In the current [Carter] administration, who can use the White House swimming pool and tennis courts is decided at the very highest level. President Ford did not bother himself with such minor details. He let me swim in the pool. He only got upset when I tried to walk across the water.
Henry A. KissingerIf a Chinese plane landed at Los Angeles Airport having just bought down an American military plane, he wouldn't be permitted to leave the next day. So then we developed a framework which should have been acceptable as a concept to the Chinese, namely to express regret for the loss of life and maintain our position that we had a right to fly these missions.
Henry A. KissingerA leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone.
Henry A. KissingerWe cannot always assure the future of our friends; we have a better chance of assuring our future if we remember who our friends are.
Henry A. KissingerI do not believe that Putin intends to leave office in a Cold War atmosphere with the United States.
Henry A. KissingerEvery time there has been an attempt to disturb it, it led to two things. It led to immediate intense conflict with China, and it led to a reaffirmation in the end, because nobody wanted a major confrontation with China to this principle of a "one China" policy within which Taiwan is finding a place now. Its own position has greatly improved since the Nixon policy. It is richer, it is stronger and it is participating in many international organizations.
Henry A. Kissinger