Statement on the Death of Paul H. Nitze
Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
October 20, 2004
It is with profound sadness that I learned today of the death of Paul H. Nitze, a giant of U.S. foreign and defense policy and an inspiration to the men and women of the Department of State. I had the honor and the pleasure of working closely with Paul during the final 2 years of the Reagan Administration, when he was senior advisor to the President and the Secretary of State on arms control matters and I was National Security Advisor.
Paul believed that liberty and democracy are precious values that define the soul of America and move the hearts of all humankind. At the same time, he understood that freedom has to be defended and strengthened in a dangerous world. Paul's deep belief in freedom led him into a distinguished career of national service, in and out of government, spanning over six decades.
Paul began his career in government as World War II was eliminating the last vestiges of the old international order. At the end of the war, new threats to freedom and peace were emerging, and new technologies were increasing the danger of future conflict. Paul understood the forces at work in this rapidly changing era, and he helped to lay the groundwork of America's response-from the visionary Marshall Plan to the implementation of containment. Later, Paul's inspired work led to historic breakthroughs in arms control with the Soviet Union.
Paul was blessed to live long enough to witness freedom's triumph at the end of the Cold War. In the years since, his insights into the 21st century world were no less penetrating.
Paul was a true mentor, who was unfailingly gracious and generous with his knowledge and ideas. As Secretary of State, like so many of my predecessors over 60 years, I could always count on Paul for his wisdom and his practical advice.
Paul was instrumental in shaping the thinking of successive generations of leaders in international affairs, both here and abroad, me included. His contributions are so far-reaching across so many national security fields that his influence will continue to be felt long after his passing.
The United States of America has lost a statesman and a scholar, the world has lost a tireless champion of peace, and I have lost a mentor and a friend.
Alma and I send our deepest condolences to Paul's wife Leezee, his four children and to the entire Nitze family.
2004/1137
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