Principles and Heresies

It cannot be said that Mr. Nixon did not warn us. As long ago as 1968 he spoke of the dawning of an era of negotiation that would, under his Presidency, succeed an era of confrontation. He has steadily widened our trade with the Communist empires. He has, in the SALT talks, given immense ground in the attempt to achieve an agreement, even though unfavorable to the United States. He has allowed our armaments—strategic, naval, air—to fall alarmingly behind those of the Soviet Union.

The pattern of foreign relations under his Presidency has become clearer and clearer. His decision to visit Communist China—a decision which already amounts to de facto recognition—is only a more dramatic extension of that pattern. It is, however, a symbol of the greatest moment—a symbol, of the liquidation of the anti-Communist stance of the American Government.

FS

About the Author

Frank S. Meyer

Frank S. Meyer was a senior editor of National Review.

Featured Tags

It cannot be said that Mr. Nixon did not warn us. As long ago as 1968 he spoke of the dawning of an era of negotiation that would, under his Presidency, succeed an era of confrontation. He has steadily widened our trade with the Communist empires. He has, in the SALT talks, given immense ground in the attempt to achieve an agreement, even though unfavorable to the United States. He has allowed our armaments—strategic, naval, air—to fall alarmingly behind those of the Soviet Union.

The pattern of foreign relations under his Presidency has become clearer and clearer. His decision to visit Communist China—a decision which already amounts to de facto recognition—is only a more dramatic extension of that pattern. It is, however, a symbol of the greatest moment—a symbol, of the liquidation of the anti-Communist stance of the American Government.