doing so may bar him from returning to Bechtel. Shultz says his tenure at Stanford University is his main fall back job. Shultz says he has accumulated enough assets to allow him to step away from work for a while. Biden says it would be reassuring for Shultz to make a public statement saying he will not return to Bechtel, even though it is not required.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator S.I. Hayakawa (R-CA) mentions his position as Chairman of the Senate East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, saying that his questions will focus on the subject of East Asia. Senator Hayakawa discusses Vietnam’s continued occupation of Cambodia. Hayakawa discusses the efforts of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to negotiate a settlement in Cambodia. Hayakawa discusses a tripartite coalition government that has come out of exile in Cambodia. Hayakawa says the developments in Cambodia seem hopeful to the West. Hayakawa asks Shultz if he believes the forming of a coalition government in Cambodia is a positive development and to what extent should the U.S. support a coalition government. Shultz views the formation of a coalition government in Cambodia (aka Kampuchea) as a constructive step. Shultz says the main point is to get Vietnam out of Cambodia. Shultz says the U.S. should support the coalition government and ASEAN in Cambodia. Hayakawa asks if the U.S. should give military supplies to Son Sen (leader of the Khmer Rouge). Shultz says he would be hesitant to consider supplying Son Sen.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator S.I. Hayakawa (R-CA) discusses his visit to Laos last August. In Laos, Senator Hayakawa was hoping to obtain information on U.S. POW's and MIA's from the Vietnam War. Hayakawa offered the assistance of an American team of experts to dispose of unexploded ordinances in Laos. Hayakawa was hoping to obtain information on missing U.S. aviators shot down over Laos in the Vietnam War. Hayakawa says that nothing has come of his efforts in Laos.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. senator S.I. Hayakawa (R-CA) asks Shultz if he believes there is any hope in obtaining information on the Vietnam War’s unaccounted for POW's and MIA's from countries with harsh dictatorships like Laos and Cambodia. Shultz believes the U.S. must have hope, effort and follow-through regarding missing U.S. POW's and MIA's from the Vietnam War. Shultz believes the United States must work to give closure to the families of POW's and MIA's. Senator Hayakawa says he has been working hard on the subject, but is getting nowhere. Shultz says the situation is a cruel reminder of the Vietnam War.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing continues for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator S.I. Hayakawa (R-CA) asks what U.S. policy should be on the release of commodity stockpiles, which have a direct effect on commodity prices in Southeast Asia. Shultz says that anytime you sell into a market, you have an affect on the price. Shultz believes it is best to sell off stockpiles into a rising market, rather than a falling market. Shultz discusses his recent trip to Malaysia, where he was made aware of the stockpile issue.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator S.I. Hayakawa (R-CA) discusses the “trade friction” between the U.S. and Japan. Senator Hayakawa asks Shultz how he thinks the trade deficit between the United States and Japan should be dealt with. Shultz believes the biggest issue is access to the Japanese market. Shultz acknowledges that Japan has taken some important steps to make their market more accessible, but there is more to be done. Shultz discusses the strict inspection process for goods that enter Japan. Shultz commends Japan for doing a good job of producing high quality goods at a low cost, giving an advantage to U.S. consumers. Shultz says the trade imbalance with Japan is large and undesirable. Fundamentally, the U.S. must look at the whole of world trade and not get caught up in one country. Shultz says the U.S. has a good trade picture on a multilateral basis. Hayakawa mentions his efforts to create legislation for the export of Alaskan oil to Japan, while bringing Mexican oil to the Gulf Coast.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy (R-IL) enters a letter from U.S. Ambassador to Japan Mike Mansfield into the record. Ambassador Mansfield offers his full support for the confirmation of Shultz. Mansfield commends Shultz’s qualifications for Secretary of State and highlights his good relationship with Asia and the Pacific. Senator Percy mentions the praise Shultz has also received in Europe. Percy recognizes U.S. Senator John Glenn (D-OH).
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator John Glenn (D-OH) says former Secretary of State Alexander Haig left office because of a policy change he did not agree with. Senator Glenn asks Shultz what that policy change was. Shultz says U.S. President Ronald Reagan called him and said Secretary Haig resigned. Shultz says he is concentrating on the future. Shultz believes in order to get the word on what precipitated Haig’s resignation, it is appropriate to talk to those involved. Shultz says he was not involved in Haig’s resignation and does not know anything on the subject. Glenn asks if Shultz has questioned Haig. Shultz says his conversation with Haig was directed towards the future, they did not discuss Haig’s resignation. Glenn asks if Haig told Shultz why he was resigning. Shultz did not press the issue of Haig’s resignation. Shultz feels that the resignation is not his issue, as he has enough things to think about. Glenn asks if Haig mentioned anything as to why he was resigning. Shultz says Haig made some comments, but preferred to focus the conversation on the job of Secretary of State.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator John Glenn (D-OH) quotes U.S. President Ronald Reagan as saying the public knows as much as it needs to about the resignation of Secretary of State Alexander Haig. Senator Glenn cites President Reagan's earlier promises for an open presidency and free information. Glenn discusses the frustrations of the American people and the world, regarding the circumstances of Secretary Haig’s resignation. Glenn expresses frustration over the vague citing of a change in foreign policy, without explaining the policy change. Glenn asks how the change in foreign policy can be explained. Shultz says he can only discuss what he knows, and what he plans to do. Shultz plans to work with Reagan and his Advisers. Shultz will continue work on the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy, and believes U.S. foreign policy is consistent and coherent.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator John Glenn (D-OH) asks Shultz if he believes there has been a change in U.S. foreign policy. Shultz says there has been a change in policy from U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s Administration to U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s Administration. Senator Glenn asks if Shultz believes there has been a change in policy in the Reagan administration. Shultz believes there has been an evolution and emergence of a very clear foreign policy, and the current U.S. foreign policy has been clear and consistent. Glenn says he is quoting former Secretary of State Alexander Haig, who says "there has been a change in foreign policy." Shultz says he cannot speak for Secretary Haig, and makes the argument that continuity exists in President Reagan remaining in office and making the foreign policy decisions. Shultz believes that foreign policy should have continuity and that there is a broad consensus in the U.S. about what foreign policy should be. Shultz says the consensus is bipartisan; and discusses his efforts to communicate with all of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
George Shultz Confirmation Hearing
Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State nominee George Shultz before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Senator John Glenn (D-OH) asks Shultz if he favors sending U.S. Marines to Lebanon. Shultz favors the proper use of U.S. forces in order to safely resolve the situation in Beirut. Shultz discusses removing the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) peacefully. Shultz hopes to avoid an explosion in Beirut and accomplish something for the cause of peace. Senator Glenn believes a safe process in Beirut does not require the Marines. Glenn says if things cannot be done safely, Marines will be returning in body bags. Shultz believes the presence of people who can maintaining peace, contributes to peace. Glenn calls Beirut a combat zone. Glenn says combat forces are sent into an area with the implication that they might be used. Glenn is disturbed by the idea of placing Americans into the situation in Beirut.