policy - The Black Vault

THE 8MV 1 CORPORATION
b. Personal Policy Predilections
Like Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford had built his political
career 3s a parliamentariar. He regarded himself as particularly astute in
gauging domestic political trends; however, he recognized his need for
expert opinion regarding foreign policy. Thus, immediately after taking
office, Ford reappointed Henry Kissinger to the positions of Secretary of
State and National Security Adviser to the President. 36/
relationshin, Ford wrote in his autobiography:
It would be hard for me to overstate the admiration and
affection I had for Henry . . Our personalities
meshed. I respected his expertise in •oreign policy
and he respected my judgment in domestic politics
I think we worked together as well as any President and
Secretary of State have worked throughout our
history. 37/
Concarning their
Ford's reduced political base in the wreckage of the
Republican Pmaty after the Watergate scandal, the continued presence of
Henry Kissinger in the administration, and Ford's disinclination to undertzke
new directions in foreign policy, dictated that US foreign policy with
regard to Southeast Asia would continue on the course laid down during the
Nixor, years.
c. Impact on Vietnanm Policy Making
Ford was caught in the unenviable position of attempting to
pursue a course cf action in Southeast Asia that had been established by
Nixon who
had a broad and firm political base when the policy was set.
Ford's limited political base did not allow him to marshal the force necessary
to ensure North Vietnamese compliance with the Pari; Accords.
communists became
As the
aware of the inability of the Ford administration to
react either by resumed b.ombing of the North through increased aid to South
A •Vietnam, the communists were emboldened to take increasingly stronger
military action in the spring of 1974. In spite of Ford's direct pleas to
the Congress, the congressional leadership refused to legislate the funds
- •required for supporting South Vietnam. 38/ Congressional dominance in
: •setting limits to US support -for South Vietnam coupled with the domestic
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