Remarks by Dr. Henry A. Kissinger

Kennedy Center Honors Gala

Sunday, December 6, 1998

I have been a fan of Shirley Temple Black since childhood when I saw her movies--dubbed in German. So when I finally met her, I was quite surprised that she spoke English without an accent.

But that was not the only surprise waiting for me when I had the privilege of working with Shirley in the State Department. Shirley quite simply ran counter to every basic rule taught foreign service officers: Rule number one, never compete with the Secretary of State for public attention. Rule number two, don't even think of overshadowing him.

Shirley did not so much violate these rules as she transcended them. Shirley does not solicit attention, she elicits it. Stars twinkle by their nature, not by design. They shine by an inner light. And Shirley has the luminous quality of a superstar. Walking into a room with her in Prague or Beijing was a lesson in humility. She attracted far more attention, she was far better known, and there was no ambivalence in people's feeling about her.

And then Shirley showed that she was meant to be a star wherever she served. She was a great public servant as Chief of Protocol, and as ambassador in Ghana and in Czechoslovakia in those dramatic days when Communism crumbled.

Shirley is an original--smart, tough, common-sensical. As Chief of Protocol she did not just make sure that her charges got to the right place at the right time. She would tell me or the President little vignettes about each guest's concerns and psychology that made our task easier and more human, and I am sure made our visitors feel that America really cared.

As Ambassador, she defended American values and interests with charm and vigor--so much so that every once in a while Larry Eagleburger, then Undersecretary for Management, would send me one of her vintage cables with a note: "Now there is an Ambassador for you!"

Of course Shirley had her own way of conducting her office. In Czechoslovakia in the waning days of Communist

rule, she named her charming boxer dog "Gorbachev". Luckily the Embassy had a large garden, for one could not walk on the street with a dog named after the Soviet leader. But Shirley was ahead of her time, and the collapse of Communism solved that problem.

An outspoken moral force for freedom, Shirley forged close ties with leading dissidents like Vaclav Havel, now President of his country. Shirley Temple Black is honored as one of those who helped the birth of freedom there.

Shirley has said that when she was making her first feature film, her mother kissed her on the cheek and said, "sparkle." And so she did -- from the Good Ship Lollipop to her tours of duty on America's ship of state.

Tonight, Shirley, we salute you as an artist on screen--and an artist of diplomacy. You often expressed a special fancy for some men and women who made State visits so special when you were Chief of Protocol. A few of them are here to salute you.

(US AIR FORCE BAND & COLOR GUARD ENTERS)

Kennedy Center Honors Gala

Sunday, December 6, 1998

CYD

Shirley did not so much violate these rules, as she transcended them. Shirley does not solicit attention, she elicits it. Stars twinkle by their nature, not by design. They shine by an inner light. And Shirley has the luminous quality of a superstar. Walking into a room with her in Prague or Beijing was a lesson in humility. She attracted far more attention, she was far better known, and there was no ambivalence in people's feeling about her.

Shirley is an original-smart, tough, common-sensical. As Chief of Protocol she did not just make sure that her charges got to the right place at the right time. She would tell me or the President little vignettes about each guest's concerns and psychology that made our task easier and more human, and I am sure made our visitors feel that America really cared.

As Ambassador, she defended American values and interests with charm and vigor-so much so that every once in a while Larry Eagleburger, then Undersecretary for Management, would send me one of her vintage cables with a note: "Now there is an Ambassador for you!"

Of course Shirley had her own way of
conducting her office. In Czechoslovakia in
the waning days of Communist rule, she named
her charming boxer dog "Gorbachev". Luckily
the Embassy had a large garden, for one could
not walk on the street with a dog named after
the Soviet leader. But, Shirley was ahead of
her time and the collapse of Communism solved
that problem.

on the cheek and said: "Sparkle." And so
she did -- from the Good Ship Lollipop to her
tours of duty on America's ship of state.

Kennedy Center Honors Gala

Sunday, December 6, 1998

And then Shirley showed that she was meant to be a star wherever she served. She was a great **public servant** as Chief of Protocol, and an **ambassador** in Ghana and in Czechoslovakia in those dramatic days when Communism crumbled.

on the cheek and said: "Sparkle." And so
she did -- from the Good Ship Lollipop to her
[splendid]* tours of duty on America's ship
of state.

*Sir: You had put this word in brackets. Do
you want to remove it? sam

Kennedy Center Honors Gala

Sunday, December 6, 1998

But that was not the only surprise waiting for me when I had
the privilege of working with Shirley in the State Department.
Shirley quite simply ran counter to every basic rule taught foreign
service officers: Rule number one, never compete with the
Secretary of State. Rule number two, don't even think of
outshining him.

Shirley did not so much violate these rules, as she transcended them. (Shirley does not seek admiration, she elicits it.) Stars twinkle by their nature, not by design. They shine by an inner light. And Shirley has the luminous quality of a superstar. Walking into a room with her in Prague or Beijing was a lesson in humility. She attracted far more attention, she was far better known, and there was no ambivalence in people's feeling about her.

And then Shirley showed that she was meant to be a star wherever she served. She was a great ambassador as Chief of Protocol, in Ghana and in Czechoslovakia in those dramatic days when Communism crumbled.

Of course Shirley had her own way of conducting her office.
In Czechoslovakia in the waning days of Communist rule, she
named her charming boxer dog "Gorbachev". Luckily the
Embassy had a large garden, for one could not walk on the street
with a dog named after the Soviet leader. In a way, Shirley was
ahead of her time and the collapse of Communism solved that
problem.

Shirley has said that when she was making her first feature film, her mother kissed her on the cheek and said: "Sparkle." And so she did -- from the Good Ship Lollipop to her [splendid] tours of duty on America's ship of state.

Kennedy Center Honors Gala

Sunday, December 6, 1998

Shirley did not so much violate these rules, as she transcended them. Shirley does not seek admiration, she elicits it. Stars twinkle by their nature, not by design. They shine by an inner light. And Shirley has the luminous quality of a superstar. Walking into a room with her in Prague or Beijing was a lesson in humility. She attracted far more attention, she was far better known, and there was no ambivalence in people's feeling about her.

Shirley has said that when she was making her first feature film, her mother kissed her on the cheek and said: "Sparkle." And so she did -- from the Good Ship Lollipop to her splendid tours of duty on America's ship of state.

Tonight, Shirley, we salute you as an artist on screen-and an artist of diplomacy. You often expressed a special fancy for some men and women who made State visits so special when you were Chief of Protocol. A few of them are here to salute you.

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way, Shirley anticipated the future and the collapse of Communism solved that problem.

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But that was not the only surprise waiting for us when I had the privilege of working with Shirley in the State Department. Shirley quite simply ran counter to every basic rule taught foreign service officers: Rule number one, never compete with the Secretary of State. Rule number two, don't even think of outshining him.

Of course Shirley had her own way of conducting her office. In Czechoslovakia in the waning days of Communist rule, she named her charming boxer dog "Gorbachev", which made it fortunate that the Embassy had a large garden, for one could not walk on the street with a dog named after the

Soviet leader. In a way, Shirley anticipated the future and the collapse of Communism solved that problem. An outspoken moral force for freedom, Shirley forged close ties with leading dissidents like Vaclav Havel, now President of his country. Shirley Temple Black is honored as one of those who helped the birth of freedom there.

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But that was not the most unsettling aspect when I had the privilege of working with Shirley when we were both in the State Department. It was a unique experience. For Shirley ran counter to every basic rule taught foreign service officers: Rule number one, never compete with the Secretary of State. Rule number two, don't even think of outshining him.

Shirley did not so much violate these rules, as she transcended them. Shirley does not seek admiration, she elicits it. Stars twinkle by their nature, not by design. They shine by an inner light. And Shirley has the luminous quality of a superstar. Walking with her in Prague or Beijing was a lesson in humility. She attracted far more attention, she was far better known, and there was no ambivalence in people's feeling for her.

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TUE 12:06 FAX 202 337 9620

003

As Ambassador she defended American values and interests with charm and vigor - so much that every once in a while Larry Eagleburger, then Undersecretary for Management, would send me one of her vintage cables with a note: "Now there is an Ambassador for you!"

In Czechoslovakia in the waning days of Communist rule, she named her charming boxer dog "Gorbachev", which made it fortunate that the Embassy had a large park, for one could not walk on the street with a dog named after the Soviet leader. The collapse of Communism solved that problem.

An outspoken moral force for freedom, Shirley forged close ties with leading dissidents like Vaclav Havel, now President of his country. Shirley Temple Black is honored as one of those who helped bring the rebirth of freedom there.

Shirley has said that when she was making her first feature film, her mother kissed her on the cheek and said: "Sparkle." And so she did - from the Good Ship Lollipop to her splendid tours of duty on America's ship of state.

Tonight, Shirley, we salute you as an artist on screen - and an artist of diplomacy. You often expressed a special fancy for some men and women who made State visits so special when you were Chief of Protocol. A few of them are here to salute you.

(US Air Force Band and Color Guard enters)

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Shirley transcended these rules. Walking with her in Prague or Beijing taught me humility. For she attracted far more attention, she was far better known, and there was no ambivalence in people's feeling for her.

Shirley does not seek out that admiration. She is a star by nature, not by design. Stars shine by an inner light. And Shirley has the luminous quality of a superstar.

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Shirley is an original-smart, tough, common-sense Chief of Protocol. As she did not just make sure that her charges got to the right place at the right time. She would tell me or the President little vignettes about each guest's concerns and psychology that made our task easier and more human, and I am sure made our visitors feel that America really cared.

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Page 2

In Czechoslovakia in the waning days of Communist rule,
she named her charming boxer dog "Gorbachev", which made it
fortunate that the Embassy had a large park, for one could
not walk on the street with a dog named after the Soviet
leader. The collapse of Communism solved that problem. An
Page 3

Tonight, Shirley, we salute you as an artist on screen-
-and an artist of diplomacy. You often expressed a special
fancy for some men and women who made State visits so
special when you were Chief of Protocol. A few of them are
here to salute you.

11/24/1998 08:07

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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington, D.C. 20566

The Kennedy Center Honors

A National Celebration of the Performing Arts

Produced by
George Stevens, Jr. and Don Mischer

NOV 2 5 1998

November 24, 1998

Dr. Henry Kissinger
Via facsimile 212-759-0042

Dear Henry:

I am delighted you will be with us for the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, December 6th.

Bob Shrum, who brags of being a former student of yours, has done a draft for your tribute to Shirley. I hope it is helpful. Obviously, we welcome your personalizing it in any way you wish – the more personal it is, the better.

You will see that at the end we need a short introduction to set up the U.S. Air Force Band.

If you want Bob to do more work on it, you can reach him at 202-337-9600.

Or you can call me at 202-416-7960.

Best always,

George Stevens, Jr.

1978 Marian Anderson • Fred Astaire • George Balanchine • Richard Rodgers • Arthur Rubinstein 1979 Aaron Copland • Ella Fitzgerald • Henry Fonda • Martha Graham • Tennessee Williams 1980 Leonard Bernstein • James Cagney • Agnes de Mille • Lynn Fontanne • Leontyne Price 1981 Count Basie • Cary Grant • Helen Hayes • Jerome Robbins • Rudolf Serkin 1982 George Abbott • Lillian Gish • Benny Goodman • Gene Kelly • Eugene Ormandy 1983 Katherine Dunham • Elia Kazan • Frank Sinatra • James Stewart • Virgil Thomson 1984 Lena Horne • Danny Kaye • Gian Carlo Menotti • Arthur Miller • Isaac Stern 1985 Merce Cunningham • Irene Dunne • Bob Hope • Alan Jay Lerner • Frederick Loewe • Beverly Sills 1986 Lucille Ball • Ray Charles • Hume Cronyn • Yehudi Menuhin • Jessica Tandy • Antony Tudor 1987 Perry Como • Bette Davis • Sammy Davis, Jr. • Nathan Milstein • Alvin Nikolais 1988 Alvin Ailey • George Burns • Myrna Loy • Alexander Schneider • Roger L. Stevens 1989 Harry Belafonte • Claudette Colbert • Alexandra Danilova • Mary Martin • William Schuman 1990 Dizzy Gillespie • Katharine Hepburn • Risë Stevens • Jule Styne • Billy Wilder 1991 Roy Acuff • Betty Comden • Adolph Green • Fayard Nicholas • Harold Nicholas • Gregory Peck • Robert Shaw 1992 Lionel Hampton • Paul Newman • Ginger Rogers • Mstislav Rostropovich • Paul Taylor • Joanne Woodward 1993 Johnny Carson • Arthur Mitchell • Sir Georg Solti • Stephen Sondheim • Marion Williams 1994 Kirk Douglas • Aretha Franklin • Morton Gould • Harold Prince • Pete Seeger 1995 Jacques d'Amboise • Marilyn Horne • B.B. King • Sidney Poitier • Neil Simon 1996 Edward Albee • Benny Carter • Johnny Cash • Jack Lemmon • Maria Tallchief 1997 Lauren Bucall • Bob Dylan • Charlton Heston • Jessye Norman • Edward Villerla

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11/24/98

HENRY KISSINGER
SHIRLEY TEMPLE
TRIBUTE

2

HENRY KISSINGER (cont'd)

Then her greatest contribution came when
President Bush sent her to Czechoslovakia as
Ambassador in the difficult, decisive years at
the end of the Cold War. She was unfailingly
polite to the Communist rulers -- and
unfailingly firm. She was an outspoken moral
force for freedom, she forged close ties with
leading dissidents like Vaclav Havel. Shirley
Temple Black is honored in that country as
one of those who brought an end to
Communist domination there.

Shirley said

She said that when she was making her first
feature film, her mother kissed her on the
cheek and said: "Sparkle." And so she did --
from the Good Ship Lollipop to her splendid
tours of duty on America's ship of state.

Tonight, Shirley, we salute you as an artist on
screen -- and an artist of diplomacy.

11/24/1998 08:01

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NEW LIBERTY PRODS

The Kennedy Center Honors

NOV 25 1998

November 24, 1998

Dear Henry:

Best always,

George Stevens, Jr.

1978 Marian Anderson • Fred Astaire • George Balanchine • Richard Rodgers • Arthur Rubinstein 1979 Aaron Copland • Ella Fitzgerald • Henry Fonda • Martha Graham • Tennessee Williams 1980 Leonard Bernstein • James Cagney • Agnes de Mille • Lynn Fontanne • Leontyne Price 1981 Count Basie • Cary Grant • Helen Hayes • Jerome Robbins • Rudolf Serkin 1982 George Abbott • Lillian Gish • Benny Goodman • Gene Kelly • Eugene Ormandy 1983 Katherine Dunham • Elia Kazan • Frank Sinatra • James Stewart • Virgil Thomson 1984 Lena Horne • Danny Kaye • Gian Carlo Menotti • Arthur Miller • Isaac Stern 1985 Merce Cunningham • Irene Dunne • Bob Hope • Alan Jay Lerner • Frederick Loewe • Beverly Sils 1986 Lucille Ball • Ray Charles • Hume Cronyn • Yehudi Menuhin • Jessica Tandy • Antony Tudor 1987 Perry Como • Bette Davis • Sammy Davis, Jr. • Nathan Milstein • Alvin Nikolais 1988 Alvin Ailey • George Burns • Myrna Loy • Alexander Schneider • Roger L. Stevens 1989 Harry Belafonte • Claudette Colbert • Alexandra Danilova • Mary Martin • William Schuman 1990 Dizzy Gillespie • Katharine Hepburn • Risë Stevens • Jule Styne • Billy Wilder 1991 Roy Acuff • Betty Comden • Adolph Green • Fayard Nicholas • Harold Nicholas • Gregory Peck • Robert Shaw 1992 Lionel Hampton • Paul Newman • Ginger Rogers • Mstislav Rostropovich • Paul Taylor • Joanne Woodward 1993 Johnny Carson • Arthur Mitchell • Sir Georg Solti • Stephen Sondheim • Marion Williams 1994 Kirk Douglas • Aretha Franklin • Morton Gould • Harold Prince • Pete Seeger 1995 Jacques d'Amboise • Marilyn Horne • B.B. King • Sidney Poitier • Neil Simon 1996 Edward Albee • Benny Carter • Johnny Cash • Jack Lemmon • Maria Tallchief 1997 Lauren Bacall • Bob Dylan • Charlton Heston • Jessye Norman • Edward Villella

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11/24/98

HENRY KISSINGER/
SHIRLEY TEMPLE
TRIBUTE

HENRY KISSINGER

One of my critics once said that as a diplomat, I turned statecraft into stagecraft. I'm not sure that was meant entirely as a compliment.

The truth is -- diplomacy is an art. And I have encountered very few individuals with as much talent for diplomacy as the artist we are honoring tonight. Years after she was the most famous movie star on earth, but when she was still in her early 40's, Shirley Temple became a diplomatic star on the world stage. At the United Nations, she won the respect and admiration of the delegates for her mastery of the issues and the negotiating process. As Ambassador to Ghana, she brought new business to that country and won the hearts of its people. As Chief of Protocol, she very nicely told me whenever I was out of line. But with Shirley around, I was mostly well-behaved.

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NEW LIBERTY PROUDS

11/24/98

2

HENRY KISSINGER (cont'd)

Then her greatest contribution came when
President Bush sent her to Czechoslovakia as
Ambassador in the difficult, decisive years at
the end of the Cold War. She was unfailingly
polite to the Communist rulers -- and
unfailingly firm. She was an outspoken moral
force for freedom; she forged close ties with
leading dissidents like Vaclav Havel. Shirley
Temple Black is honored in that country as
one of those who brought an end to
Communist domination there.