["Gerald R. Ford Foundation Newsletter", "Spring 1990", "MAR 26 1990", "Henry Kissinger Speaks in Grand Rapids", "The Gerald R. Ford Foundation was honored to have former Secretary of State **Henry Kissinger** as the second speaker in the William E. Simon Lectures in Public Affairs series on January 31 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.", "Following a warm introduction by President Ford, in which he re-counted his long association with Kissinger and referred to their \"unique chemistry,\" Kissinger captivated the audience of invited guests with his insights into current East-West relations.", "Kissinger expressed his appreciation to President Ford for the \"calm dignity\" he brought to the White House following the Watergate period. He said that trying to conduct foreign policy while the executive authority of the United States was disintegrating was a \"nightmarish prospect.\"", "He noted that the changes that have taken place all over eastern Europe in the last year had their origins in the Ford administration. He said that the structure of arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union was established by Ford and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev at Vladivostok in 1974 and that the Helsinki agreements, for which Ford was vilified at the time, are a \"forum and rallying ground\" for fighters for democracy in Eastern Europe and \"the most significant agreements signed in the last 30 years—there is no longer any dispute.\"", "(continued on page 2)", "Henry Kissinger and Gerald Ford at a press conference in Grand Rapids.", "INSIDE...", "Ford: \"I told you so!\" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Kissinger expressed his belief that, on many levels, this is one of the most exciting periods through which anyone can live. It is the culmination of what Americans have wanted since the end of World War II. He warned, however, that this new period calls for a type of foreign policy we have never before had to conduct.

We cannot, according to Kissinger, believe that Gorbachev is the answer to all our problems. It's important to remember that "states have permanent interests that do not change with personalities." We have to remain involved in foreign policy in order to "prevent all the resources of Eurasia from being organized by a hostile power."

We don't want anything from the Soviet Union, Kissinger said, except that it stay within its boundaries. "They shouldn't get claustrophobia—they have 11 time zones!"

"States have permanent interests that do not change with personalities."

The former Secretary of State ended on an optimistic note, saying that the whole international environment is changing in the direction of our values. The dangers have been reduced. "We are in a position to work on building a structure of peace in the world that, while it will require a constant vigilance, will be a lot less tense than what we have known for a generation."

"We are in a position to work on building a structure of peace in the world . . ."

C-SPAN videotaped the Kissinger speech and broadcast it eight times between February 2nd and 5th. It was also shown on Grand Rapids local access cable television. The speech will air on the "Ford Hall Forum," a national network radio program hosted by former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

President Ford presents a crystal globe to Henry Kissinger as a token of appreciation from the Gerald R. Ford Foundation.

## COMING EVENTS

**February 6-April 8:** "Thomas Nast Cartoons: The Art of Politics" exhibit, organized by the Museum of Our National Heritage. Museum.

**March 5-April 23:** Great Decisions Lecture Series. Monday evenings. Museum. Free.

**May 5-November 4:** "Presidential Pets" exhibit. Museum. **May 5:** Presidential Pets Extravaganza.

**May 13:** Mother's Day. Free admission to the Museum for moms.

**June 14:** Flag Day. Display of flags from the 50 states. Museum.

**June 17:** Father's Day. Free admission to the Museum for dads.

**July 14:** President Ford's birthday. Free admission to the Museum.

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